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Pam in Kansas · 09-28-2008, 04:51 PM

Hi -- I've posted a similar question on another forum and am hoping that somebody will have an idea, an answer . . .

Over the past three weekends (and three trips) we've had occasional power issues with our 1999Dip. Because we're running the air conditioner all the time, i assumed that at least part of our problem was overload related to that. But this past Friday, my husband attempted to plug the vacuum into the outlet just under the dash, and blew the entire electrical system. Nothing worked, even though we were plugged in to 30 amp. We could not reset the GFCI (the only one we've found is just above the vanity). Finally, we turned on the inverter (as advised by some other folks at the campground) and were able to get power to the air conditioner and the microwave. We could not switch the fridge to AC -- had to leave it on propane. Even if we disconnected and turned on the generator we could not reset our GFCI. So, we spent several hours Friday night replacing the GFCI -- and then did that again on Saturday afternoon! Certainly lets you know how really strong your marriage is. Even so, we have not regained power to the outlets, the fridge, the TV's. In the meantime, Himself decided that the wet carpet I've complained of for two weeks was due to a leaking hot water heater, which I assume will have to be replaced and everything dried out. So --
a. Have we done everything we should have?
b. What's left?
c. Is there a relationship between the leaking hotwater heater and this dearth of electrical power?

Thanks -- I appreciate the help!!

Pam in Kansas · 09-28-2008, 04:51 PM

Hi -- I've posted a similar question on another forum and am hoping that somebody will have an idea, an answer . . .

Over the past three weekends (and three trips) we've had occasional power issues with our 1999Dip. Because we're running the air conditioner all the time, i assumed that at least part of our problem was overload related to that. But this past Friday, my husband attempted to plug the vacuum into the outlet just under the dash, and blew the entire electrical system. Nothing worked, even though we were plugged in to 30 amp. We could not reset the GFCI (the only one we've found is just above the vanity). Finally, we turned on the inverter (as advised by some other folks at the campground) and were able to get power to the air conditioner and the microwave. We could not switch the fridge to AC -- had to leave it on propane. Even if we disconnected and turned on the generator we could not reset our GFCI. So, we spent several hours Friday night replacing the GFCI -- and then did that again on Saturday afternoon! Certainly lets you know how really strong your marriage is. Even so, we have not regained power to the outlets, the fridge, the TV's. In the meantime, Himself decided that the wet carpet I've complained of for two weeks was due to a leaking hot water heater, which I assume will have to be replaced and everything dried out. So --
a. Have we done everything we should have?
b. What's left?
c. Is there a relationship between the leaking hotwater heater and this dearth of electrical power?

Thanks -- I appreciate the help!!

RV Wizard · 09-29-2008, 12:55 AM

You could have another GFCI outlet in the basement compartment that may also feed the circuit you are having trouble with. It is very possible that the water leak is causing a current leakage which trips the GFCI. You probably have a fitting at the water heater that needs attention. Good luck and keep us posted.

Max Hubrich · 09-30-2008, 09:28 AM

I'm not an expert on your system-- but have you checked your house circuit breakers? Some diesel pushers have a large, like 150 amp, circuit breaker somewhere in the engine area.

I found a similiar incident under the Newmar owners but I can't seem to paste it on here.

Please go to "Glen M", Sep 20th post on the Newmar owners forum.

Good luck

gene2 · 09-30-2008, 01:09 PM

First thing I check with a tripped breaker or blown fuse, after an obviously shorted/overload condition has been ruled out, is (WITH ALL POWER OFF/DISCONNECTED) is the tightness of the wires at the fuse/circuit breaker and any splices. A loose connection will blow a fuse, trip a circuit breaker/GFCI. My day job is installing HVAC systems and seem to always find loose connections tripping a breaker. It is not unusual to find the screws on a breaker, switch or connection requiring 1/4 to 3 turns to secure the wire properly. On my new MH, every connection was loose which started showing up very soon in various ways. An occasional maintenance check will find many times loosened connections especially if not done very frequently. Obviously, water infiltration or equipment failure won't be cured this way. GFCI circuits & heavy loads seem very susceptable to loose connections. Hope this helps anybody, especially to avoid a fire.