Wiring problem

Rutcutter · 06-23-2008, 09:49 AM

I have an 2003 Sierra 37SP toyhauler fiver. I have lost 12V power to the garage area lights, vent fan, outside door bug light and rear ramp spot lights.

I have checked power from the fuse panel and have power on all wiring where it enters the wall by the panel.

Do any of you know where to begin looking for the common 12 volt source in the garage area. I don't want to rip more paneling off than I have to.

I have contacted Forest River but they weren't much help. I was trying to get a wiring schematic and they told me they don't have any. ???? I guess they just throw a bunch of wires in and call it good.

Any help would greatly be appreciatted!!

Thanks
Mike

Rutcutter · 06-23-2008, 09:49 AM

I have an 2003 Sierra 37SP toyhauler fiver. I have lost 12V power to the garage area lights, vent fan, outside door bug light and rear ramp spot lights.

I have checked power from the fuse panel and have power on all wiring where it enters the wall by the panel.

Do any of you know where to begin looking for the common 12 volt source in the garage area. I don't want to rip more paneling off than I have to.

I have contacted Forest River but they weren't much help. I was trying to get a wiring schematic and they told me they don't have any. ???? I guess they just throw a bunch of wires in and call it good.

Any help would greatly be appreciatted!!

Thanks
Mike

450Donn · 06-23-2008, 10:02 AM

Start by taking one of the dead fixtures down and using a VOM see if there is 12VDC at the wire. Be sure to run a long ground wire to someplace that is a known good. like the battery. It is possible you have a bad ground. Especially if you do not have a blown fuse.

**Hitchhiker** · 06-23-2008, 10:15 AM

Since those lights are separate from the living quarters, it's possible that circuit is run from the umbilical cord that connects to the truck. If so, there should also be a connection to the 12 volt battery but it'd likely be through a separate in-line fuse or possibly in a separate fuse panel that is dedicated to the running lights, stop lights, etc.

Rutcutter · 06-23-2008, 11:55 AM

Thanks for the input Don and Richard. I have check for power with a known good ground, no power.

Richard, the lights and fan used to work when not connected to the truck.

I figure there is a common 12v source (buss wire) that they all feed off.

The grounds are good because I took a 12V jumper from an accessory jack and could get the light I tested to come on.

Man, I don't want to rip off the paneling but thats what its coming to. Maybe I will start by pulling the side garage door off and pull the paneling back. The switches that operate the lights are right next to the door.

Thanks again Guys

Mike

**Hitchhiker** · 06-23-2008, 12:11 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Richard, the lights and fan used to work when not connected to the truck. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yep, it could by drawing off of the trailer's battery when disconnected from the truck. When connected, the truck could charge the battery and provide 12v power to the garage lights. If I were you, I wouldn't get in too much of a rush to pull any paneling. Most electrical connections will be made outside of the walls.

Ray,IN · 06-23-2008, 05:10 PM

Mind you this is just an EWAG. Remove a corner of the underbelly covering enough to get a flashlight and see what's in there. My 5er 12V wiring runs between floor and underbelly covering that goes to the stern of the coach. In fact, there are two 2'sq access panels, 1 under each slide motor, that are large enough to view everything. When I spotted what I wanted I removed that underbelly panel.

Rutcutter · 07-03-2008, 11:02 AM

Ray, thanks for the input. I tryed what you said without success. I think I am going to wait for winter and start depanelling the inside of the garage area. I didn't like the panels anyways. Then I can do some reinforcing for some better cabinets.

Thanks to all who gave input.

Have a great summer!

Mike G.

Vette Racer · 07-03-2008, 03:37 PM

You know, while you have time, you might try talking to the service techs at some of your local dealers to see what ideas they might have, just a thought.

Rutcutter · 07-09-2008, 09:24 AM

Tom, actually I have contacted a few dealers in my area. Unfortunatly the their knowledge is pretty expensive. One talked with me, however the rest wanted me to bring the trailer in so they could trouble shoot it at $120-140 bucks an hour. I guess they're in business to make money, so I don't fault them for not wanting to give up their knowledge.

Thanks