Short in 12 volt system

[70duster]

This is the firt time I've posted, so hello to everyone. I have a 30 ft fleetwood and I seem to have a short in the 12 volt system somewhere. I thought I did when I hook up the battery I get a spark when I hook up the negative side. How do you isolate the short. Thanks in advance Rodney.

[450Donn]

Depending on the year of the chassis or is this a house battery?
Anyhow, there are lots of things in new vehicles that will always draw a small amount of power. If you had a short,guaranteed you would have a blown fuse somewhere. What you probably experienced was a slight power draw from some of those parasitic items in modern RV's and it is nothing to worry about.

[70duster]

Thanks for the quick reply, I apologize I wasn't real clear. It's a 1996. 30L fleetwood wilderness, and it's the battery that runs the lights inside the trailer. It's a brand new battery and it will run down in a few days, without any lights on. I'm new to camping and I have really learned a lot on these forums. What a great tool. Again thanks.

[SuperGewl]

Are you dry camping or just talking about while the TT is sitting there
There are various things that always draw voltage, Fridge, CO2 alarm just to name a few. Hooking up the battery on a TT is just like hooking one up on a car.

[70duster]

When it is just setting there. Without being used.

[wa8yxm]

In another thread or another forum someone asks "What is the difference between a Converter and a Battery Charger"

One of the differences is that battery chargers, typically, are un-filtered (There is more I might add but for this post I'm only looking at the filter) where as convertes ARE filtered..

In addition even with everything turned off,, (the battery disconnect switch to off) there are some things that are NEVER turned off. The explosive gas detector for example.

So what is the filter I mentioned: It is a condenser. or capacitor, this is a device which can accept a very quick, charge.. Some of them can take up to 1 amp for 1 second. That will make a very strong spark when you first hook up the battery

It is perfectly normal and does not indicate a problem.

[FiverBob]

A spark when connecting the battery is not unusual. And, you did it right - - connect the ground last. As for the battery running down in two days - - that is NOT usual. Yes, rigs have things that drain some current even when you think everything is off. But, that should not run the battery down that quickly.

The obvious - - how good is that new battery?
Do you have a draw above normal on some line in the camper? You can tell by removing all the fuses in the box. Charge up the battery. Then, replace the fuses, one every other day and check the battery voltage each day. See if you can isolate the one line drawing the most current.

Or, the quick way is to use an ammeter on each line in the box and find exactly how much current is being drawn on that run.

Have fun,

Bob

[70duster]

Thanks for all the input. I think you guys are right, it's just a draw from the stuff thats always on and the spark is caused by the same thing. I was a little over whelmed at first, because of everything being covered up and sealed up. This is my second TT, the first is setting in my barn. It turned out to be a disaster. All the windows had leaked and all the studs below were rotted. A lesson learned, all be it a little expensive one. I guess old dogs can still learn (62). I'm retiring in August and I'll take on that project then. Again thanks for all the response. Rodney.