Community Forums

Ljohn2030 · 07-19-2012, 05:42 PM

Hello All,

I have a 1996 Forest River Wildcat Travel Trailer, 30 amp service, currently at a KOA in Oklahoma. No problems until a few days ago. I keep tripping the circuit breaker at the pole. It doesn't trip when the a/c turns on, but yes after it has been on for 1-2 hours. (so I don't think it is a failing a/c compressor). It will trip when I try to plug in too many things. It has tripped on the RV circuit panel on occasion, but >80% of the time it is at the pole. This was a used RV, and it looks like the 30 amp plug has been rewired, and it was VERY HOT at the pole, and at least one of the prongs looks bent. I have a second air conditioner (thank goodness) that always works fine at a separate plug at the pole (so I don't think its the pole). This started 4 days ago, and has grown worse. The last four days, the fan at the converter runs almost continuously, even when nothing is running (besides the fridge, water heater).

I don't have a lot of money to spend on repairs, and this is my home for at least a year. I can change the plug if you think it would help. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you all in advance!!

autofish · 07-19-2012, 06:08 PM

Ljohn2030 if the breaker trips only after an hour or so it is most likely the breaker is weak so I would see if they will repace it or move you to a different space. Also sounds like you are runing right at the max amp so if it is hot out this will cause the breaker trip. hope this hellps

wa8yxm · 07-19-2012, 06:14 PM

If it takes that long to trip I'm guessing the breaker will feel hot to the thouch as well.

Might be a bad connection, , Often you can rick the breker a bit toward you and back a few times (Do this with the breaker off) sometimes it it tipped way down and simply pushing back on the TOP end of the breaker fixes it.

Of course, that's for Square D type breakers, Some of the breakers I've seen in parks I have not seen anywhere else, not even other parks.

YC1 · 07-19-2012, 06:20 PM

At least clean the prongs shiny and bright. Put something to shade the breaker panel if it is in the sun. Put a fan on it if possible. It sounds like your batteries are causing the inverter/charger to run constantly. Check the water level on them and clean the terminals shiny. If your refer is on electric, change it to propane during the day. If you are using electric for the hot water heater, put that on propane too. If you can plug into another post nearby try that. If it gets hot too I would change the plug out. I probably would in any case. Once they start wearing out they can overheat easily.

Ljohn2030 · 07-19-2012, 06:57 PM

Thank you for all the good advice.

I believe the breaker may be weak. Do you mean the breaker in the RV? or on the post (shore power)? I can change both, if necessary.

I will replace the plug this weekend - no problem there.

I will try plugging into the next post to see if it makes a difference.

Thank you again!

autofish · 07-20-2012, 10:04 AM

Ljohn the breaker that keeps blowing is the weak braeker.

TXiceman · 07-20-2012, 10:53 AM

Check the plug and breaker box for a hot connections, it could be a loose connection or a weak breaker.

If the breaker is in the sun and it is old, it may be weak and tripping. The breaker is a thermally tripped device. excess current makes it warmer and the thermal link will trip.

If the male plug is bad, it can also be causing the breaker box to get hot. The female plug should not show signs of heat or smoke.

Ken

BCooke · 07-20-2012, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXiceman

Check the plug and breaker box for a hot connections, it could be a loose connection or a weak breaker.

If the breaker is in the sun and it is old, it may be weak and tripping. The breaker is a thermally tripped device. excess current makes it warmer and the thermal link will trip.

If the male plug is bad, it can also be causing the breaker box to get hot. The female plug should not show signs of heat or smoke.

Ken

The receptacle could be loose on the blades of your plug, thus causing high current draw. If the plug itself is hot, connections could be the issue. Wear and people not being gentle and holding a hanging cord can take its toll on the receptacle also.

CJ7ole · 07-20-2012, 07:45 PM

Talk to the CG manager about it, they may be able to change out the breaker or move you.

ahicks · 07-21-2012, 06:08 AM

I think you need to deal with whatever is heating that plug up? If it's dirty and causing high resistance, or if the wires have worn (frayed ?) inside it to the point they are no longer capable of carrying rated capacity, or if you are simply trying to pull too much power. Whatever! That plug should never be more than just warm to the touch. If it's getting hot you have an issue.... The breakers blowing are trying to tell you something.

Ljohn2030 · 07-21-2012, 01:49 PM

Thank you all for the good advice. I have a 30 to 50 amp converter cable. I plugged the RV 30 amp 3 prong into the cable, and then into the 50 amp receptacle at the CG pole. No problems since then - even with a/c, TV running. It looks like the previous owner drove off with the plug in the receptacle, because a nasty plug is in its place - bent prongs (would barely plug into converter cable). I plan to change the plug to a new one today - but it is 105 deg outside already....

Thank you again!