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Pappion · 09-29-2020, 10:44 PM

Will be adding LiFeP04 and relocating batteries from trailer tongue to front storage. Noticed some odd wiring.

1. Slide out wiring is independent of cabin cut off switch in front storage. They went out of their way to do it, using extra 10AWG.
Why would they do this?

2. Break Away switch wire is not fused or breaker. Just connected directly to battery wire. Sounds like a recipe for a fire, but most of the run is on the metal frame.
Is this normal?

Front storage is not all metal and the LifeP04 have a high current kick. So I need a fuse or self resetting breaker for break away switch.

Old-Biscuit · 10-02-2020, 09:35 PM

#1
Cause slideouts have high amp draw so they are wired directly from battery with an in-line fuse (Or DC CB)
Tongue Jack, electric stabilizers/jacks are typically wired directly also
Can be operated even with disconnect switch off

#2

By Federal Law a Trailer battery must provide FULL Voltage to trailer brakes for 15 minutes should trailer become disconnected from tow vehicle
Trailer battery Only supplies DC to trailers brakes WHEN Break Away PIN is pulled out of the switch

Several engineers designed the system and have been used by ALL trailer MFGs for decades....seems to work

Pappion · 10-03-2020, 10:24 AM

#1 6awg from battery, CB, cutoff switch, on up to converter fuse box, would be stout enough to handle 10awg slide out wiring and it's 20 amp auto reset CB. It doesn't make much sense to spend the extra money and effort, so I'm thinking the government is involved. Is there an RIVA standard or code for slide out wiring?

#2 Yes, it works and is normal. It is also a fire hazard without fuse or CB. Don't want flame in my storage compartment.

Searched the web and found stories of the wires getting pinched while installing a load leveling hitch. Wires got red hot, smoking, and destroying nearby wires. Batteries were on the tongue and damage was limited to non-flammable tongue area.

On my old A-frame the breakaway switch and roof lift motor were on the same 30A fuse. I would notice a blown fuse right away.
This time around I might use a 30A auto reset CB for Break away Switch and tongue jack. A CB that self resets can eventually drain the battery. Think I might add a 12v alarm or light across the CB terminals.