Community Forums

copperbuck24 · 06-08-2023, 09:05 AM

We got a new to us travel trailer last year. Every since we have owned it we have had some issues. The breaker for the ac tripped often so we put in a new breaker and then that seemed to do the trick. Fast forward to this season, the only time we've been out this year, the breaker does trip once. We go home and I have a 30 amp plug in at our house. We go out to the camper this week and the fridge and other electrical things are not working. The battery had a drain to it but when I put my charger on it, everything would work. I did some troubleshooting and believe I have that issue down to needing to replace the battery.

The other issues is we got the truck and camper at the same time. When we tow our camper a couple hours away or less, the camper drains power from the truck. If we stop at a gas station for gas or whatever, the truck is hesitant to start, always has, but will struggle. We did put a brand new battery in our truck at the end of last year.

Any help would be appreciated. Wasn't sure if these could be related issues or not. I can't find a date on the camper battery either.

We have a 2016 KZ Spree travel trailer

rgvtexan · 06-08-2023, 09:15 AM

Welcome to iRV2. Most any auto parts store will test your batteries for free.

DirtyDodge · 06-08-2023, 09:55 AM

Hey Copper,
As far as the battery in the trailer, you said you charged it. is the converter in the trailer not charging it while plugged in to your 30amp outlet at home?
What kind of voltage are you showing on your pickup when the trailer is plugged in and unplugged?
Does your A/c breaker trip on startup or after running for a while?

Argosy · 06-08-2023, 09:59 AM

2016 must have a converter or inverter charger which should keep the battery charged when you're plugged in. It should also provide power to operate pretty much everything DC. I'd start by checking DC out of that.

Duster73 · 06-08-2023, 11:49 AM

Check the main power disconnect if equipped. My trailer has one in the front wash bay. Even if your plugged into shore power, it will not charge your battery.

As for the truck, a 7 way plug can slowly charge your trailer while in tow. If your trucks battery is weak, it can still drain while sitting. Because the trailer battery could still be charging.

Persistent · 06-09-2023, 08:43 AM

The breaker for the ac tripped often so we put in a new breaker and then that seemed to do the trick. Fast forward to this season, the only time we've been out this year, the breaker does trip once.

As you said, The main breaker panel has a 30 amp 120 volt main breaker that provides shore power. It also has a 20 or 15 amp branch circuit breaker that powers only the A/C. The branch A/C breaker sometimes trips when using the A/C on shore power. A new breaker did not fully fix the issue.

Possibly the A/C is drawing too much power. There are many possible reasons. Clean filters, screens, condenser, and radiator inside and on the roof. Measure load when starting and running.

We go home and I have a 30 amp plug in at our house. We go out to the camper this week and the fridge and other electrical things are not working. The battery had a drain to it but when I put my charger on it, everything would work. I did some troubleshooting and believe I have that issue down to needing to replace the battery.

A new battery bank for an eight year old trailer is possible. Owner's often don't know how to maintain a lead acid battery bank. This causes loss of capacity.

Managing 12 volt power usage could also be the cause. Often water heaters and sometimes refrigerators can be run on 12 volts. For dry camping and while towing, use propane where possible.

A large inverter can draw significant 12 volt power when off grid. Turn inverter function "OFF" and leave battery charging function "ON" when towing or storing the RV.

All that said, these electric heating devices should work fine indefinitely using a 30 amp shore power connection.

Check 12 volt disconnect near entry door (Salesmen Switch). It will prevent charging the 12 volt battery bank when "OFF". Also check for 12 volt disconnect switch next to the battery bank if there is one.

The other issues is we got the truck and camper at the same time. When we tow our camper a couple hours away or less, the camper drains power from the truck. If we stop at a gas station for gas or whatever, the truck is hesitant to start, always has, but will struggle. We did put a brand new battery in our truck at the end of last year.

We have a 2016 KZ Spree travel trailer

If the tow vehicle is hard to start when not towing the trailer, then the tow vehicle probably needs maintenance.

The camper should not draw down the tow vehicle battery while driving. It is possible, but not likely. Disconnect the 7 pin plug from the tow vehicle when ever stopped for a period like for lunch, dinner, or overnight dry camping. Reconnect before traveling again.

See above advice about managing 12 volt power consumption. High 12 volt use can draw engine start battery down in extreme conditions.