12 Volt Power Cut Off Issue - Resolved - Escape Trailer Owners Community
Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×

Go Back   Escape Trailer Owners Community > Escape Tech > Problem Solving | Owners helping each other
Click Here to Login
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 08-14-2020, 10:56 AM   #1
Senior Member
 
jadams's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: Jericho, Vermont
Trailer: 2017 17 B
Posts: 222
12 Volt Power Cut Off Issue - Resolved

Posting this because it may assist someone in the future.

When we were prepping our pre-owned 2017 17 B for our first dry camping outing on Memorial Day weekend we discovered we were having a 12 volt power issue. I had just installed a new pair of 6 volt batteries which we knew were needed.

All electrical systems worked perfect on AC power or when the trailer was plugged into the tow vehicle.

Our first trip was a little disappointing because we couldn’t use the power jack or pump and had to limit fan and light usage. Enjoyed the additional challenge though.

Problem:
Trailer on 12 volt power- turning on the water pump would cut off the power completely and the Go Power module would turn off, or flash intermittently. The Go Power module would come back on or stabilize in 3-7 minutes.

Or, we would power on a the Maxx Fan, some lights and the fridge and the 12 volt power would cut off.

My wife reached out the previous and second owner of our trailer, forum member TBURT, and he had some fantastic suggestions. Thanks Tom! I also reached out to Dustin Dione in parts and service at ETI and he was a good resource. Searching the forum also provided a wealth of info. I was following Bobbie54 ‘s post... thanks everyone!
https://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f...12v-18215.html

Resolution (Either one, or the combination of these efforts, has completely resolved the issue):

--health of new 6 volt batteries checked with an amperage load tester (good to confirm)
--verified tow vehicle was sending power to the trailer through 7 pin RV connector (nice to confirm this)
--tested all fuses and breakers in the breaker box (a few 12 volt fuses were out of spec with up-amperage fuses, probably no issue, nice to have it back to spec)
--removed two aftermarket and poorly spliced-in solar cable wires, cleaned up Go Power connections. Remounted Go Power module with better hardware.
--replaced all corroded 6 volt battery terminal connections; includes new ground wire, battery series connection wire and wire running from the batteries into the trailer (connected to 50 amp thermal circuit breaker)
--installed new 12 volt 50 amp and 30 amp thermal circuit breakers (the 6 volt batteries and solar panel are wired into these); these circuit breakers passed an ohm test, I was running fresh wires so I replaced these anyways
-- replaced the 12 volt battery shut off switch with a super high quality Blue Sea Systems 300 amp M Series; original switch passed a voltage test, replaced anyways
--repaired 6 volt battery ground connection to trailer frame with new wire, connector and stainless hardware (original bolt, connector and wire were extremely corroded)
After all this we’re certain it was the negative ground on the trailer frame and/or the battery shut off switch. TBurt, Dustin and forum members all suggested these things first.

Overall about $125 (excluding tools). We learned a lot, I got a couple new electrical tools and our second dry camping outing was all that much more rewarding running on 12 volt power for 2 days! Heading out again this weekend.
Attached Thumbnails
IMG_5400.jpg   IMG_5401.jpg   IMG_1477.jpg   IMG_5329.jpg   IMG_5614.jpg  

IMG_5415.jpg   IMG_5639.jpg   IMG_5643.jpg  
__________________
Joel & Michelle Adams
2017 17 B & 2016 Honda Pilot EX-L AWD
Our 17 B Mods - https://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f...7-b-18568.html
jadams is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2020, 11:03 AM   #2
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Ventura County, California
Trailer: 2015 Escape 17A
Posts: 2,344
Nice work, Joel!
(and welcome to the sub-sub-group of E17's towed by Honda Pilots!)
dfandrews is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2020, 11:09 AM   #3
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Whidbey Island, Washington
Trailer: 2020 Escape 17B "Voyager"
Posts: 2,657
Nice. Seeing that switch I wonder if there is a switch guard you can get that makes you have to reach inside to flip the switch- avoid the accidental off problem and still have a switch.

On the other hand- what's the point of turning off the battery?
Bobbie54 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2020, 11:24 AM   #4
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Southwick, Massachusetts
Trailer: None, sold my 2014 5.0TA
Posts: 7,124
Depending on what you have for a switch. I made a switch guard with a piece of plexiglass, jig saw, drill, vise, a heat gun, and about an hours time.
Attached Thumbnails
cover.jpg  
__________________
Happy Motoring
Bob
padlin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2020, 11:31 AM   #5
Senior Member
 
jadams's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: Jericho, Vermont
Trailer: 2017 17 B
Posts: 222
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bobbie54 View Post
Nice. Seeing that switch I wonder if there is a switch guard you can get that makes you have to reach inside to flip the switch- avoid the accidental off problem and still have a switch.

On the other hand- what's the point of turning off the battery?
There may be other folks who may be able to answer this better...

It's my understanding turning off the battery switch electrically disconnects my dual 6 volt batteries from the trailer. The batteries won't be charged by the converter when plugged into shore power and one can't use 12 volt power to run systems in the trailer. Also, if one pulls the batteries for winter storage / maintenance charging the battery switch is set to the off position.

What's nice about the Blue Sea Systems switch is it can't be accidentally flipped unlike the flimsy toggle switch I replaced. $25 on Amazon. Requires larger connectors so I have to get a wire connector crimping tool also. I discovered the BSS switch from folks posting about it on the forum.
__________________
Joel & Michelle Adams
2017 17 B & 2016 Honda Pilot EX-L AWD
Our 17 B Mods - https://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f...7-b-18568.html
jadams is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2020, 11:32 AM   #6
Senior Member
 
jadams's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: Jericho, Vermont
Trailer: 2017 17 B
Posts: 222
Quote:
Originally Posted by padlin View Post
Depending on what you have for a switch. I made a switch guard with a piece of plexiglass, jig saw, drill, vise, a heat gun, and about an hours time.
Nice professional looking and functional switch guard! I like it.
__________________
Joel & Michelle Adams
2017 17 B & 2016 Honda Pilot EX-L AWD
Our 17 B Mods - https://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f...7-b-18568.html
jadams is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2020, 11:35 AM   #7
Senior Member
 
jadams's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: Jericho, Vermont
Trailer: 2017 17 B
Posts: 222
Quote:
Originally Posted by dfandrews View Post
Nice work, Joel!
(and welcome to the sub-sub-group of E17's towed by Honda Pilots!)
Thank you. Sweet! I didn't know there was a sub-sub group. Love this.
__________________
Joel & Michelle Adams
2017 17 B & 2016 Honda Pilot EX-L AWD
Our 17 B Mods - https://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f...7-b-18568.html
jadams is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2020, 12:59 PM   #8
Senior Member
 
Vermilye's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Oswego, New York
Trailer: 2017 Escape 21C, 2018 Ford F150
Posts: 5,362
Quote:
Originally Posted by jadams View Post
There may be other folks who may be able to answer this better...

It's my understanding turning off the battery switch electrically disconnects my dual 6 volt batteries from the trailer. The batteries won't be charged by the converter when plugged into shore power and one can't use 12 volt power to run systems in the trailer. Also, if one pulls the batteries for winter storage / maintenance charging the battery switch is set to the off position.

What's nice about the Blue Sea Systems switch is it can't be accidentally flipped unlike the flimsy toggle switch I replaced. $25 on Amazon. Requires larger connectors so I have to get a wire connector crimping tool also. I discovered the BSS switch from folks posting about it on the forum.
With the battery disconnect switch open, the batteries are no longer connected to the converter, however if you are plugged into AC, the converter will still supply your 12V circuits. Also, if you have solar, it will still charge the batteries with the disconnect switch off.

I agree with switching to one of the rotary switches to replace the one Escape provided for its earlier trailers. I broke the handle on 2 of them before finally replacing it with a rotary.
__________________
Jon Vermilye My Travel Blog
Travel and Photo Web Page ... My Collection of RV Blogs 2018 F150 3.5EB, 2017 21
Vermilye is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2020, 02:36 PM   #9
Senior Member
 
jadams's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: Jericho, Vermont
Trailer: 2017 17 B
Posts: 222
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vermilye View Post
With the battery disconnect switch open, the batteries are no longer connected to the converter, however if you are plugged into AC, the converter will still supply your 12V circuits. Also, if you have solar, it will still charge the batteries with the disconnect switch off.

I agree with switching to one of the rotary switches to replace the one Escape provided for its earlier trailers. I broke the handle on 2 of them before finally replacing it with a rotary.
Excellent, thanks for the correction Jon. I thought I'd get something wrong and I learned my solar will still charge the batteries with the disconnect switch off. Nice.
__________________
Joel & Michelle Adams
2017 17 B & 2016 Honda Pilot EX-L AWD
Our 17 B Mods - https://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f...7-b-18568.html
jadams is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off




» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Escape Trailer Industries or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:59 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Copyright 2023 Social Knowledge, LLC All Rights Reserved.