Fuse question June 05, 2018, 03:28:40 pm The 2003 Ford chassis used for our LD supposedly had inadequate or barely adequate power at the rear lights to also power lights on a toad. So, based on some online information, I ran an auxiliary power line directly from the Ford chassis battery to the rear of the coach, where it connects into some sort of device, the nature of which I forget, probably a relay of some sort, to power the toad lights through the LD trailer wiring connector.This has worked well for about 14 years now, but on a couple of occasions when doing a pre-departure check the toad lights haven't worked. The problem has been a blown inline fuse where that aux power line connects to the Ford chassis battery. For whatever reason that I don't remember, it is a 10 amp fuse. I'm thinking that it just gets overloaded in certain situations, so am thinking of replacing it with a 15 amp fuse.The aux power line is a heavy duty black rubber encased extension cord typically used around a home or shop. And all it powers is our Jeep Wrangler toad's incandescent tail and stop lights.But before I replace the 10 amp with a 15 amp fuse I thought I'd see if anyone here sees a problem with that.
Re: Fuse question Reply #1 – June 05, 2018, 06:28:24 pm Terry,The fact that the 10 amp fuse has been adequate for 14 years, and that the problem is intermittent suggests to me that you likely have a chaffed wire\s that may, when hitting a bump, or on a rough road as examples, cause the exposed wire to touch metal, causing a short to ground which blows the fuse. If so, a 15 amp will blow just as fast. Less likely is a loose connection that is causing an occasional overload on the circuit. In either case, IMO, a larger fuse isn't the right approach to your problem. Locating the source of the problem is the only solution I'd be comfortable with were it my coach. I hope this is helpful.Bill 3 Likes
Re: Fuse question Reply #2 – June 05, 2018, 06:53:44 pm Bill,That is helpful.I inspected the wiring cable that connects our toad to the LD and found exactly what you expected, a worn spot where it snakes through between our rock shield and the tow bar. There was in fact exposed wiring there, though apparent only with some twisting. But in a spot where the wire could possibly contact the tow bar, which almost certainly has continuity with the LD. I suspect this would only happen in some odd turns or bumps or maybe in rain.Anyway I’ve repaired it and left the 10 amp fuse in place. Time will tell. Thanks so much for your help. 2 Likes
Re: Fuse question Reply #3 – June 05, 2018, 07:26:34 pm Hi Terry; Glad you found that wire chafing problem, and thank you Bill for that comment. As an aside, you could help with LED replacement lights for the Jeep. They are commonly available as an entire fixture replacement, or as plug in LED bulbs in the present fixtures. No burn out, generally brighter, and instant on. Just a thought. RonB
Re: Fuse question Reply #4 – June 05, 2018, 11:18:00 pm Terry,Glad to hear you found the problem. My pleasure to help out.Bill
Re: Fuse question Reply #5 – June 06, 2018, 11:40:46 am Quote from: Terry Burnes - June 05, 2018, 03:28:40 pmThe 2003 Ford chassis used for our LD supposedly had inadequate or barely adequate power at the rear lights to also power lights on a toad. So, based on some online information, I ran an auxiliary power line directly from the Ford chassis battery to the rear of the coach, where it connects into some sort of device, the nature of which I forget, probably a relay of some sort, to power the toad lights through the LD trailer wiring connector.Terry Glad you found the worn wire.2003 and older E450s had undersize tail light wiring and most rigs require a relay or booster to run a toad's tail lights at full brightness.Our 2003 had the same situation as your LD and needed a powered tail light relay .After burning out a couple of solid-state Modulites, I built a booster using automotive mechanical relays and used it until recently. Over the years, the LD's and Jeep's tail lights have been converted to LEDs. I recently tried operating the toad's tail lights without the booster and found no difference, the LEDs use less power and not sensitive to slight voltage drops.Our LD's tail light relay has now been retired . One less thing to fail.Larry 1 Likes
Re: Fuse question Reply #6 – June 06, 2018, 12:54:26 pm Larry, Thanks for the tip on converting the Toad (and Lazy Daze) taillights to LED in order to reduce towed vehicle taillight power demand. Nice simple solution...
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