Bighorn - Main Slideout

[kch]

When closing the slides, they keep throwing the breaker, when it resets we continue, this happens several times per event, this just started, LCI says we are using too many amps, what would cause this to happen all of a sudden, we have had this 3160 for three years.

 

[jimtoo]

Hi kch,

Welcome to the Heartland Owners Forum and to the family. We have a great bunch of folks here with lots of information and all willing to share their knowledge when needed.

Sounds like your breaker is getting weak. I'm sure some of our other members will jump in with more info for you soon.

Be sure and check out our Heartland Owners Club. Join us at a rally when you can and meet lots of the great folks here and make friends for a lifetime.

Enjoy the forum.
Jim M

Thread moved to better area.

 

[danemayer]

Hi kch,

Welcome to the Heartland Owners Forum.

The breaker can trip for any of a number of reasons, all pretty much related to amps being drawn.

• Low battery voltage
• Dirty/corroded connections at battery terminal
• Low water level in the battery
• Loose connections at the battery or at the hydraulic pump (including loose crimps at the terminals)
• Weak 50 amp circuit breaker on the buss bar near the battery
• Low temps causing increased viscosity of the hydraulic fluid.
• A bind in the mechanism.

Check the battery voltage with shore power disconnected or turned off, or with the circuit breaker to the Power Converter turned off. Wait 15 minutes before reading voltage. You should see around 12.6V DC across the battery terminals. If lower than 12.4V, you should get the battery tested.

If the battery looks good and connections are clean and tight, you'll want to replace the 50 amp circuit breaker pictured below. On your trailer, they're probably covered by a red rubber boot and they're within a short distance of the battery.

You want a 12-24V 50 amp DC auto-reset mini circuit breaker of the same form factor so it fits the buss. You can probably find one at an auto parts or boat parts store, or at an RV dealer. They typically cost < $10 and take about 10 minutes to change out. Before changing it, it's generally a good idea to disconnect shore power or turn off the breaker to the Power Converter, and also turn off the battery cutoff switch. Some people have moved to an 80 amp breaker, but in most cases that's unnecessary.

Your breakers may be arranged differently from the picture that's attached. Look for the thick wires.