SOLVED: Camper is Tripping House GFI

[MagnoliaTom]

I always plug my camper into a 110v gfi outlet in my garage using a 100' extension cord. Now all of a sudden, the gfi trips almost immediately after I plug it in. I have checked the plug itself (by using a circular saw and a shop vac), made sure nothing was left on inside the camper, turned off all lights, etc. also checked the extension cord with saw and vac.

I even turned off all the campers breakers except for the main, converter and slide. Same problem. So, I turn off slide breaker and no gfi tripping!! WTH?? So, could there be a problem with my slide out switch or circuit? How would I go about testing it?

Thanks for any insight you could provide

 

[cookie]

Re: Camper is Tripping House GFI

Odd that disconnecting the slide circuit would stop the GFI trips since that is 12 volts and your problem is with 120.
You might have a converter problem.
Try unplugging the converter.

Peace
Dave

 

[danemayer]

Re: Camper is Tripping House GFI

Slideout motors and hydraulic pumps that operate slides are typically 12V, getting power from either the fuse box or from mini-circuit breakers near the battery. So if you're talking about a 110V AC circuit breaker labeled "Slide Out", that would be for outlets in the slide out. With power shut off, look under the slideout for a junction box and check the wiring connections inside. Power off because your could have a short electrifying the box.

 

[MagnoliaTom]

Re: Camper is Tripping House GFI

Thanks cookie, I'll see what happens. With the converter unplugged, the battery won't get charged, correct?

 

[MagnoliaTom]

Re: Camper is Tripping House GFI

Danemayer, thank you. I believe the only outlets in a slide out would be in the outdoor kitchen. I'll look there too

 

[cookie]

Re: Camper is Tripping House GFI

Yes that is correct. no converter no battery charge.
If you find that the converter is the problem you can use a battery charger as a temporary replacement.

Peace
Dave

Sent from my awesome Galaxy S5 using Tapatalk

 

[MagnoliaTom]

Re: Camper is Tripping House GFI


Found the source of my problem. Not sure how it happened but now I need to repair it

 

[MagnoliaTom]

Re: Camper is Tripping House GFI

Thanks to danemayer! I located this chaffed wire when looking at junction boxes under my slides. I think it could have been caused by our rodent intruder. Even though I poisoned the little booger, he still got the last laugh!