So i noticed this plastic part has broken off of the TT tongue. I'm not sure what it's called or it's function and looking for guidance on it. there is bare metal on the backside of it that touches the metal of the tongue. wires from the house battery run into this. See attached pics.
In addition since i'm talking about the battery, i've noticed that my in house stereo stays powered when the trailer is unplugged and in storage, i have to imagine this puts a drain on the battery and i've noticed that my battery does lose charge (it's brand new, btw). is there something i'm doing wrong?
I will take a guess that is a wire connector. There are auto reset breakers on the tongue, it could be that. I have not used the correct name but there purpose is to not trip and need a new fuse but to keep working say on the trailer brakes.
You need a battery disconnect switch installed to stop all draining of the battery, the radio is only 1, you have others. Even the factory battery cut off switches still have power to some trailer items in the off position.
__________________
2013 24RKSWE (27ft TT) Cougar 1/2 ton series SOLD 10-2021
2013 Ford F350 4x4 CC 6.7 engine, 8 ft bed, 3.55 rear end, lariat package
Retired from Oregon State Police in 2011 than worked another 9.5 years as a small town traffic cop:
As of 05-2020, I am all done with 39 years total police work. No more uniforms for me.
I'm fairly certain that is the circuit breaker for your 12v electrical system, looks like the mount broke. If it was mine, I'd consider replacing it, and improve on the electrical connectors tat the factory skimped out on with a more weatherproof connector.
__________________
2017 Outback 330RL 15th Anniversary Edition (stationary full timer)
2006 GMC 2500HD Duramax CC 4x4 w/SunLite pop-up camper
Dust Junkies Racing, 3 time Baja 1000 Class Champions
i would def like to upgrade to a cutoff, i believe i heard it's bad for these batteries to fully drain or even drain past 50%?? just google rv battery cutoffs?
That is a resettable circuit breaker. The picture looks like the mounting tab has broken off. If your close to the selling dealer, it shouldn’t take but about 1/2hr.
If your too far away or don’t feel like spending the money on fuel for a $5.00 part, you can replace it yourself. Just make sure to match the rating (should be stamped on the breaker) and put the leads on the right posts, they are color coded so just match new with old.
Unless you have a battery disconnect, then you will have parasitic draws on the battery. Two choices: take the positive cable off the battery post, or install a disconnect on the positive lead. Installation will depend on type/brand but I’m sure there are numerous videos.
__________________
2012 Copper Canyon 273FWRET being towed by a 1994 Ford F350 CC,LB,Dually diesel.
Airlift 5000 bags, Prodigy brake control, 5 gauges on the pillar.Used to tow a '97 Jayco 323RKS.
Now an RVIA registered tech. Retired from Law enforcement in 2008 after 25+ yrs.
A disconnect is a good idea but will not replace the function of the auto resetting breaker in the picture. They are available at auto and marine stores and are different amperage ratings. The amp rating should be stamped on the breaker. Be sure to disconnect battery before wrenching to prevent turning your wrench into a welding electrode.
__________________
Marshall
2012 Laredo 303 TG
2010 F250 LT Super Cab, long bed, 4X4, 6.4 Turbo Diesel
Vernon, I kind of wondered that myself. I'd like to look under the little cover.
__________________
Jim in Memphis, Wife of 51 years is Brenda
2019 F450 6.7 Powerstroke
2018 Mobile Suites 40RSSA
2021 40' Jayco Eagle
2001 Road king w/matching Harley sidecar
2021 Yamaha X2 Wolverine 1000
Yup, that's what's under the cover. It's a "auto-reset 12 VDC circuit breaker"... That's what's "under the cover" Here's what it looks like "with the cover".... About $5 at any RV parts store. Buy a new "red cover" if it doesn't come with one. Another $1, but well worth it. When you reinstall it (it looks like the screw and part of the mounting tab is shown in the first photo) don't tighten the screw too much or you'll crush the tab and it will break again.
Be sure to look carefully at how it's connected. There is a "hot side and a protected side" usually marked BATT and LOAD. Don't hook it up backwards, although it will still work, it doesn't protect the circuits if there are two or more in series. Usually, on Keystone RV's you'll find two mounted very close together. One for "main power" and one for the slides/jacks.
Inquiring minds wanted to know....Thanks John and Bob.
__________________
Jim in Memphis, Wife of 51 years is Brenda
2019 F450 6.7 Powerstroke
2018 Mobile Suites 40RSSA
2021 40' Jayco Eagle
2001 Road king w/matching Harley sidecar
2021 Yamaha X2 Wolverine 1000
That is a resettable circuit breaker. The picture looks like the mounting tab has broken off. If your close to the selling dealer, it shouldn’t take but about 1/2hr.
If your too far away or don’t feel like spending the money on fuel for a $5.00 part, you can replace it yourself. Just make sure to match the rating (should be stamped on the breaker) and put the leads on the right posts, they are color coded so just match new with old.
Unless you have a battery disconnect, then you will have parasitic draws on the battery. Two choices: take the positive cable off the battery post, or install a disconnect on the positive lead. Installation will depend on type/brand but I’m sure there are numerous videos.
If you don’t install a cut off switch or remove the positive battery connector. I suggest you plug in the unit to an electric connection. If you don’t have a 30amp connection available then get a 30amp to 110 adapter and plug into a 20 amp service if available. This will keep your battery charged via the onboard battery charger. If you disconnect your battery you can still remove it and get a battery maintainer at home. This will keep the battery fully charged all the time.
Yes, as others have stated, it is an auto reset circuit breaker. Someone stole my battery about 6 weeks ago and disconnected the battery by just cutting the cables. I had to install new cables - one of which was attached to one of these circuit breakers. (I didn't know what they were until I went to a RV parts shop and inquired.) The cable had corrosion fused to the breaker stud, so I ended up destroying and had to install new ones. I found out:
1) Some are resettable, some are auto reset. The ones on our trailer were auto reset.
2) There were two on our trailer - and they are different values protecting different portions of the trailer.
3) To make reasseble more reliable, I take pictures of everything with my phone as I dissassemble and reinstall in reverse.
Learning something new every day owning a trailer.
To prevent or hinder future thieves, I fabbed up and welded a lockable "cage" to the battery frame.
This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Keystone RV Company or any of its affiliates in any way. Keystone RV® is a registered trademark of the Keystone RV Company.