Here is a link to a RV light with a 1383 base, is that what you have?
https://www.etrailer.com/Vehicle-Lig...G526251VP.html
I don't know what you tried to replace it with but you blew a fuse by introducing a short sounds like. Don't know what kind of meter you have but I like the old analog meters (good ones) about as good as digital. What you describe your meter doing indicates it has 1) bad batteries in it or 2) it's a "throw away" meter and that's what you need to do then get a good one.
Determine exactly what died when you tried replacing that bulb then look for a fuse that has one (or more) of those items listed beside it. Replace it. If you don't have replacements take one from another slot and put it there to see if that helps.