Electrical Question

[Rocker]

Hi I have a 1975 Ventura that I just bought. It has a 3 way fridge, stove top, and furnace. My question is that there are small interior lights and one flourescent light under the cupboard. When I plug it into 110 the flourescent light works but the small interior do not. When I plug the trailer into my truck, the small interior begin to work. I have checked the breaker box and everywhere else to see if there was a switch but came up with nothing. It seems weird to me that they would only work off of the truck battery and not when plugged into 110.

Any ideas?

Thanks

Glenn

[Daniel A.]

Some outlets are DC & some are AC only.

[mszabo]

Doe's it have a 12 volt power converter? If so check the fuses.
Does it have a 12 volt battery on the trailer to power any 12v lights etc.
You need to figure out what you have before you can fix it.
Mike

[Raz]

Is it possible that your trailer has two separate electrical systems for the lights? It is my understanding that that was the practice at one time. Raz

[Ed Harris]

I think Raz has the answer.
It was not uncommon in the past to have some lights powered by AC and others by DC and it really is more simple in a lot of ways.

The trailer just has no power converter to which both types of load could be wired but it probably would not be too tough to install one if you needed it.

[Rocker]

I agree with Raz. This trailer is completely stock,untouched as it was from new. There is no battery, no power converter as I have been through the trailer front to back. That was my suspicion, but just wanted to see what others thoughts were as I'm not an electrician, but I have owned many trailers.

Thanks to all that replied.

Glenn

[Raz]

I would be inclined to add a separate 12 v. source for the trailer that can be isolated from your tow vehicle. At the very least switch your DC lights to LEDs. You don't need a dead vehicle battery in the middle of nowhere. Raz

[Carol H]

My 92 Scamp is wired the same way. If not plugged into 110 the only item that will not work is the florescent light in the kitchen - all other lights and appliances work fine as they are running through the battery & converter.

[redwine]

Hi Glenn, the small interior lights are 12 V .
What kind of furnace do you have and where does it located ? I am thinking add a furnace to ours.

[john warren]

yyyyeah,,,add a battery and converter. it will make you happy

[Rocker]

Yes is has a furnace, it is located right below the closet door and works great. It is a Coleman 9201A model. I'm sure i posted the service manual on this site.