How bad did I screw up my trailer electrical?

[outdoorman]

Being new owner of used Casita, I decided to remove the battery since the temps are dropping tonight.
While I was using my socket wrench in the small compartment, I successfully removed the positive bolt and lead from it's post. While I reached over to get the neg lead sparks started flying so I must have touched the socket wrench to both terminals . I quickly removed it and then reconnected the positive lead back up.
Well, nothing electrical works in the casita now!
What did I do and how bad (expensive) is it going to be for repairs?
By, the way. I did finally get the battery out of the compartment and see that the positive lead has a small kind of like weld spot on it now.

[Jim Bennett]

You likely just blew a fuse. I would check that first.

If you keep your battery fully charged, there is no reason to remove it from the trailer. Mine have always been kept in the trailer, and have never had any trouble, and lordy knows it has got cold around here.

[outdoorman]

Whew! I feel better already
Ok, rather basic question: which fuse is it likely to be?
Should I just go inside to the fuse box and start searching for what looks like a blown auto type fuse?
I know this sounds rudimentary but I only saw the fuse box once about 2 months ago when I bought the trailer.

[Ace57]

Ya it should just be a fuse. If you remove battery cables as a rule always remove the neg first and when installing the battery hook up neg last.

[outdoorman]

I just looked in the fuse box and all the fuses looked fine to me. Could it be something else or is there another location?

[kb1flr]

Hi Outdoorsman,

What happens when you go onto shore power? Are you sure the battery is ok? Do you have a multi-meter?

Rick

[outdoorman]

I didnt try shore power; guess I'll try tomorrow it's dark and COLD tonight.

[mary and bob]

It's possible that by causing a dead short across the battery terminals it is completely discharged or damaged. I had one battery melt the post right off it due to a short in a cable.

[RogerDat]

With the short being a tool bridging between battery terminals rather than current going through the camper electrical system I tend to be thinking the same way as Bob and Richard, look to the battery that is what took the dead short.

Especially if none of your fuses blew.

[padlin00]

Do FG trailers use a breaker between the battery and the converter like stick builts do? I've heard of them being damaged and needing replacement.



Not sure but I think it's inline on the negative lead.

[stevebaz]

You might try asking on the Casita forum they will know where the fuses are located and how the trailer is wired. Let them know what year your trailer is.

Casita Travel Trailer Forum

[outdoorman]

Ive gotten home to late the last couple of nights to go out and look at the trailer.
I will try your suggestions either later this week or weekend when home during daylight.

[outdoorman]

thanks to all, it's fixed!
I took out the battery, checked the voltage at local autozone then brought home to charge. Now all is working. Thanks again.

[Larry C Hanson]

Hello All,

Whew, you got lucky! You probably know this,
but others might not. ALWAYS disconnect the (-)
negative side of the battery FIRST. That way,
it you happen to ground the (+) positive terminal
anywhere except to the other (-) battery post
no sparks should fly. Same goes for the tow vehicle.

Take Care,
Larry H