Sos!

[howson]

My landlord tried to help me, found no power at the camera connector and said the battery was dead?

If you have an auto parts store nearby they can do what's called a "load test" on the battery. Take the battery to them and they will likely check it for free.

Hang in there...lots to learn about batteries. If you'd like a head start check out my fellow moderators "Batteries 101" presentation in the Electrical Channel's Reference Material sub-channel. Link here: https://gdrvowners.com/forum/operati...ithium-battery

[Jlawles2]

So looking at the battery connections under the camper, verify that the black wire on the battery does indeed go to the frame and not the self resetting breaker (i think you have done this). (Yes I have seen this first hand that red is ground for some reason).

That big metal box is probably the junction box for the TV pigtail. There should be a thick black cable coming out one end that goes to the TV plug.

The 2 screw post thingy (very technical term there) with the brass and silver screw is the self resetting breaker. Verify that there is power on both sides (multimeter will also confirm battery is connected properly). I suggest checking the negative connection to the frame for corrosion (hopefully you have some tools and are capable of this).

If nothing in the unit is working, find the fuse panel inside and check to see if it has "REVERSE POLARITY" fuses. If so check these as if someone hooked the battery up backwards, it could lead to blowing them and nothing working (been there done that). This does not explain the tonge jack though as it should be on a separate circuit not controlled by the fuse panel. Look inline from the jack to the junction for any thick spots in the cable. This may be a fuse location or a junction.

[AlexPeterson]

Here’s what I see under there. There is power in all the red wires including the one to the tongue jack. . No loose wires noted. Is the fuse inside the silver box? It’s dark here now, so I’ll have to start again tomorrow morning.
I can’t thank everyone enough for their suggestions and kindness in responding.

You had 12 volts at the tongue jack wire, but did you actually run the tongue jack? That would be a reasonable indicator of battery viability, and should confirm decent grounding of the battery (-) terminal to the frame.

[BirdieGirl]

THANK YOU ALL! I took the battery to O’Reillys and they tested it. 2amps!!! New battery and all is well for today 😎

[Country Campers]

THANK YOU ALL! I took the battery to O’Reillys and they tested it. 2amps!!! New battery and all is well for today 😎

Nice and simple fix. Sorry for all of the steps we made you go thru but I am sure that you learned a few things. The battery is the most important item in the RV so keep track of its health.

Brian

[howson]

THANK YOU ALL! I took the battery to O’Reillys and they tested it. 2amps!!! New battery and all is well for today 😎

So you may be wondering why, when you checked for voltage, the battery "appeared" good to your meter. That's the difference between measuring a battery without a load and with a load.

To keep that new battery healthy you must regularly plug in your camper to a 120vAC power source so the device called "converter" will keep the battery fully charged. If you let the battery go too long between recharges you'll be buying another battery soon. :( And no, the trickle charge from your vehicle is not a substitute. If you have any questions or do not understand, please post a follow-up question as this is important to understand.

Finally, while it may mean little from me (a random stranger on the internet) thanks for volunteering to work with Samaritan's Purse.

[BirdieGirl]

Thank you. I just purchased this camper, and am grateful for your help! And, it’s my great pleasure to serve. I’ll watch the Battery 101 when I return!