Troubleshooting 5th Wheel Landing Gear That's Blowing Fuse

Published 04/02/2020

Question:

My landing gear fuse keeps popping and so I believe I have a short some where. I have replaced the motor and switch and it still is popping the fuse. Any suggestions that might be causing it?

asked by: Bill M

Helpful Expert Reply:

There a couple of additional things you can check out. Take a good close look at the wiring, especially at pinch points and areas where the wiring might pass through a frame member or bulkhead. Cracks or worn spots in the wire insulation can allow the copper conductor to short out on the trailer frame and cause the fuse to blow. Also, disconnect the motor and try the landing gear manually. If it works manually, there's a wiring problem somewhere. If it won't, there's a mechanical problem internally with the gears that's most often caused when the gear is accidentally over extended or retracted. If it binds up when you try to crank it manually, disconnect the linkage between the two and try each leg individually to find the one that's bound up. Depending on the manufacturer and model, we might be able to get you a replacement lead or follow leg if you need it.

Give the things I mentioned above a try, if you would and let me know how it works out.

expert reply by: Mike L