Troubleshooting Electrical Problems On a 1997 Viking Pop-Up Camping Trailer

Updated 02/16/2010 | Published 02/15/2010

Question:

when I hook the trailer up to 120v , everything works fine. When I hook up to the battery 12v I get nothing, nada, el zippo. Any help would be great!

asked by: mike w

Expert Reply:

It sounds to me as if you have a problem with the 12-volt power supply from the battery on the trailer or from the 12-volt source from your vehicle. Since your interior accessories are working when you are plugged into 120-volt power the interior wiring is ruled out and the problem is most likely before the 12-volt power enters the converter.

First, check the ground connection at the trailer tongue. If this connection is not good, then numerous problems can pop up.

Next, use a circuit tester, item # PTW2993 if needed, and check the vehicles 12-volt power supply at the trailer connector. If that connection is good then hook up and connect the trailer, check the power wire going to the trailer battery. Next, check the power wire leaving the trailer battery all of the way back until you get to the converter. You should be able to locate the trouble spot in this fashion. You will be looking for a broken, frayed or pinched wire that is interrupting the flow of power to the trailer.

expert reply by: Robert G