Another Bad Connection

[Houston Remodeler]

Replacing the metal box is on my to-do list.

We did install our own marine grade cut off switch mounted on the frame outside the TT.

[moallen]

Went out to where we have our 24rls stored to load up a few things for an upcoming trip. I always take my battery back and forth to prevent theft, as well as keeping it charged. But after hooking it up, the lights were only half bright and flickering. I had taken all the exterior splices and connections apart I could find and used dielectric grease on them back in May.

Turns out I missed a frame ground. Would you believe the screw was the type with a rubber washer like they used to fasten the under carriage wrap? It did have a star washer between the lug and the frame, but the rubber washer couldn't make the washer keep biting through the heavy frame paint. I will say the paint they used on the frame is extremely thick and tough. It was a job scrapping a spot clean to get a good ground.

There are two of these grounds up front near the battery. One is about 18" from the battery's negative post and out in the open. The other is about a foot in under the front end. One had a rubber washer. The other didn't. A metal junction box sits between the two grounds.

This junction box is a standard interior 4" x 4" metal junction box out on the frame exposed to the elements. It's bound to be a source of future problems. I taped all the openings up for now, but I think I'll replace it with an exterior type junction box. This is an example of something that would never pass a residential inspection.

BTW, our trailer was built just 5 months ago. Oh well, despite another glitch, we still love our 24rls!