In my last post, I wrote about my unexpected adventures: a flat tire and problem batteries. After I replaced the RV spare tire and the batteries, I noticed that the RV was not charging the new batteries either. It became clear that I needed to hook the RV up to shore power fast or I could possibly damage the new batteries. I was only a few hours from Sequim after circling around the Olympic Peninsula counterclockwise. I knew that I could pull into the Elks Lodge RV park in Sequim without a reservation and find an empty spot. So, I headed there and, yep, found a great spot.

I started watching YouTube videos about charging problems (between the tow vehicle and RV batteries). I also talked to some friends who are more knowledgeable about these things and was convinced that I should learn how to use a multimeter to test connections, fuses, and regular batteries. More YouTube videos at the wonderful coffee shop with my earphones on so that I did not bother anyone! Later, using my new knowledge, I ran some diagnostics tests with my meter, which convinced me the problem was with the van and not the RV. Also, fuses seemed the best place to start.

So, I looked in my owner’s manual for the van fuses and figured out which ones would affect the charge relay! I found two, one in the box under the dashboard and another in the other fuse box under the hood. I checked both and they were fine.

Meanwhile, a guy who is staying at the RV park saw me messing around, and he came over. I have heard before that a female standing around her vehicle with the hood up will attract guys who want to help. Sure enough. Even though that was not my intention, it worked. He also checked the fuses and helped me learn a bit more about my multimeter. After a while, it became clear to us both that I needed to see a mechanic. I was planning to see my auto mechanic in Sequim but my neighbor suggested that I go to the RV guy in town, Eric. I have been there several times and like Eric a great deal, but when I called he last week, his receptionist said he was scheduled 2 weeks out. I decided that I would just show up Monday morning and see what he says. If I have to wait two weeks, so be it. I had thought that I could only stay at the Elks for a week but found out from my neighbor I can stay as long as I want.

So, I went to Eric’s RV and he did the same tests I ran. However, he tested other fuses besides the obvious ones and BINGO. A fuse was, indeed, blown. I had just checked the wrong one. That sounds pretty stupid, but I learned so much in this whole experience.

In the photo below, you will see in the left-hand column the number 8 (fuse in position 8). The description seemed to match my problem: Trailer battery charge relay. But that fuse was fine. If I had checked the number 9 fuse for Modified vehicle power, I would have found my problem. My trusty RV guy found it for me and I give myself a lot of credit for even getting this far! Total cost for new fuse and labor, only $14!!!

In the future, I can take care of something like this myself. To do that, though, I need a good assortment of fuses for the van. I already have a bunch for the RV and have changed them maybe half a dozen times. So, I drove from Eric’s to the locally-owned auto store and stocked up. I also learned from watching my neighbor that I need a needle nose plier to pull out the large fuses that are under the hood, so I bought that too. I bagged them all up and put them in the van. Voila! Another $27 bucks to be better prepared next time. Of course, I already spent $140 on two new batteries last week, which may have been on their last legs anyway. 

It may seem like such a hassle, but stuff happens on the road. I had some repair funds set aside, which made it less stressful. I also had a safe place to return to, where I already had relationships with auto and RV experts. Of course, I was not too far away, which also made the event less stressful. Had I been a long ways out, maybe in the middle of Idaho back country, I would have had to rely on people I don’t know and maybe get ripped off. I was lucky this time.

So what is next? I am a bit worried about going too far off with the van. As one friend pointed out earlier, the question remains as to why the fuse blew in the first place. Is there a bigger problem? Am I being over confident about my van’s ability to perform as a tow vehicle like it did at one time? If the van dies, I would need someone to tow the RV back to Sequim. Do I want to pay that kind of money? Who would I call? My first camp host gig is a long way across the state, and I would have to pull the RV over two major mountain passes. Is the van capable of that now? Should I find camp host positions closer to my home base in Sequim? The fact that I can stay at the Elks is interesting and was not in the equation when I made summer plans. Do I just want to do short trips with my van and leave the RV here? I had originally thought about that when I was making summer plans.

I have a lot to think about in the next few days. No hurry. Rain is falling hard here; I guess this storm did not get the message that Sequim is in the rain shadow! I stopped by the library on my way back from the RV shop and checked out a stack of movies. For now, I will kick back with some tea and just enjoy a cozy night. Maybe after dinner, I will find the tequila I bought in NM and make a drink. New plans will reveal themselves in due time.