A Women's RV Forum run by Women RVer's!

Ok, next question: Fuses
Everyone says to have extra on hand. I'm assuming RV fuses are different from any fuse that can be bought from a auto supply store? If so, where do you ladies buy them? I have done an online search for fuses for my rig and I'm getting nowhere.. I don't recall seeing anyting on my fuse panel in the file of manuals that came with my rig, but will check again.

Lenora, you can buy the fuses at auto supply stores, Wal-mart, wherever. Open your fuse box and see what kind you have, I have the colored plastic kind, different colors indicate different sizes, go to the store and get you some extras,,, I'd say just a couple will do ya, because unless there is a problem they will last a long time. I'm not sure about your particular RV as I've always had trailer, but others will be able to tell you or maybe you have it in your books, whether you have two sets of fuses, one for the automobile part and one for the rv part or is it all in one? In my new rv it's neat as the fuse that is blown has an indicator light, so I'm not having to search and figure out which one it is!

Lenora, I have always found going into an auto parts store, auto zone, o"reilly's, etc., is the best bet. The people behind the counter are really know their stuff and don't laugh too hard at my dumb questions. If no help there, try the manufacturer if they are still in business. Fuses are not hard to find. As Vicki pointed out, you probably have different ones for the vehicle part as well as the RV part. Linda

Lenora, with all the new stuff you're getting you might want to think about a tool box to keep in your rig. It doesn't have to be big, but think about the kinds of things you're going to get -- like fuses, a ratchet set, screwdrivers, tape (duct, plumber's, electrical) -- all that fun stuff that will roll around unless contained. I got a fishing tackle box that isn't much larger than a big shoebox and it works great. It's amazing how many times I've needed something and it's right there in my handy-dandy tool box!

I have yet to need to replace a fuse - 4+ years on the road. Some rigs might need one more often than not - but in all my years driving a car - have only replaced 2 fuses there also. So, that said, I do not have all the different fuses on hand. But if you feel safer traveling with them - by all means. My "tool box" is about 1/2 the size of a shoe box.

I was driving to ABQ in my Class A a few years ago and blew the fuse in my lighter......not tragic for the lighter but dang important for my GPS. My fuse box was located UNDER my driver side (NO driver door)... Now it was a tight awkward squeeze and I had no idea what I was even looking for OR if it was even there or under the hood......soooooo I stopped at a little Auto Repair shop in Wendover, NV and they said sure they would fix it. So I gave them my manual, read the instructions where it was located to him, while the fellow was upside down and catywampus under my dash (and he wasnt tiny or wiry)...5 minutes later he crawls out...VOILA my fuse is in and the GPS is restored. "That will be $35.00 maam".......whoa......minimum charge there was $70 an hour so they said they cut me a break......yeah right. BUT I was happy as you know what to have my GPS working again...Im geographically challenged without it.

Karen

First off.......
locate your fuse box and there may even be more than one. See what the majority of the
fuses are in there and get a package that has a little variety with mostly of what you need.
Even though I have a fifth wheel, and I have a box with circuit breaker, I still have a fuse
box and I found it in the front storage next to the charger. I wouldn't even have known it
was there had I not have bumped the door on it and it sort of popped open and my little
brain said, "well lookie here"

I keep a variety of fuses on board for the "just in case" that will probably not happen. Do not have a tool box. I dedicated a handy drawer at floor level just inside my door. One drawer is for the outdoor stuff,..(level, tent stakes for my sunscreen on awning, sunscreen for me, screwdrivers, pliers, fuses, binoculars, ... all the things you want to just reach in the door and get. The other floor level drawer is the inside stuff .... cords for av equipment, etc.

I know where my fuse box is and can get to it easily. My SIL showed me where my fuse box is. He popped the lid off and there were allot of different colored fuses in it. And on the inside of the lid is a list of what what the fuses go to. So changing one out should be fairly easy. I just wasn't sure if replacement fuses could be bought anywhere.

I have a neat 'all in one' tool kit my SIL gave me two Christmases ago. I asked for one so I could have all the tools I would need in a neat little case where I could find them easily. I'll take that along till I get a handle on just what I'd actually need to have. The only extra tools I've purchased is a small hammer and a pair of channel locks. Oh, and did get some duct tape, too.

Can't go anywhere without DUCK TAPE And I always carry some VELCO fastners....I find stuff that need attaching places....TV remotes.... Dog treat jars...... extra LCD lights ......

Ok, someone tell me how do I know a fuse is blown? Is there any indication when I look at the fuses in the box, or do I just assume when the appliance isn't working it's probably a fuse?

Ooh,ooh, I just learned this one. First, something will quit working, lights etc. Since your fuse box is marked you pull the fuse for that area. Use needle nose pliers - they sell a little tool called a fuse puller, don 't waste your money - they don't work that well and you probably already own a pair of pliers. Hold that fuse up to the light(okay youngsters may not need this step) and you will be able to see that it looks burnt. Replace with same color - the color inidcates the size. You can buy these at WalMart in the automotive section or an auto parts store, a small assortment of smaller sizes 2 - 20 will be suffcient and cost around $3.

Oh, how cool, Soos! I haven't a clue either if fuses expire...