Fuses, Fuses, Everywhere

In an RV, there may be a master breaker and there may be individual circuit breakers for the more affluent.  In general there are at least 3 and generally 4 fuse boxes in an RV.

• The chassis fuse box.  This is similar to a car’s fuse box and controls the headlights, horn, cigarette lighter, and other engine things.  It is mounted on the firewall in a black-covered box fairly easy to find.
• The chassis/house control box.  This controls such things as the heater and powered mirrors.  These are things associated with the chassis but are supplied by the coach manufacturer.  This is mounted on the interior firewall probably to the left of the brake pedal.
• The house fuse box.  This is located somewhere inside the RV and controls the circuits used for household living.
• On my Fleetwood/Ford there is a fourth fuse box on the outside firewall directly opposed to the chassis/house fuse box.  I hope I never need to find out what it is for.
• In any case, it is good to have a spare supply of fuses.  This can be expensive
• My chassis fuses are the giant plastic things about 1.5 inches across.  These are of various ratings/amps and cost $2.00+ per fuse.  I keep a couple of 20-amp of these for the cigarette lighter.
• My House fuses are the medium plastic fuses about 1.0 inch across of various ratings.  I keep a Wal-mart box of various rated fuses for this.
• Chassis/others fuses are the mini-plastic fuses about .5 inches across of various ratings. I keep a Wal-mart box of various rated fuses for this.
• A plastic Fuse puller is a requirement for those of us with fat fingers.  This comes in the Wal-mart fuse package.
• A fuse tester is a requirement if you do not want to pull each fuse out of its tough little narrow slot at midnight at the side of the road to see which fuse failed.  This comes in the Wal-mart fuse package.

Suggestions?  Questions?  Comments?  Push the Home/eMail above.

Written:  2003          Updated:  May 6, 2005          Back To Top