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Michael Shippy, Parker, Colorado
Elimination of Auto-Reset Breakers and Cleanup of Battery Compartment
2016 Ram 3500
2022 Northern Lite 10-2EX LE
For this modification, I wanted to eliminate auto-reset breakers. They can disconnect/blow/open up and then automatically reset themselves. That can make it hard to diagnose electrical problems. They can also blow or open up for a reason, so you would not want them to reset themselves unless you have fixed the problem.
I also wanted to relocate all the wires from inside the battery box since I added lithium batteries to the inside of the camper.
Above: Outside compartment prior to removal of electrical items
My Northern Lite camper had five auto-reset breakers mounted inside the battery box. The batteries had many wires attached to the terminals and the whole presentation needed to be cleaned up.
Above: Rear closet floor prior to the removal of the closet floor
First I disconnected all the wires from the auto reset breakers and terminal blocks that I had added previously. Then I pulled all the wires to the inside of the camper, accessing them from under the rear closet floor, which I removed.
Above: Under the closet floor before the installation of the breaker panel
Then I removed the terminal blocks and auto-reset breakers from the inside wall of the battery box and disposed of them. I mounted a three-quarter-inch thick plywood board to the top of the battery box inside the camper and backed it up with a quarter-inch plywood inside the battery box. Then I screwed them both together.
Above: Breaker panel on top of battery compartment
I added a sixty-amp breaker between the battery and the positive fuse block. From there, I mounted all the manual reset breakers and the fuse box to the 3/8 inch board. I wired all of the wires that I pulled out of the battery box to the breakers and the negative buss bar.
All of the wires are now labeled for future reference. I mounted a switchable light in case I ever have to do any work in this compartment. I also replaced several end connectors so they would work on the breakers and fuse box.
Above: Breaker panel/battery compartment with work light
As you can see in the photo, I replaced one of the auto-reset breakers that had three different circuits on it with individual fuses. I used indicator fuses so I could easily see if they blew.
Above: Outside compartment after removal of electrical items
So far it has worked out just fine. I have not needed to do any repairs or adjustments to this mod and have had no need to access the electrical work done under the rear closet floor. The battery box (top to bottom) is now a great outside storage compartment.
The materials needed were a Blue Sea Systems fuse holder ($33), LED indicator fuses assortment ($20), 60-amp breaker ($26), 40-amp breaker ($26), 35-amp breaker ($26), 30-amp breaker ($26), positive and negative power distribution buss bars ($33), 4-gauge wire (3′ red and 3′ black for $25), terminal ends for 4 gauge wire, 4 gauge solder slugs ($10), wire crimper for 4 gauge terminals and wire shear cutter ($34), and misc mounting screws and zip ties. All were purchased from Amazon. The prices are approximate.
It took me six hours to complete this modification and cost me approximately $235.
Disclaimer: The modifications above are submitted by Truck Camper Magazine readers. It is your responsibility to make sure that any do-it-yourself modification project you undertake is safe, effective, and legal for your situation.
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