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Number of Batteries Needed To Operate Tip-Outs on 5th Wheel Trailer

by Tonya

We have a fifth wheel with three tip-outs. We took out two batteries and replaced them with one battery. The tip-outs won't work now. Are two batteries needed to make the tip-outs work?

ANSWER: Greetings Tonya thanks for submitting your question on our Ask An RV Question Page.

Based on your question I am going to assume that the two batteries that you removed were 6 Volt Deep Cycle Batteries and that you replaced them with a one 12 Volt Deep Cycle Marine/RV Battery and not a standard 12 Volt Engine Starting Battery.

If all of the above is true then the answer to your question is yes a properly wired and properly charged 12 Volt Marine/RV Deep Cycle Battery should be sufficient to operate the tip-outs on your 5th Wheel Trailer.

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That being said your best choice would have been to use two 6 Volt Deep Cycle Batteries hooked up in series (which I believe may have been your old setup) which would provide power for a longer period of time without needing to be recharged. For more information on why this would have been a better choice you should read the answer I gave to Are 2 Six Volt Batteries Better Than 1 Twelve Volt Battery To Provide Power To Inside Of RV?.

So the problem you are experiencing may end up being a battery wiring issue or a blown fuse. If you have already checked for those problems you may have to take your RV in and have a Certified RV Technician track down the problem with your tip out system.

I hope this helps.

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RVing Al

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