ogsarg
Hollister
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new to the RV world (obviously) and recently had my dual coach batteries go dead after sitting unused for about 5 days. Status panel indicated a full charge when last used. Since nothing in the coach was on, I didn't bother to use the disconnect. The chassis battery was ok.
It's a new 2011 Forest River solera on a Sprinter Chassis and I'm wondering if something isn't leaking current somewhere.
My questions?
Can the chassis drain the coach batteries?
If everything is functioning correctly, how long would the coach batteries hold a charge in storage.
It is winter here but temps rarely get lower than mid 30's at night and usually 50's-60's during the day.
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Ivylog
Blairsville, Ga. USA
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Joined: 06/30/2004
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If disconnected and the tops are clean lead/acid 2-3 months, AGM's much longer.
This post is my opinion (free advice). It is not intended to influence anyone's judgment nor do I advocate anyone do what I propose.
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offthewall
New Jersey
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Joined: 08/19/2007
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ogsarg wrote:new to the RV world (obviously) and recently had my dual coach batteries go dead after sitting unused for about 5 days. Status panel indicated a full charge when last used. Since nothing in the coach was on, I didn't bother to use the disconnect. The chassis battery was ok.
It's a new 2011 Forest River solera on a Sprinter Chassis and I'm wondering if something isn't leaking current somewhere.
My questions?
Can the chassis drain the coach batteries?
If everything is functioning correctly, how long would the coach batteries hold a charge in storage.
It is winter here but temps rarely get lower than mid 30's at night and usually 50's-60's during the day.
The LP detector alone will kill your batteries in a couple of days. Always use the disconnect switch when leaving the RV for more than a day. I use AGM's and my batteries will stay above 12v, using the disconnect switch, all winter (4 months or so).
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old guy
Oregon (pronounced Or e gun)
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Joined: 03/15/2006
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your detectors are always armed and are drawing amps even in storage unless you use a battery disconnect. AND believe this or not, if the battery tops are dirty. and I mean a little dirt not an inch thick, you can loose power in the battery. I did not believe it my self but back when my brother managed a battery store he showed me how the battery looses power when the top is dirty. he put a bulb in a socket and touched the top of the battery and grounded the other wire and the bulb lit up. then he went to a clean battery and the bulb stayed off.
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garym114
Bluff Dale, Texas
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Joined: 07/24/2006
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Five days, that is pretty quick. You still have some loads on the coach batteries. Use the disconnect switch after you fully charge the batteries back up. Fully charging will take several hours. do this as soon as you can.
Repeated full discharges will greatly shorten the life of the batteries and their capacity.
If they still discharge you can remove all load by lifting the ground cable on the batteries, only after they are fully charged. The batteries will store in that condition for several months.
2000 Sea Breeze F53 V10 - CR-V Toad
Some RV batteries live a long and useful life, some are murdered.
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ogsarg
Hollister
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Completely forgot about the detectors. I'll make sure to use the disconnect from now on.
Battery tops were clean as a whistle when I did the walk through a week ago. cables tight and no sign of any corrosion.
thanks everyone.
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Tiger4x4RV
San Diego County, California
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Joined: 03/14/2007
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In addition to the detector issue, if your batteries are not disconnected and there is even a tiny leak in your water system, the water pump will run to build pressure back up. That drains your battery and may cause water damage somewhere unseen along the plumbing.
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Us out West
Reno
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Installing solar panels on the roof solved that problem for us.
Batteries (2 - 6 volts) stay charged no matter how long we are not using.
Also great for boondocking.
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Wanderman
New York
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Most definitely you have phantom draws. The aforementioned LP/CO detectors are a usual suspect.
You may also have small draws from other sources. A small investment in a multimeter and a bit of tracking will help you locate some of the others.
The coach disconnect switch doesn't always disconnect all the loads. I've also seen the disconnect rely malfunction and actually use power!
Check for small electronics that have presets and/or clocks. Also, improperly wire in accessories from previous owners. Sometimes things are wired in that go directly to the batteries, bypassing the disconnect switch.
Just some ideas to check if your problem persists.
YMMV
Rich "The Wanderman"
1991 Aero Cruiser 23RBa
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Allworth
Orlando, FL
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is that "If you rely on a relay you may really be in trouble."??
Formerly posting as "littleblackdog"
Martha, Allen, & Blackjack
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