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ilvtravln's avatar
ilvtravln
Explorer II
Jun 05, 2021

Batteries not holding charge ???

I have 2 year old deep cycle Interstate batteries, usually they hold a charge for about 2 months but recently its much shorter than before. Is there a way to check the RV charging system? When I plug into power everything lights up normal. I check the water in the often. I plug into power about every 2 months. Last set of the same brand of batteries lasted 4 or 5 years. I called Costco where I bought them and they said warranty was only for 1 year. Thanks for any help.

18 Replies

  • Lwiddis wrote:
    I’m not sure your issue is charging. Have the batteries tested. Did you recharge every two months when they very low or nearly dead?


    I did plug into power about every 2 months, have not tested the batteries. Thanks
  • Idiot lights are for the salesman to explain what a great charging system the RV has...

    Buy a digital voltmeter for $10-20. With a dishcarged battery the battery voltage at the battery terminals should ramp up to 14.4V (bulk charging), then hold at 14.4V while the amps taper down (absorb charging) and then volts and amps taper down to float mode of 13.6V.

    There are many posts on chargers that don't charge correctly especially WFCO and many have replaced that alleged charger.

    If the plates are not completely covered with water the batteries are compromised. Have the batteries load tested by a good battery shop, an auto store is not a good battery shop.
  • It's not unusual for acid batteries to lose capacity much faster than you think. Do you work them pretty hard?
  • Solar makes keeping batteries charged so easy. My TT is neither on the 300 watt roof main system or, when covered, on the 30 watt panel on top of my cover.
  • You don't happen to have a storage bay light that got on by mistake, or something that's drawing power?
  • I’m not sure your issue is charging. Have the batteries tested. Did you recharge every two months when they very low or nearly dead?