battery charging inconsistently

Question

The other day we were in the bedroom and my wife had the light on above the bed, she said it's dark in here turn on the other light. When I did it caused the first light to dim by 50%. I checked the battery charged idiot light and it said I had only "one" light lit. I checked all my fuses at the Inverter and they were both good. The battery connections also seemed good. I cant find anything visibly wrong. I have a 2008 Cedar Creek fifth wheel. Any ideas? I failed to mention that later that day it charged to full. But it has happened again, and again. Seems lie it is inconsistent. We have had a few power outages in the campground if that matters.

kerrlakeroo · Answer

Ground strap, If thats good ,,, How did you charge? was it at home from shore, from your tow vehicle, are you in a CG?
Even if the power goes out occasionally the batteries should still charge up.
You said the batteries were back to full later, and after that, how much were they used before it seemed to be almost dead again? That may be a bad battery if it doesnt hold any more than a few minutes usage, but if your plugged in, the converter should be providing whats needed to keep the lights on, You may be running on batteries more than you realize, the CG power may be out more than believed.

dick_b · Answer

Just off the top I'd guess the battery is going.

bobkrogstie · Answer

Sounds like the battery can't hold a charge.  How old is the battery?

jrs1871 · Answer

The battery could be going bad or the converter could be on its last legs. I would tend to believe it is the converter if it is OEM. The OEM converters are borderline at best.
To check, you might take your battery to an auto parts store and have them test it. If it checks out OK, it is your converter. If you need to replace your converter, look for a smart converter with a higher amp rating than the OEM.

jerseyjim · Answer

The CONverter in my 2001 was getting "weak" last year. They do that. On the advise of my RV mechanic, I bought a Parallax 4455. (55AMP).

Easy install...was surprised at the "old" tech vs the "new" tech. The "old" was huge and heavy. "new" was small, light...and the wire hookups were the same. The size difference made it impossible for me you use the screw holes already there...so 2 strips of velcro was the way to go. Holding just fine.

I think it was $207+p&h.

Or...as mentioned earlier, it could be one or more of your coach batteries are going or are 'bad". If so...replace BOTH.

g'luck!

Forum Discussion

battery charging inconsistently

About Fifth Wheel Group

Related Content

Battery charging

Battery charging

battery charging

Battery charge versus remaining usable charge

Truck charge camper battery?