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AnthonyC's avatar
AnthonyC
Explorer
Jul 23, 2015

Battery dead every time

Never had this problem in my previous 5er, but something is killing my battery. I had it charged up two weeks ago when being used and this week it's dead again. All lights/fans are off, tvs are unplugged, fridge is off. Maybe I'm missing something... Any suggestions? Oh and battery is a little over year old, I'm hoping it's not the battery but anything is possible.
  • I would:
    Check Converter DC output at converter AND at battery..is it really charging
    Check battery voltage with a voltmeter
    Check water levels in each battery cell
    Then using a hydrometer check each cell specific gravity
    Then take battery to any auto parts store and have it load tested

    IF everything tests good.........
    Connect voltmeter between battery neg. post and neg. cable and measure amp draw
    Then start pulling DC fuses to isolate circuit that is draining battery.

    YES there are parasitic drains on battery...LP Detector, Radio memories etc. but they should not cause a charged battery to go dead in 2 weeks......several weeks yes.
  • You are missing something. Radio memory, Co2 detector, propane detector, circuit board for fridge on and on. Disconnect the battery or install a disconnect switch and all will be fine.

    B.O.
  • One of the many things I lernt from this forum is to install a marine grade battery cut off switch. After killing my own battery, the $35 switch was a good investment. It also stops folks from turning on the hitch light or operating the hitch while its in storage.
  • One should disconnect the battery when not in use, things like the propane detector, "memory" in the am/fm radio, TV antenna amplifier, the invertor standby current and others like moister free features in refrigerators and propane switching solenoids will still draw power.