Forum Discussion

FLHTCI's avatar
FLHTCI
Explorer
Jul 13, 2022

Battery issues

I have a 2012 Winnebago Itasca. I bought all new Interstate battery in February, took the coach to Florida for 7 weeks without battery issues. All seven weeks we were plugged into shore power with the chassis batteries switched off, coach batteries on.

I dropped my RV off to have some work done on it in June, when I went to start the coach all batteries were dead including the chassis battery. I get home and plug the RV in assuming it will charge the batteries. Three weeks latter the batteries are dead.

My questions are as follows:
Shouldn’t the batteries be fully charged after being plugged into shore power for that length of time (3 weeks).

If when plugged in to shore power, when the RV is not in use, should I shut the coach battery off? If the coach batteries are off, with the batteries charge?

Thank you in advance.
Class A
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Jul 14, 2022
    Chassis battery.. Likely is dead
    House battery: If MARINE/deep cycle there is slight hope it will recover
    If GC-2 pairs a fair chance it will recover.

    This is why I keep telling folks that DEEP CYCLE batteries (GC-2 pairs) should be kept at least half full

    MARINE/deep cycle (Most Group XX) 3/4 full
    Starting batteries (Chassis) 80 or more

    And in all cases recharged quickly when run down.

    And people argue with me.. but you just proved it.

    NOW.

    When plugged in measure voltage AT THE BATTERIES.. should be over 13 and a half.

    But if it's not.. You have a charging issue.. Converter, Fuse (Or circuit breaker), Disconnect switch (In reverse order of suspect)

    NOTE circuit breaker can be a 120 volt (likely labeled conv) or 12 volt.
  • kedanie's avatar
    kedanie
    Explorer II
    Jul 14, 2022
    If your batteries are below 10V the inverter/charger won’t charge them. Use a dedicated battery charger to get he up above 10V then the on board inverter/charger can take over.

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