charging batteries question

Question

My diesel pusher was at a CAT service center for 3 months having repairs done. They didn't keep the batteries charged all the time. Hooked them up to a charger every now and then. The 4 6volt house batteries seem fine so far.

They had the two start batteries disconnected for quite a long time while performing engine maintenance. Now they will barely start the coach and generator since I got it back from them yesterday. I had to use the boost switch this am to get the engine started. I disconnected one start battery and have been charging it with a 10 amp charger most of the day.

After I get them both charged and the coach still doesn't want to start easily, is it time for new start batteries.....?

2oldman · Answer

If they will take an equalizer charge,I'd do that and see what happens. Getting them back to snuff might take a few days.

chuckftboy · Answer

You didn't say how old the batteries are but I assume they have some age. Probably time to replace them, not a very big expense and the risk of being stuck somewhere just isn't worth squeezing a few more starts out of them. If they are 2 years old or older, replace them.

wolfe10 · Answer

Fully charge them, then go by any place that sells batteries and have them LOAD TESTED.  Again, only test when they are fully charged.

raychez · Answer

They usually last around five years. Last time I bought Napa and am very happy with them.

donfrump · Answer

lj2654 wrote:My diesel pusher was at a CAT service center for 3 months having repairs done. They didn't keep the batteries charged all the time. Hooked them up to a charger every now and then. The 4 6volt house batteries seem fine so far.They had the two start batteries disconnected for quite a long time while performing engine maintenance. Now they will barely start the coach and generator since I got it back from them yesterday. I had to use the boost switch this am to get the engine started. I disconnected one start battery and have been charging it with a 10 amp charger most of the day.After I get them both charged and the coach still doesn't want to start easily, is it time for new start batteries.....?Assuming you charged them correctly and fully.When u say it does not want to start easly means I assume its not turning over very fast then yes u need new starting batterys.so if your adapt enough to charge the batterys to a correct and full voltage and the engine still turns over slowly then no need wasting your time.Buy a couple new batterys

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charging batteries question

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