Forum Discussion

pappaone's avatar
pappaone
Explorer
Aug 15, 2020

Chassis battery

Having problems starting 2017 Minnie Winne mh. Was able to get the engine started using the house batteries switch and chassis battery reads 14.5 while running. Let it run for awhile then shut the engine off but wont restart using just chassis battery. Is it possible the battery is not strong enough ?
  • jdc1's avatar
    jdc1
    Explorer II
    It can read 14.5 volts and still not have enough AMPERAGE to turn it over. The only real way to find out is a load test.
    I just went through this with my diesel truck.....for the umteenth time (well, maybe 5th time in 20 years).
    Time to run down to Costco and get the highest amperage battery that'll fit.
  • If that charger has a "recondition" or similar setting... don't hesitate to use it.
  • time2roll wrote:

    Chassis start battery will get low on charge from just sitting same as any vehicle. Sitting low on charge battery will start sulfating and permanently lose capacity. Have it checked if charging does not help.

    Time2roll I have a feeling that is what has happened, tried to charge it and wouldn't take a full charge.
  • ItsyRV wrote:
    If it just clicks but doesn't turn over the starter, probably a battery that has bit the dust. Has the RV been sitting unused for awhile?


    Yes ItsyRV due to the country being shut down it has been setting for quite some time . I have started it every couple of months but have had to use the house batteries to get it started each time.
  • Probably low on charge. Do you have a small portable charger to put on overnight?

    Chassis start battery will get low on charge from just sitting same as any vehicle. Sitting low on charge battery will start sulfating and permanently lose capacity. Have it checked if charging does not help.

    If the RV is plugged in consider a Trik-L-Start combiner to maintain the charge level on the chassis start battery.
    http://www.lslproducts.net/TLSPage.html
  • Todays modern vehicles will drain the engine battery in about a week, if left unused.
  • Check battery connections
    Check connection on battery side of the start relay.
  • If it just clicks but doesn't turn over the starter, probably a battery that has bit the dust. Has the RV been sitting unused for awhile?