Forum Discussion

HighwayJunky's avatar
HighwayJunky
Explorer
Jan 25, 2020

Dead house Battery

So, my systems monitoring is telling me that I have a dead battery. Could this be because the MH has be sitting for 5-months and only needs a charge? I always switch off the house batteries and also chassis batteries after going into the MH and I have also started and run the MH several times during that 5-months. Can't these batteries be tested and changed only as needed??

I have seen articles in the forum that said that if one battery goes BAD you should change them all. That doesn't seem practical, I do want to do the right thing. Any suggestions for where to buy the better batteries at a reasonable price?

Novice seeking advise.
Class A
  • crawford's avatar
    crawford
    Explorer
    Jan 28, 2020
    If you let them go below 40 % for more then 2 months they are just junk get a battery tender after this it with be cheaper in long round.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Jan 26, 2020
    I would advice you to replace them all, especially if >4 years old.
  • Executive45's avatar
    Executive45
    Explorer III
    Jan 26, 2020
    I just charged up my chassis batteries. One dropped immediately to 11vdc. Tested it and it was bad. Replaced both batteries. All is good....Charge up your batteries and have them tested. You do it easily enough yourself, but most auto supply stores will do it for you if there's enough room to maneuver your rig. Anyway, if one is bad, replace them all....Dennis
  • midnightsadie's avatar
    midnightsadie
    Explorer II
    Jan 26, 2020
    and I,d add a cut off switch at the battery bank. reason,theres all ways a small electric draw even when your coach switch is off.
  • theoldwizard1's avatar
    theoldwizard1
    Explorer II
    Jan 25, 2020
    The problem with replacing just one battery in a bank is that it has probably caused the other batteries to discharge and pulled them all down. Even if one or more charge and register "good" on a tester, they are not as good as the replacement you install.

    If you are going to be storing a battery bank for more than about 30 day

    • Top off the fluid in all cells
    • Fully charge all batteries, individually if possible
    • Disconnect all cables
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Jan 25, 2020
    Five months without a charge? Get a 30 watt or so solar panel and $23 WindyNation controller and your batteries will stay fully charged.
  • dougrainer's avatar
    dougrainer
    Nomad
    Jan 25, 2020
    For best results you ALWAYS replace ALL the Batteries in a battery bank if just one tests bad or is defective. The reason is simple. When you have 1 battery that is bad, the others may start to deteriorate at different times and you will constantly be chasing battery problems. Interstate Battery replaces all batteries in a battery bank under warranty if just one is defective. Doug
  • oldave's avatar
    oldave
    Explorer
    Jan 25, 2020
    Wolfe is right I will just add use your phone and take pictures .
    Pictures can save you a world of grief
  • wolfe10's avatar
    wolfe10
    Explorer
    Jan 25, 2020
    Fully charge them all. You can only properly test batteries that are fully charged.

    Separate them (remove cables AFTER labeling them).

    Have them LOAD TESTED (free at places that sell batteries).

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