Draining RV battery
Hello everyone, I hope your all doing well. New to RVing and recently purchased a class A 1994 Ford Fleetwood Southwind. I'm full-time in the RV. The RV was disconnected from shore power about a we...
Forum Discussion
Lets start with basic basic for chassis/start batteries.
• All connection must be clean an tight. The outside of the battery needs to be clean (dirt attracts moisture and you can lose charge through the damp dirt).
• You need a meter. Even the cheap (sometimes free) meters from Harbor Freight are better than nothing. For around $50, you can buy a "clamp meter" that will also read amperage.
• Anyone who owns an RV needs a battery charger. You should be able to buy a "multiple stage" charger for under $80.
Quick check on chassis/starter battery health.
• Charge the battery. Either with a battery charger or drive for at least 30 minutes.
• Let "rest" for at least 10 minutes. Make sure all lights and accessories (cell phone charger) are turned off.
• Check the voltage AT THE BATTERY POSTS ! Write it down. It should be about 12.8V.
• Turn on the headlight including the brights for about 10 minutes.
• Check the voltage at the battery posts. It should be above about 12.4V.
• Another 10 minutes of lights on.
• Check the voltage at the battery posts. It should be above about 12.2V.
If you numbers are lower, it is probably time for a new battery.
• All connection must be clean an tight. The outside of the battery needs to be clean (dirt attracts moisture and you can lose charge through the damp dirt).
• You need a meter. Even the cheap (sometimes free) meters from Harbor Freight are better than nothing. For around $50, you can buy a "clamp meter" that will also read amperage.
• Anyone who owns an RV needs a battery charger. You should be able to buy a "multiple stage" charger for under $80.
Quick check on chassis/starter battery health.
• Charge the battery. Either with a battery charger or drive for at least 30 minutes.
• Let "rest" for at least 10 minutes. Make sure all lights and accessories (cell phone charger) are turned off.
• Check the voltage AT THE BATTERY POSTS ! Write it down. It should be about 12.8V.
• Turn on the headlight including the brights for about 10 minutes.
• Check the voltage at the battery posts. It should be above about 12.4V.
• Another 10 minutes of lights on.
• Check the voltage at the battery posts. It should be above about 12.2V.
If you numbers are lower, it is probably time for a new battery.
