Forum Discussion

drifterpilot's avatar
drifterpilot
Explorer
Feb 12, 2016

House Batteries Not Charging

I have two house batteries Exide 31XHEV installed new on 27 May 2014.
When coach is connected to shore power or when generator is running the electrical display panel indicates 13.5-14 volts charging.
When coach engine is running, the same electrical display panel indicates only 12.5 volts, normally it would also indicate 13.5-14 volts. This problem has only started in the last four days of driving.
At a 3-lug junction terminal in the battery area, three red heavy leads indicate by voltmeter 13.5 volts. I also have 13.5 volts at a wall-mounted silver colored electrical cylinder in the battery area.
On the engine display panel, 14 volts indicated are being put out by the alternator.
I don't see any breakers thrown or fuses blown.
Presently I am at an RV Park in Mission TX and am moving to Lackland AFB FamCamp on Monday for four days.
Suggestions are most welcome.

4 Replies

  • UPDATE
    I replaced my battery bank solenoid and traveled today for 142 miles. Two house batteries and engine battery charged at 13.5 volts going down the highway.
    Just wanted to thank everyone who contributed to my post.
    Thanks
  • On mine both the solenoid and controller went out. Replaced them and only got one weekend of camping out of the new solenoid. Replaced it again and disabled the feature to charge the chassis battery from the house charger while parked. I keep my coach plugged in while at home and felt that somehow it may have been damaged by staying on all of the time. I put in a separate 120V marine battery charger to keep the chassis battery charged while plugged but have not run the coach since.
  • That's what I would look for, a solenoid between the house batteries and the alternator. Should be able to hear/feel it pick up when turning ign key on. Some times the solenoid has an internal isolation diode that fails.