No 12 V power at all W/O shore line or generator

dtucker3usa wrote:
I have sort of the same problem except that unless I'm hooked to shore power or running the generator the only 12 volt I have is to my steps. all other 12 volt systems shut off as soon as you shut down the generator or unhook from shore power. Also the coach batteries are relatively new. Any suggestions? I have a 1997 Damon Intruder with two 12 volt coach batteries.

Is there a main switch? It would be located just inside the door.

I have sort of the same problem except that unless I'm hooked to shore power or running the generator the only 12 volt I have is to my steps. all other 12 volt systems shut off as soon as you shut down the generator or unhook from shore power. Also the coach batteries are relatively new. Any suggestions? I have a 1997 Damon Intruder with two 12 volt coach batteries.

Normally the generator is started from the coach/house batteries and by cranking the MH, it's alternator is putting enough power in the house batteries to start the generator. Check the water in the house batteries... they are most likely dry especially if you left the MH plugged in to power over the winter. A 03 Southwind probably has a dumb one stage charger that will boil the water out of the batteries... you need to replace it with a three stage charger... cheaper than buying new batteries every couple of years.

If you don't have a multimeter or know how to use one, ask some of your neighbors. Someone will have one and be willing to help.

The 12 Volt Side of Life will help explain battery voltages.

I usually tell everyone to clean and tighten all battery terminals. But, you are getting power for a couple minutes. It sounds like everyone is correct. Your batteries need replaced.

Do you know the age of the batteries? Are they 12 volt or two 6 volt?

is this the first time you have used the motorhome this year? Or have you used it this year and everything was fine? Trying to figure out if this is just a case of the batteries going bad over the winter. also by truck, I assume you meant the motor home engine?

my rig is 2003 Fleetwood southwind.


I just timed it, when I shut generator off 12v power lasted 2 minutes lights went dim at 2mins then all power was lost at 2 mins 5 secs.

when all power goes, I have to start engine on truck to even start generator. Where does power to start generator come from???
Coach batteries or truck battery??

Without knowing what your rig is, I would start by checking your coach batteries. It might be time to replace them. Then check the charging system. :h

How long is a short while? Hopefully turning the battery disconnect switch on will solve the problem BUT it sounds like your batteries are shot. I would check if the house batteries are low on water... you can see the plates I would put any water you have in them in the hopes you can get through the weekend but they are never going to have their rated output.

You have house batteries and engine battery/ies. The charger that charges the house batteries may be bad so cranking the engine and letting the alternator charge them may be an option.

Welcome to the forums and it would help if you would include what rig you have... helps us to help you. With only one post it's hard to get a feel for your mechanical/electrical abilities. Do you have a volt meter?

Sounds like battery/batteries are toast.


CampingKing