Forum Discussion

bratastic's avatar
bratastic
Explorer
Jul 10, 2019

Battery charged but RV won't run on house batteries

Hello, I have a 2007 Itasca Navion. I noticed my RV would only run on shore power. long story short, i ended up replacing my batteries and converter. I can see that converter is generating 13 plus volts (as expected) but when I test the positive across both batteries doesn't indicate that the 13 volts are getting to the batteries to charge them. Which btw I realized I have a solar panel connected which I believe is what is charging the batteries....the batteries have juice (not sure if it's just because they are new and/or if the solar is charging) but even then if I unplug from shore no juice (no lights, no pump, etc). I think I have two issues 1) converter power is not getting to batteries to charge them (I think it may never have and it's always been the solar system that I didn't know was connected) and 2) Even thought the batteries have power, they are not powering anything. Any ideas? (we also checked fuses and breakers and reset the GFI outlet in my bathroom)
  • MEXICOWANDERER's avatar
    MEXICOWANDERER
    Explorer
    Jul 10, 2019
    Up until this weekend is when the battery and converter replacements were made?

    Did you take before and after images on your cell? Compare them. Makes things a snap.

    Shut off shore power. Anything on the converter alive? Then go to the battery department and make sure there are no extra or mysterious wires.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Jul 10, 2019
    “and it's always been the solar system that I didn't know was connected”

    Interesting.
  • bratastic's avatar
    bratastic
    Explorer
    Jul 10, 2019
    All breakers fuses at converter are fine. Power switch has worked previously....whole system worked fine up until this weekend. Anyone ever discover any "hidden" breakers before that I can try?
  • rk911's avatar
    rk911
    Explorer
    Jul 10, 2019
    - check for CB on the converter.
    - flip the battery disconnect the other way. a buddy had a MH when the disconnect was ON meant the power was off.
  • bratastic's avatar
    bratastic
    Explorer
    Jul 10, 2019
    confirmed the salesman switch is on and also confirmed all breakers and fuses are on/working at the power center (where converter is under the fridge) - any other breakers/fuses located elsewhere in the rig to check? (yes, we have a voltage meter) And I know a/c, microwave, etc won't run. But right now I got nothing (no lights even) unless I"m plugged into shore.
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Jul 10, 2019
    Battery disconnect would be first item to check. Cycle it to off (store) then back to on.
    Next is a fuse or circuit breaker adjacent to the battery(ies)
    Next would be the battery fuse in the 12 volts DC power distribution panel.
    Do you have a volt meter?
  • ktmrfs's avatar
    ktmrfs
    Explorer II
    Jul 10, 2019
    unless you have an inverter (properly wired) the batteries won't run ANY 120V appliances, like the GFI outlets. All the batteries power are the 12V lights (likely all the lights), fridge on gas, furnace, WH on gas, etc. No microwave, No AC, maybe no TV etc.

    Do the battery(s) have a disconnect that is turned off? Many trailers have a 12V disconnect switch to keep the batteries from discharging from loads like the propane/smoke detectors, radio on standby etc.
  • rk911's avatar
    rk911
    Explorer
    Jul 10, 2019
    two immediate thoughts..

    - the battery disconnect switch (aka the "salesman switch") is off
    - the circuit breaker(s) ON the converter have popped

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