Hi all, I have a 2009 Pleasure Way Excel class B RV. I just replaced the coach battery with a new one of the same type as the original (Interstate). Before the trip when doing my pre trip inspection and prep I checked the charge on the coach battery and it showed 12.6 volts (a full charge). After about a week trip and getting home, about a 2.5 hour drive, I noticed that the coach battery indicator in the RV only showed that the coach battery was only partially charged. I put my digital voltmeter on the terminals and indeed it only showed 11.99 volts (about a 40% charge). I would think that a new coach battery after a 2.5 hour drive would be fully charged (about 12.6 volts). Do I have a problem with the coach battery charging system or perhaps the battery itself. I did have the Dometic small refrigerator running on DC while driving as usual. Is this normal or do I need to take it in and have the new battery checked and the coach battery charging system? Just wondering because I thought it would be fully charged after that drive home. Thanks all...Don.

scarpi wrote:Hi all, I have a 2009 Pleasure Way Excel class B RV. I just replaced the coach battery with a new one of the same type as the original (Interstate). Before the trip when doing my pre trip inspection and prep I checked the charge on the coach battery and it showed 12.6 volts (a full charge). After about a week trip and getting home, about a 2.5 hour drive, I noticed that the coach battery indicator in the RV only showed that the coach battery was only partially charged. I put my digital voltmeter on the terminals and indeed it only showed 11.99 volts (about a 40% charge). I would think that a new coach battery after a 2.5 hour drive would be fully charged (about 12.6 volts). Do I have a problem with the coach battery charging system or perhaps the battery itself. I did have the Dometic small refrigerator running on DC while driving as usual. Is this normal or do I need to take it in and have the new battery checked and the coach battery charging system? Just wondering because I thought it would be fully charged after that drive home. Thanks all...Don.Before the drive home, what was the routine while gone for charging the battery? What loads did it have on it between charges?Jim

Thanks for your reply Jim. Lets see if I can answer your question. Of course the RV was plugged into shore power over night at the KOA campground for our few nights stay and the rv was used to drive to our destinations during the day with only the refrig on DC as usual while driving and parked in the forest. I even used the generator while parked in the forest for a couple of hours one day to use the air (it was warm) and charge the battery. Basically the only load on the coach battery when not plugged into shore power was the Dometic refrigerator and maybe the fantastic fan vent. Basically we used the rv to get to our sights during the day and then it sat there with the refrig on DC for a couple of hours each day. Then we drove to our next destination. So basically the routine for charging the battery was shore power at night and driving during the daytime to get to various destinations, and use of the generator once for an hour or so. And the only loads on the battery during the day when not on shore power was the Dometic refrigerator and the fantastic fan vent.

Look for a blown fuse for the charge relay and test the charge relay.Location will vary. I am not sure where it is located on your rig. What chassis?

What model is the Dometic fridge? Do you know what the DC current draw is when on DC? Most RV fridges don't operate on DC (except to power the control board when on propane)DC absorption fridges draw a LOT of amps. That could by your killer. Also, often automotive alternators don't provide a lot of charging current to deep cycle batteries. 11.99 volts is awfully close to dead. Try not to let the no-load voltage drop below 12.2 Volts.I just Googled Dometic AC/DC refrigerators and found that current Portable fridges draw from 2.75 to 4.5 amps depending on the model.. Running continuously for 10 hours would take 27.5 to 45 Amp Hours from your battery.I assume that you have one of the portables.I forgot to ask what the coach battery is. I am guessing a group 27 Marine/Deep Cycle which will give you roughly 100 AH to completely dead, so 50 AH or so to 50% (12.2V) Also remember you have to put a few more AH into the battery than you took out.You MAY have a battery problem, you MAY have a charging problem or you MAY have a usage problem, or a combination any two or all three. A little detective work should sort it out.

Thanks all. To answer your questions. The chassis is a Ford E-350 Super Duty with the V10 engine (09 Pleasure Way Excel TD). The frig is a Dometic RM2354 that runs on propane, AC, or DC. I don't know the current draw on DC for the frig. The new coach battery is an Interstate Marine/RV model SRM-24. I appreciate the input. I'm not too technically knowledgeable so I may have to bring it into my RV service center if it does need a repair. But your input will sure be helpful.......thanks all....Don

coach battery issue ? | Good Sam Community

23 Replies

scarpi
Explorer
Jun 09, 2013
Well thought I'd check the voltage again. It still is 12.77V hours after plugging it into shore power. I guess tomorrow I will check the fuses on my power inverter if I can find it. The owners manual does not show its location. It is probably next to the power transfer box under a screwed down plywood panel under one couch. I'm starting to really learn this thing. I guess that's a good thing.
HiTech
Explorer
Jun 08, 2013
Me too!

Jim
scarpi
Explorer
Jun 08, 2013
You know with every trip I take, I learn something new about the RV. This forum is a great help.
mena661
Explorer
Jun 08, 2013
They're saying that because it will run down your battery otherwise. With the engine on, you'll get charging from the alternator.
scarpi
Explorer
Jun 08, 2013
Ok Jim, I've got the manual and will check the internal fuses. Gee and I also found in the owners manual for the RV that it says "The 12 volt or DC power on your fridge should only be used while in motion or running the vehicle engine". Duh, my fault for not being aware of this. Well live and learn. I just hope I did not damage anything.
HiTech
Explorer
Jun 08, 2013
It may have some fuses that blew when the battery was changed. Worth looking in the manual to see where they are.

Jim
scarpi
Explorer
Jun 08, 2013
I checked the breaker to the converter and it is on. The converter is an Intelipower 9200 series. Maybe just check the battery voltage in a few hours to see if it rises?....Don
mena661
Explorer
Jun 08, 2013
HiTech wrote:
Sounds like your converter is not working. Is the AC breaker for it turned on? Do you know what model it is?

Jim
X2, even if it didn't go into boost mode, it should still be in the 13+V range.
HiTech
Explorer
Jun 08, 2013
Sounds like your converter is not working. Is the AC breaker for it turned on? Do you know what model it is?

Jim
scarpi
Explorer
Jun 08, 2013
Ok I just checked the voltage with the RV plugged in and vehicle off. The voltage is now 12.80V. It seems that the voltage dropped from the previous reading of 13.0V under the same conditions a few hours ago. So does this mean that I should leave it plugged into shore power for a couple of days to recharge that battery until the reading raises to the mid 13 range? By the way is there any danger leaving the RV plugged into shore power charging that battery for a few days. Can the battery get over charged or cause a fire or some other problem? And I'm in Phoenix where the temperature is as hot as hell now. Does that play into the issue at all? Thanks again....Don

Forum Discussion

coach battery issue ?

23 Replies

About Technical Issues

Related Content

12 Volt Power Issue

Coach Batteries

Battery issues

Troubleshooting Coach Battery Issue

Battery Issue?