KA4EBU wrote:
We left the RV and was gone for 5 days. It was plugged in to AC, nothing on on the dc side. The house batteries were completely dead. Turned the freedom 458 to charge and they appeared to be taking a charge. Going back in a few more days. Where do I need to start when I get back. Batteries are about 4 years old.
Your batteries are shot from turning off the charger. If you are plugged in, the charger should be left on to charge the house-batteries.
Some detectors are connected to h-batteries even if on disconnect. Also; if you have 12v batteries they are still connected to each other even on "disconnect". They prey on each other. Four year old batteries connected in parallel with a detector or two can easily go flat such as your case.
If you are in the habit of turning off the charger while plugged in the batteries are slowly discharging if not being maintained by the converter/charger.
The house-battery "disconnect" is only to be used while in storage without access to shore-power.