Forum Discussion

Griffin_sride's avatar
Griffin_sride
Explorer
Jul 18, 2015

House batteries/generator killing

Currently camping and having house battery problems. A few weeks ago I neglected checking my house batteries for a few months and found them nearly dead and almost completely out of water. I'm aware that due to my neglegence I probably killed them. I checked last night and 3 of the 4 house batteries are slightly bulged so I'm now certain that they are completely ruined and will come out as soon as I get home. My question is if the house batteries are competely gone will that affect the generator? I had to use the battery jump over switch and use the coach engine batteries to start the generator but the generator kills after a very short while.

Can house batteries that are dead/ruined prevent the generator from running? Everything 12v (carbon monoxide detector, a/c controls,lights) is either acting weird or not working at all. It's like the dead house batteries are killing the whole 12v system even if the generator is running. I would think the generator once started would not need house batteries. Am I wrong???

8 Replies

  • dougrainer's avatar
    dougrainer
    Nomad
    Jul 19, 2015
    DEAD/BAD batteries will NOT kill a APU once it has started. What will kill the APU is IF the Power Converter or Inverter/Charger (whichever you have) CANNOT maintain a constant 12 volt supply to the APU, it will die. APU's DO NOT charge batteries. They have no charger and if there is not constant supply of 12.5 volts to the APU it will die. IF you have BAD/Shorted batteries,. then the Power Converter or Inverter/Charger may not be able to supply a 12 volt supply, because the batteries are causing a malfunction of the charger system. AS others have pointed out, replace those batteries and your problem may be fixed. Make sure you check the Coach charging system after the batteries are replaced, as you may have harmed it or blown a fuse. Doug
  • Vulcan_Rider's avatar
    Vulcan_Rider
    Explorer
    Jul 18, 2015
    Griffin'sride wrote:
    I think I will install a disconnect to isolate them from the generator if it ever happens again. Thanks for the help everyone!!


    That's not a luxury item.
    With 4 batteries, I'm surprised that you don't already have a disconnect switch.

    EVERY RV with batteries needs a disconnect switch....to be used during times of non-use to help prevent killing your batteries by completely draining them from things like smoke detectors.

    Of course then the owner needs to remember to throw the switch when parking it in storage !!!
  • MEXICOWANDERER's avatar
    MEXICOWANDERER
    Explorer
    Jul 18, 2015
    Post make and model of unit's converter and someone here will walk you through the "check and make sure" procedure. Your batteries are zombie bait.
  • Griffin_sride's avatar
    Griffin_sride
    Explorer
    Jul 18, 2015
    Yes Vulcan my Fleetwood has four 6 volt house batteries. Well pulled all four and found a NAPA that had some. Installed new batteries and like I thought everything came back to life!! I think I will install a disconnect to isolate them from the generator if it ever happens again. Thanks for the help everyone!!
  • mockturtle's avatar
    mockturtle
    Explorer II
    Jul 18, 2015
    In some coaches, the generator won't run if the batteries are weak. New batteries should solve the problem. And I agree that AGMs are the way to go.
  • Vulcan_Rider's avatar
    Vulcan_Rider
    Explorer
    Jul 18, 2015
    What he said.

    FOUR batteries ??

    If they are 4 12 volts in parallel AND one of them still reads 12 volts, you could leave it connected. The others definitely should not be used and if they are 6 volts in a series-parallel arrangement, they ALL need to be disconnected.

    If you have a "battery disconnect" switch, that should do the trick without taking anything apart.

    AGM type batteries should be a good choice for replacements.....as they are sealed and usually can withstand neglect much better than the old wet cells.
  • lawrosa's avatar
    lawrosa
    Explorer
    Jul 18, 2015
    Disconnect the house batterys.

    The generator is probably trying to charge them and if they are bulged like you say they are shot.. The gen is probably trying to put all its amps to them.

    Gen does not need house battery..

About Technical Issues

Having RV issues? Connect with others who have been in your shoes.24,256 PostsLatest Activity: May 24, 2025