Forum Discussion

malechi's avatar
malechi
Explorer
Jul 23, 2016

PLEASE HELP! Batteries are not operating rig

I pulled up to camp tonight and disconnected from the truck. Thats when I noticed that tongue jack wasn't working. None of the LED lights worked.I pulled out the Champion generator and it all works. I cut it off and nothing works. The 2x 6 volt batteries have a charge and are reading 12 volts when the generator if not running. If I turn off the generator, I lose all power. What's going on? I can see that the batteries are connected properly.
  • MEXICOWANDERER's avatar
    MEXICOWANDERER
    Explorer
    Jul 23, 2016
    I have read the

    12 Volt Side Of Life

    Section on batteries

    And decided it was written by an "informed amateur"

    BATTERY UNIVERSITY on the other hand was written by professionals. My suggestion is to read appropriate sections dealing with batteries using the 12 Volt Side of Life, then refer to Battery University to either corroborate or dispel specifics as written in the 12 Volt Side Of Life. My statement applies to batteries only
  • korbe's avatar
    korbe
    Explorer
    Jul 23, 2016
    malechi wrote:
    Well, I figured it out. The 30 AMP fuse at the battery was blown. Not sure how that happened. Also, I tested that fuse earlier and got a good reading. Crazy! We're all good now. Thanks!!!!

    Appreciate you coming back on here to post the specific issue and fix. So many people don't have the curtesy to do that.
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Jul 23, 2016
    scrubjaysnest wrote:
    gbopp wrote:
    I'm glad you got everything working. You may want to check your batteries. If they were at 12 Volts, they're not charged properly.

    The 12 Volt Side of Life will explain battery charge levels.

    While this is a good introduction to 12 volts, the S.O.C. chart is incorrect. Check here for better info:Battery University

    Thanks. :C
  • Tvov's avatar
    Tvov
    Explorer II
    Jul 23, 2016
    While you are at it, check the condition of your battery cables too. I struggled a few summers ago with questionable battery power, including buying new batteries ($$) when the "old" ones weren't that old.

    During one of my many tightening / cleanings of the battery cable connections, I noticed a small amount of corrosion in the wire that the connector was, well, connected to. I ended up cutting off about 2 inches of wire on both the positive and negative cables before getting to mostly clean wire. After reconnecting the connectors, I put a bunch of "liquid tape" on the ends and I haven't had any issues since.

    Just one more thing to think about!
  • scrubjaysnest's avatar
    scrubjaysnest
    Explorer
    Jul 23, 2016
    gbopp wrote:
    I'm glad you got everything working. You may want to check your batteries. If they were at 12 Volts, they're not charged properly.

    The 12 Volt Side of Life will explain battery charge levels.

    While this is a good introduction to 12 volts, the S.O.C. chart is incorrect. Check here for better info:Battery University
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Jul 23, 2016
    I'm glad you got everything working. You may want to check your batteries. If they were at 12 Volts, they're not charged properly.

    The 12 Volt Side of Life will explain battery charge levels.
  • malechi's avatar
    malechi
    Explorer
    Jul 23, 2016
    Well, I figured it out. The 30 AMP fuse at the battery was blown. Not sure how that happened. Also, I tested that fuse earlier and got a good reading. Crazy! We're all good now. Thanks!!!!

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