Forum Discussion

txhandgunner's avatar
txhandgunner
Explorer
Aug 12, 2013

Storage and Batteries

I've only owned our rig for about 3 months, but we've come upon an increasingly troubling problem: dead and/or dying batteries when I get it out of storage. The rig runs just great when it's being used, but it seems like each time I get it out of storage now, the batts have less and less energy remaining in them.

We got it out just last weekend after a little more than 3 weeks in storage and all the batteries (coach AND chassis) we're completely stone dead....wouldn't even read on the panel inside the coach. I jumped the engine to get it running and after a while in the full sun (for the solar panel) all seemed well....worked fine all weekend at the beach and batts showed full w/in a day.

I do the shutdown like I think I should: turn off everything and flip the 'disconnect' switches off just inside the coach. There shouldn't be any drain on the batts....I wouldn't think. Although I have 30amp service at the storage lot, I don't use it....don't trust it.

I keep the batts full of water, they're only about a year old, the connections are clean, and they show full charge when I put it up. I don't understand what's going on!

Any help is appreciated.

6 Replies

  • snowdance's avatar
    snowdance
    Explorer
    Aug 12, 2013
    Had the same problem. Unhooked the batterys a few times and no problem Did find some one added things right to the battery not going thru the switch. Also if they go dead when unhooked odds are they are bad batterys. Happens to even near new ones.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Aug 12, 2013
    Use the 30a supply. Far more trusty than the current system.
    Post the converter model for what to expect.
  • tenbear's avatar
    tenbear
    Explorer
    Aug 12, 2013
    Some battery disconnect switches leave what the manufacturer considers important things still connected. To be sure, disconnect the negative lead from the battery.
  • MEXICOWANDERER's avatar
    MEXICOWANDERER
    Explorer
    Aug 12, 2013
    This is NOT a real disconnect switch




    On the other hand these ARE genuine disconnect switches



  • MNtundraRet's avatar
    MNtundraRet
    Navigator
    Aug 12, 2013
    From the picture of your coach it does not look that old.

    Possible problem could be the converter/charger failing to charge batteries due to: tripped circuit-breaker, popped fuse, failed charger.

    There may be a failed battery-disconnect, not allowing batteries to be charged while on shore-power.

    With both chassis and house-batteries going dead that fast may mean a ground wire has become disconnected somewhere on the 12 circuit.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Aug 12, 2013
    Hard to say. Next time I'd remove either the pos or neg wire from the coach batteries leaving them completely disconnected (for sure) and see.

    How old are these batteries? Do they have enough water? Your description sounds like old tired batteries. I know you said you owned it 3 months, but the batts may be older.

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