Just purchased a 2013 Laredo - Was sold on having (2) 6volt batteries. But right before I picked it up was told I could only have one 12volt (space on the hitch). I recently went camping (trial to make sure everything worked - toilet valve didn't but you expect something right?). My main problem now is my battery won't hold a charge very long. Less than three weeks sitting since I last drove it (had to license it today) so I picked it up yesterday tongue jack wouldn't work without being connected to my truck. Drove it for 30miles plus back and forth to the DMV this morning (another 10miles) and the awning wouldn't work unless I started the truck or connect to house power. I even turned off all the internal breakers in an attempt to ensure kids didn't leave on a light - searched for one on but none found. The only think I can think of is the radio - as the power light wont go off ever (even if I unplug it's fuse). Anyone having a similar issue? what else can I do. Already went out and purchased a small generator (51DB @ 400W output - not sure if its too loud yet). Open to any suggestions - thanks for the help

unless you turned the battery disconnect switch off when stored, a single 12V battery will discharge in a week or less. Why?? well first off, the radio in the OFF position is really in STANDBY and draws about 0.3A, thats about 8AH/day, 7 days = 56AH, half or more of the battery capacity. couple with a few other parasitic drains, and yup, battery goes flat quick in storage. turning off the breakers does NOTHING for battery drain. The breakers are ONLY for the 120V circuits. All the 12V circuits are protected either by fuses or Circuit breakers in the 12V panel.And, the 400W generator, probably will overload trying to power the charger. The charger will draw more power than that easily. Unless the generator has a 12V DC output capability.if you don't have a battery disconnect switch, then unhook the battery positive cable whenever you store the trailer. Even two 6V batteries would have been drained heavily after 3 weeks, although they would likely have slowly worked the jack and awning.

I've got a single 12v on a new TT too...haven't had it unplugged for any length of time yet...just 5 days so far, and I'm running the pump occasionally and a few of the non-led lights...I've got the same POS Jensen radio as yours I'll bet, so it's on all the time.... I'm going to a festival this July where I'll be boon docking for 4 days so my solution is to get a solar panel put on the roof ...scheduled to go into the dealer next week for the install.

Disconnect the battery @ storage, when not in use. Many people buy switches for this. I just remove a wing nut.

how have you charged the battery?

The Generator I got was a 2000W Costco one (Yamaha M80) the DB's listed only state 51DB @ 400W. so I suspect it's a lot louder at 2000W where I need it to charge that battery.

Battery issue new Keystone | Good Sam Community

HappyKampper
Explorer
Jun 21, 2013
New here to this forum. Hello, we just purchased 60 days ago a 2013 cougar high country 246rls. I work for Napa Coorperate. I put 2 new 6 volt industrial batteries in. Cause the 2 12olts rv batteries weren't holding a charge. Or so I thought. I recharged them. In 3 days of sitting. No shore power. The big red shut off key turned off and pulled out. So they, the 6volt and 12 volts don't last more then 3 full days. So when dry camping. 1 to 1 1/2 days dead. I have to run generator for 8 hours to get any kind of charge. So they dealer said it has 1.5 amp draw. Which will kill a battery in 2-3 days. Is normal. I have a feeling my remote system is the culprit! With everything off I can still open both slide, the awning, and all 4 jacks. When reconnecting the batteries, lots of sparky sparky! So you know there is amperage draw. Any ideas?
SGardiner
Explorer
May 05, 2013
We picked up our new Keystone yesterday.

During the PDI we were told to disconnect our battery if the unit is to sit idle for more than two weeks.

Will likely install a disconnect switch at some point.

I am sure there is a thread here somewhere that recommends one ;)
Hansel
Explorer
May 04, 2013
I disconnect the battery and use a solar charger too keep it going
JimmyRV
Explorer
May 01, 2013
Pull your battery while you keep it in storage and hook it up to a Battery Tender. It will always be ready to go when you are.
CincyGus
Explorer II
May 01, 2013
If your Jensen is like mine, if you Hold the power button down, it will turn off. Not sure if it maintains memory and a smaller drain at that point but the lights turn completely off so its saving some. I have mine at the house and stay plugged to shore power but doesn't sound like that's an option for you.
exeter_acres
Explorer
May 01, 2013
Erekose3 wrote:
The battery was 100% charged during the first trip out this year.

how do you know?
Marsland
Explorer
May 01, 2013
Don't know what tow rig you have but I've learned (through experience) that Ford's with the tow package are capable of charging the trailer battery going down the road - BUT - they (Ford) don't install the fuse and relay at the factory!! They provide them, but don't install them. If yours is a Ford check that your truck is actually charging the battery.
2112
Explorer II
Apr 30, 2013
I looked at several Laredo's last month and I believe they all had the red cut-off switch mounted on the inside of the tounge left of the battery mount. Look there for a red knob that you can turn 90 degrees.
modern_family
Explorer
Apr 30, 2013
Definitely disconnect the battery. I always disconnect and remove and after 2 months the battery still had almost full charge. Worked slide, tongue jack and lights no problem.
skipnchar
Explorer
Apr 30, 2013
A month is about average for a connected battery to a travel trailer or 5th wheel. It only takes a couple of seconds to disconnect the negative lead when you aren't going to be using the trailer for a while. Battery should maintain at least 75% charge for three or four months when not left in service.

As for your "room" problem, get a little creative. Mine only had room for one 12 volt also so I turned them 90 degrees and filled in the cavity in the tongue and put two Trojans in side by side with no problem.

Good luck / Skip