Forum Discussion

Erekose3's avatar
Erekose3
Explorer
Apr 30, 2013

Battery issue new Keystone

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
  • mbopp's avatar
    mbopp
    Explorer
    Apr 30, 2013
    We dry camp and I'm always on an "amp hunt."
    I wired in an on-off switch for the radio / DVD player so the draw is now ZERO.
    I have a 100ma phantom drain but I haven't pulled the fuse on the propane detector yet to see if that's all it is.

    Here's some pics of mods including a cut-off switch and extended battery tray: Mods
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Apr 30, 2013
    100w solar panel would keep you charged in storage and reduce generator run time when camped.
  • phenrichs's avatar
    phenrichs
    Explorer
    Apr 30, 2013
    Wow I am surprised that TT wouldn't have a cutoff switch. My 2012 Keystone Sprinter has one right in the V of the hitch in front of the battery. Big red one.
  • Erekose3's avatar
    Erekose3
    Explorer
    Apr 30, 2013
    The battery was 100% charged during the first trip out this year. I think I'll have to either just start disconnecting the positive terminal (don't think I'll buy the switch because my brother-in-law might find that too tempting).

    Thanks for the response.
  • Erekose3's avatar
    Erekose3
    Explorer
    Apr 30, 2013
    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.
  • APT's avatar
    APT
    Explorer
    Apr 30, 2013
    Disconnect the battery @ storage, when not in use. Many people buy switches for this. I just remove a wing nut.
  • limbery's avatar
    limbery
    Explorer
    Apr 30, 2013
    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.
  • ktmrfs's avatar
    ktmrfs
    Explorer II
    Apr 30, 2013
    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.

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