Forum Discussion

jdeco01's avatar
jdeco01
Explorer
Apr 04, 2016

Electrical Problem Battery Draw

My 2007 Host Camper has a problem that I can't figure out. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. When not connected to AC or the truck, the generator not running, and the battery shutoff switch is turned to off, there is a draw on the battery of 1.5 amps, measured with a multimeter by disconnecting the battery ground cable and measuring the current between the cable and the battery ground terminal. What is particularly strange is that the battery draw will remain as long as I hold the probe to the ground terminal. When I remove the probe and then reconnect it, there is no current. Approximately 7 minutes later the battery draw returns. If I leave the battery cables connected, it drains the two 6 volt golf cart batteries in a few days, depending on how fully they were charged. As far as I can tell, the only circuits that are not disconnected by the battery cutoff switch are the jacks, slide outs, and converter/generator circuits. I have disconnected the jack circuits, but the battery draw is still there. I'm still trying to locate the controller for the slide circuits. However, the fact that the battery draw takes several minutes to return suggests to me that some electrical component is "resetting" during that period. Anyone had this problem or know the answer.
Truck Campers
  • Bedlam's avatar
    Bedlam
    Moderator
    Apr 05, 2016
    I have seen failing rectifiers/chargers draw parasitic loads when off even though they still function when powered. You need to isolate any items that are before your cut-off switch otherwise you may have wire chafing that will only get worse with more travel.
  • slickrock_steve's avatar
    slickrock_steve
    Explorer
    Apr 05, 2016
    If you have an inverter, you may have a draw from the inverter trying to make sure you have 110 current when you want it.
  • kohldad's avatar
    kohldad
    Explorer III
    Apr 05, 2016
    My bet would be the generator is the culprit.

    You are doing it right by eliminating the circuits one by one.
  • dcg9381's avatar
    dcg9381
    Explorer
    Apr 05, 2016
    jimh425 wrote:
    I can tell you my 2006 Host doesn't drain the battery significantly if the battery disconnect is off.


    You need a meter. Last 3 RVs that I've owned all had varying degrees of parasitic draw. I assume that it's related to liability created if they actually turn off C02 detectors.

    The factory battery "disconnect" is a misnomer. It's a "disconnect some stuff".

    Install a real disconnect, it'll likely save you a lot of hassle.
  • mike_kellie's avatar
    mike_kellie
    Explorer II
    Apr 05, 2016
    I agree with driftwood. I had my Host out a few weeks ago in SE Utah. No cell service and way out we lost our batteries in the night. 3 am alarms started going off for low voltages. A long night story shortened, I bought a phone card, and from a pay phone called Host and asked about an inline fuse possibly buried in the harness. Trouble shot the regulator in the solar controller as bad. They are and have been very helpful.
    Welcome to the forum! By chance are you the Host owner storing off SR.Ave? Used to park my 5th wheel in adjacent yard.
  • Driftwood132's avatar
    Driftwood132
    Explorer
    Apr 05, 2016
    You are on the right track having a meter will help you. One circuit at a time. Apparently you have circuits that are still active when the disconnect switch is thrown . check any relays ,contactors that are staying on. I fixed a simple circuit today in a motorhome. Blown fuse buried under a cabinet. Might call Host and see if they have any suggestions.
  • jimh406's avatar
    jimh406
    Explorer III
    Apr 05, 2016
    Check for any add ons that may have been added and wired direct to the battery to bipass the switch. I can tell you my 2006 Host doesn't drain the battery significantly if the battery disconnect is off.

    If you don't find anything, trying calling or emailing Host to validate that there shouldn't be anything left on when the switch is off.
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Apr 04, 2016
    Normal circuit breakers are not used on 12 volt DC system.
    12 volt auto resetting breakers are common. It sounds as though some device has a circuit breaker that is tripping and then resetting itself after it cools.
    You could have a damaged wire causing the problem.
    Where is your battery located?
    Look in your 12 volt DC power panel inside the camper for a battery fuse. Remove it and see what readings are.
    Do you have lights on the rig? Check where the wiring enters the camper to see if there is any bare places.
  • scrubjaysnest's avatar
    scrubjaysnest
    Explorer
    Apr 04, 2016
    CO2/LP detector may not be powered down by the batt off switch. Look for wires between the batt off switch and the battery. Since this is the DC side breakers won't have anything to do with it unless there are DC breakers in the system somewhere. Another thing that may have power all the time is a radio, or amplified antenna.

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