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dave14117's avatar
dave14117
Explorer
Sep 01, 2017

Batteries not charging

05 Cougar fifth wheel, 2 year old Costco batteries.

Today tried to fix problem battery not charging when on AC power. Seems to charge ok when connected to truck; not sure. DC lights do brighten when on AC or truck, dim when no AC or truck.

I think the converter gets AC power, converts to 12v DC for the panel, and somehow also then sends 12v (@ ? amps) to charge the battery. So given that the lights brighten and its fan works, I think the converter must be getting AC power. But somehow the batteries aren’t being charged. Not sure if the charging ckt goes through the panel; if it does, all the fuses are ok, so maybe chewed wiring?

So far:
Checked auto fuses, all ok
Checked ground in basement and in panel area
Added water to batteries

Solution attempts
Removed TV/Stereo 12v fuse (disconnected it a month ago because it was making constant alarm; might still be drawing power)
Removed GFCI and replaced with regular outlet
Added tape to mice-chewed ground wire going from basement to panel

Any ideas appreciated