Electric propane switch killing batteries

[jjrai]

I have a LTFS. It seems that the electronic switch that turns on the propane kills the batteries overnight. Has anyone had this problem?

[jjrai]

Thanks for the responses. The batteries are brand new and are replacing a set I bought two years ago. I think I will try replacing the solenoid.

[YC_1]

A solenoid of that size will draw in worst case and I am sure it is less, about .5 amps. Do the math. In 24 hours that is 12.5 amps. This is a very simple problem. Batteries are buckets full of marbles (amps). When batteries get old the buckets become weak and cannot hold as many marbles as when new.

It would be a very rare case that batteries would last that long in any RV. Most are gone way before that.

Load testing them is a real waste of time. We don't buy batteries, we rent them. That is to say that batteries must be replaced every few years.

If you had a solenoid bad enough to run two batteries down in one night you would have some serious smoke.

[hwybnb]

Our fridge has a mode switch that allows locking it in propane mode so it will not switch to electric. We leave it in that mode when running on battery power.

I agree with the earlier post about possibly needing to replace your batteries.

[schlep1967]

My first thought would be you are out of propane or have it turned off and something, most likely the refer is trying to ignite propane. If you are outside by the fridge access panel when the batteries are charged is there a clicking noise?

[D_E_Bishop]

Do you have a Saf-T-Alert propane safety valve and sensor. If you turn it off, no current flows, if you leave it on, the solenoid is engaged and draws what would be called a parasitic draw and there is no specific lifetime for the solenoid only for the propane sensor so I doubt that it is drawing more than it did new. I agree with YC1, eight year old batteries should be load tested, I'll bet they won't hold a charge and need replacing.

[YC_1]

If the batteries are original it is time for new. No way a solenoid can run healthy batteries down over night.

[jjrai]

It is a 2006 Leisure Travel Free Spirit. It has two 12v deep cycle batteries. I wonder if the solenoid draws more power as it nears end of life.

[BTPO1]

I agree with the above post. More info is needed. Mine stays on from the time I take it from the storage facility till it goes back. I have never had a dead battery from that solenoid. What makes you think it is the LP fuel trip?

[bsinmich]

A little more info. Make, year, model of vehicle plus what type battery do you have for the house?