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Topic: House Batteries Not Holding Charge (Read 130 times) previous topic - next topic
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House Batteries Not Holding Charge
Hey all,

I've got a problem that's been baffling me. I've been boondocking on my friend'said property for the last week. Prior to my arrival I broke down when  my chassis battery died and would not longer hold a charge. The shop tested the voltage at around 10v and said I needed to replace the alternator. Once we replaced the alternator there was still low voltage being pumped out at the chassis battery still wasn't keeping a proper charge. We eventually replaced the battery isolator and boy, now she starts quicker than ever!

(I include this part in case it is related to my issue)

Once I arrived to my destination I was bummed to find that after just about 8 or 10 hours I returned to my RV to find the house batteries were almost completely draines. I had nothing running during this time and every light and switch was turned off. I ran the engine for about 30 minutes to give me a bit of juncertainty but my morning I was almost totally dead again. I found my fridge clicking on and off as well. So this time I ran my gunny to recharge but by nightfall I was dead again.

I do have a solar panel and it appears to charge during the day but the battwries are still quickly  drained with little to nothing running in the coach.

Can anyone give me an idea of where to start trouble shooting? Could it be possible that my previous power issues are related to this? Could the isolator be a problem?

Also, if my fridge is set to gas why would it die when the batteries die?
resist the mundane, embrace the unknown
1990 MB
Re: House Batteries Not Holding Charge
Reply #1 –
"Also, if my fridge is set to gas why would it die when the batteries die?"
Because it requires 12v power to operate on gas.

Ed
 
Re: House Batteries Not Holding Charge
Reply #2 –
Sorry to hear about your problems--I know how frustrating electrical issues can be! Here are a few thoughts.

First, I'd check the fluid level in your house batteries. (I assume you have already replaced the chassis battery, but if not, check the fluid level in that one as well.) If necessary, add distilled water.

While you're in there, check all your battery connections and tighten them if necessary. I've more than once been fooled by loosened connections that led me to think my batteries were bad.

If your house batteries still don't hold a charge after that, it's possible they have been damaged by being run down too far while your alternator and/or isolator were apparently not getting power to them. When lead-acid batteries are in bad shape, they may look as if they are charging up... but as soon as you try to draw any power from them, they will quickly drop dead.

In that case, unfortunately you'd have to replace the house batteries. You can find posts in this forum about where to buy Trojan T-105 batteries or equivalents.

"if my fridge is set to gas why would it die when the batteries die?"

Even though the fridge can be powered by propane, it's controlled by a microprocessor board that requires electricity. So when your batteries die, the fridge stops working.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"