Community Forums

Marguerite66 · 08-13-2019, 11:15 AM

Let our Granddaughter and her husband use the RV to camp at the coast, all was well when they left we thought. Now that they have been there since Sun. the coach batteries are not staying charged and they have had to jump to start generator. It will charge but the next morning the batteries are dead. Where they are camping has no hook ups. I would not have let them take it if I new there was a problem but it has been plugged in to 110 most of the time at home.

Any thoughts would be welcomed.

P.S. My husband has Alzheimer's and can no longer help with the RV.

Jyrocharlie · 08-13-2019, 02:40 PM

switch the refrigerator to gas and if it has a inverter make sure the water heater is turned to gas also. Tell them about the aux start switch on the dash so they don't need to jumper the generator.

SLOweather · 08-13-2019, 03:42 PM

Based on your situation, the batteries may need water, or replacing, if they are old.

Where on the coast are they staying?

Marguerite66 · 08-13-2019, 04:59 PM

Pismo N. Campground

Carlos Marti · 08-14-2019, 10:42 AM

Many things affect battery life and state of charge. Age, how well they are maintained, and the amount of use your granddaughter and her hubby are trying to get out of them each day, and the amount of charge they're putting back in each day. They should be running the generator 3 to 4 hours twice a day to recharge the batteries.

HaRVey 74.5 · 08-14-2019, 11:03 AM

RVs are complicated systems, especially when changing from shore power/water to batter/genny & tanks, and even the most seasoned RV'r fogets to flip the right switch.
I recommend they try to find a neighbor veteran RV'r for help/advice to make sure they have everything set correctly and show them how to check the batteries, manage their usage, plan their genny run time, etc. (most RV'rs love to help each other).
Even things like improper flushing can ruin/shorten an otherwise great vacation.

SLOweather · 08-14-2019, 03:12 PM

I'm in San Luis Obispo, and was going to try to run down there, but I can't work it in at this time. If they want to call me, I can ask some better questions and try to give them some guidance.

PM me if you want my number.

Marguerite66 · 08-14-2019, 11:36 PM

Grandson and his father opened the batteries, there were dry cells. Went and got the distilled water and filled them running the gen. most of the day to see if they will recover or not.
It was my fault because I haven't learned how to manage the batteries when not in use. I have a wonderful nephew that can help me with that so I don't make the same mistake.
Thank you to all of you for your help. Best people in the world on this site.

HaRVey 74.5 · 08-16-2019, 08:23 AM

A system like this, plus the related hand pump will make maintaining your batteries much easier -

Flow-Rite RV2000 Pro-Fill RV Edition 2 Battery Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001FCAXT0..._3RRvDb2M13QPX