House Battery Disconnect

[MH900e]

I have a 2005 Journey 36G. I now keep it in a storage unit without electricity available. Last year the house batteries (2 years old) would stay at 12.7 volts for 4-6 weeks in between starting the generator to charge them. I use an external battery charger plugged into the outside 110v to charge the chassis batteries at the same time. For some reason now the house batteries are draining quickly - in 2-3 weeks even with the battery disconnect off. Any suggestions?

Thanks

[skigramp]

Is it time for new batteries next spring ..

[MH900e]

I expect the batteries to last more than two years - replaced in 2007. I will test the electrolyte levels tomorrow after the rain.

[tomsm]

Check to be sure that your inverter is not in "standby". If so, it will draw some power from the batteries even if all your AC loads are off. The inverter/charger is connected directly to the house batteries and is not disconnected by the house disconnect switch.

The newest remote panels for the inverter/charger have a wire connected to the switched portion of the house 12v system. When it senses that the house 12v is shut off, it shuts down the inverter/charger. Don't know when they added this sense line, but I think it was very recent...

This is all assuming you have the 2kw Dimensions inverter/charger.

[HD4Mark]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MH900e I expect the batteries to last more than two years - replaced in 2007. I will test the electrolyte levels tomorrow after the rain.

Is it just me or is it no matter how much you spend (within reason haven't gone as far as AGMs), what brand or how carefully they are maintained that batteries don't last like they used to?

We have 14, if I count right car type batteries to maintain and it becomes a challenge.

[Wayne M]

I have been told, and found to be true, that leaving the step motor switch in the activate (on) position will tend to drain the batteries down quickly, but in my case it applies to the chassis battery.

A volt meter will show you what voltage your batteries are charging at. Most voltmeters have a 10 amp current meter. Disconnect the negative lead to the battery and hook the negative lead of the amp meter to the cable and the positive to the negative terminal on the battery. It should show any current being used by the system. Then you will need to determine if your charger is capable in keeping up with the current drain. Or find what is causing the current flow and disconnect it if possible.

Good luck. Let us know what you find.

[hamguy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MH900e I expect the batteries to last more than two years - replaced in 2007. I will test the electrolyte levels tomorrow after the rain.

When was the last time you checked the fluid levels?

[AFChap]

If your charger/inverter has a built-in equalize function, running it will likely help the batteries a great deal.

[GaryKD]

Hi MH900e,

After making sure the water level is correct, consider physically disconnecting the batteries from the coach. Leave them connected to each other. Fully charge the batteries with your portable charger. Wait a couple of hours and take a reading. The reading should be 12.6 VDC or more. Let them set for a week. Take a reading. The reading should be 12.6 VDC or higher. If the reading has dropped, the batteries may be at the end of their useful life.

If the VDC reading remains at 12.6 VDC or higher, there is a drain on the batteries coming from the coach. This will require a bit of detective work to determine 1st which circuit is the cause and 2nd which component, on that circuit, is guilty.