Dead batteries

[DKispert]

Something weird is going on with our 94 Kountry Aire. We just went up to storage to pick it up and bring it home to get ready for our next outing. The thing was totally dead.

We always turn the batteries off (via the panel above the door) when we put it in storage. So, theoretically, nothing should work. The steps continue to work, tho.

We jumped the motor and we were able to get it started using the battery boost. We got the generator going and drove it home and parked it. My husband left the generator on, then tried to start the motor again. It killed the generator, and now everything is dead again, although, the panel says the batteries should be fine.

We obviously have some sort of electrical problem. Any ideas of where we can look for the problem?

[DKispert]

Something weird is going on with our 94 Kountry Aire. We just went up to storage to pick it up and bring it home to get ready for our next outing. The thing was totally dead.

We always turn the batteries off (via the panel above the door) when we put it in storage. So, theoretically, nothing should work. The steps continue to work, tho.

We jumped the motor and we were able to get it started using the battery boost. We got the generator going and drove it home and parked it. My husband left the generator on, then tried to start the motor again. It killed the generator, and now everything is dead again, although, the panel says the batteries should be fine.

We obviously have some sort of electrical problem. Any ideas of where we can look for the problem?

[siggyd]

Try to charge the chassis battery using an
automotive battery charger. After the battery is fully charged,disconnect the Neg.cable and
connect an Am-meter in between the post and the cable. You should only see milliamps being drawn. If more,check everything,Dash radio,
Dash instrument lighting,CB,Steps,CO alarm ???
and so on....
You could then also start removing fuses and see when the draw stops.
One more thing,you should make shure the battery is still good.(have it charged,then tested)

[ajbjrvers]

To; Meezette,

I have an 02 MADP with 2 engine batteries, 8 house batteries. Also 3 120 watt solar panels that put out up to 21.3 amps under full sunlight.plus the 5 amp panel Newmar puts on for engine batteries.

If you store your coach inside there is no panel charging, in addition, there are parasitic draws on batteries, even when switches are off. Among these I have found,and I'm still looking for others are;;; The memory in all radios and 12 volt tvs that don't have to be reset when you turn switch on, a vehicle alarm system. the back-up system, always has memory working, Look for everything 12 volt and pull fuses to find problem drain.

The other thing, I can't do, is keep coach plgged onto a 15 amp outlet, your converter will work or put your inverter on 15 amp charge and batteries stay charged,, hopefully,.

Hope this info helps,====Thanks AJBJRVERS

[ajbjrvers]

To; Meezette;

Update on posting of 12/24/05.

Went down to my coach, yesterday, Christmas Day, to find engine won't crank, gen won't start and because of snow and ice covering all solar panels, house battries would not boost engine batts.

I guess the only 2 solutions are to 1. pull all fuses that are parasites on batts when switch or 2, plug it in.
I'm going down today to see if anythings changed, If not I have to get a set of 40 foot jumper cables , coach hemmed in both sides with just enough room to open bay doors.,The other option would to call for a jump start, but I've never seen trucks with extra long cables. ???

But it is fun!!!??? I guess you can't prepare for every scenario.

Thanks,, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year camping.

AJBJRVERS

[DKispert]

Thanks for your replies! Looks like we're heading to Walmart with the battery we think is a problem to have it tested and probably replaced. Here's hoping that's the problem and not a phantom draw on the batteries.