need new batteries & maybe alternator too

[IamGadget]

I moved my 2004 newmar dutch star to a safe spot the other day to get away from falling trees/branches during the hurricane. I put on the generator so i could let the a/c run. I went back the next day and the generator was not running. I tried to start and nothing happened. I used my jumper to start the engine and it did. when i removed the jumper it went dead in a minute or so. When testing the battery with a meter ( engine not running ) it was 9.5. I jumped started the engine and removed the jumper and it still was 9.5 and stayed that way even if i gave it a little gas ( diesel ).
Someone told me it probably needs an alternator ( if so where is the best place to get one? )
i think i should get new batteries anyway...What kind to get. 2 Chassis batteries and 4 house. I read that if i go AGM ( sounds good...do not have to worry about my maintenance procrastination problems ) but i hear that i might have to do something to the electrical /charging system. If so is this a big deal? thank you all.....

["007"]

If you were running your GEN and it stopped after a few hours running AC you may have hit the fuel level where it would run out of fuel.
Most are set for fuel line about 1/4 tank.
Your converter would be charging your batteries while Gen is running.
Are your water levels covering the plates in your batteries?

[GaryKD]

Hi IamGadget.
007 gave some good suggestions.

For me, I would do nothing until you get setup and life back to normal. The first thing I would do is get a portable battery charger. Fully charge the engine batteries with the charger. Then fully charge the coach batteries with the charger. Remember the coach batteries are, most likely, 6 VDC batteries. You'll need to use your meter to find a + and - pole that is 12 VDC. Connect the portable charger only to posts that read 12 VDC on your meter. The batteries need to be fully charged before proceeding any further as to a replacement decision.

Lastly, fill the coach fuel tank. Like 007 mentioned, the generator may just be out of fuel.

[IamGadget]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryKD Hi IamGadget. 007 gave some good suggestions. For me, I would do nothing until you get setup and life back to normal. The first thing I would do is get a portable battery charger. Fully charge the engine batteries with the charger. Then fully charge the coach batteries with the charger. Remember the coach batteries are, most likely, 6 VDC batteries. You'll need to use your meter to find a + and - pole that is 12 VDC. Connect the portable charger only to posts that read 12 VDC on your meter. The batteries need to be fully charged before proceeding any further as to a replacement decision. Lastly, fill the coach fuel tank. Like 007 mentioned, the generator may just be out of fuel.

hi Gary
I thought the generator uses the fuel that is in the large 100 gallon newmar tank. The coach has fuel

as of this morning my plan was to try to jump start the coach and put it back into the campground spot and disconnect the two chassis batteries then plug into the 50 amp electric so i can have the a/c etc running.
Bring the 2 batteries in to be tested and if needed will replace them. the house batteries look like they are old and i think i will get a fresh set of 4 for them.
I might need an alternator....not sure...since the batteries show 9.5 using my meter.....then i jump started the coach and removed the jumper and while stepping on the gas it still only shows 9.5 and i think if the alternator was working ( or something electrical ) it should rise above 9.5. The interior ceiling lights were working...and those work on the house batteries.
That was my plan....now i will re think it...As always...thanks
There is a chance that i might need an alternator
The 2 chassis batteries are Duralast heavy duty commerical 31-950 (12 V )

[IamGadget]

Quote:

Originally Posted by "007" If you were running your GEN and it stopped after a few hours running AC you may have hit the fuel level where it would run out of fuel. Most are set for fuel line about 1/4 tank. Your converter would be charging your batteries while Gen is running. Are your water levels covering the plates in your batteries?

thanks for the reply

as of this morning my plan was to try to jump start the coach and put it back into the campground spot and disconnect the two chassis batteries then plug into the 50 amp electric so i can have the a/c etc running.
Bring the 2 batteries in to be tested and if needed will replace them. the house batteries look like they are old and i think i will get a fresh set of 4 for them.
I might need an alternator....not sure...since the batteries show 9.5 using my meter.....then i jump started the coach and removed the jumper and while stepping on the gas it still only shows 9.5 and i think if the alternator was working ( or something electrical ) it should rise above 9.5. The interior ceiling lights were working...and those work on the house batteries.
That was my plan....now i will re think it...As always...thanks
There is a chance that i might need an alternator
The 2 chassis batteries are Duralast heavy duty commercial 31-950( 12 V )

["007"]

Have all your new batteries fully charged before placing them back in coach.
A good 12V battery charger will do this. If you rely on Gen or converter to do this they may never hit full charge this summer, your B.I.R.D. System will thank you for the full charge.

[IamGadget]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 007";943230]Have all your new batteries fully charged before placing them back in coach. A good 12V battery charger will do this. If you rely on Gen or converter to do this they may never hit full charge this summer, your [B][URL="http://www.irv2.com/forums/f103/coach-battery-charging-80887.html B.I.R.D. System[/URL][/B] will thank you for the full charge.

thanks again....what would be the best way to charge them all.. I might get 2 batteries ( chassis ) and i might get an additional 4 ( house batteries )
would you charge one at a time or do you actually install them and put the charger on? I do not want to do it wrong and screw things up....Thanks.
I did call coach net and of course they can tow me to whatever place might be around where i am. the nearest RV is about an hour or more ( by fast car ) or they might find a trucking company closer....but i doubt it. I checked with Good Sam Club and the alternator is under warranty ( if i need one )
Sometimes i just do not know what to do first...oh well

[GaryKD]

Hi IamGadget,
Reread post #3. Batteries are expensive. The bottom line is, as a coach owner, your going to need a battery charger. Get your current batteries up to full charge and then proceed with diagnostics.

["007"]

You should follow Gary's advise before getting into new batteries may save yourself big money.
I have a 03, 8 year old engine battery and it still starts me up first crank of starter.

[IamGadget]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryKD Hi IamGadget, Reread post #3. Batteries are expensive. The bottom line is, as a coach owner, your going to need a battery charger. Get your current batteries up to full charge and then proceed with diagnostics.

I do intend to follow your suggestions first...then if batteries are not good will change them...I am preparing for the next options...I am in a situation where i cannot do the things that i usually am able to do without help. I had surgery last week and trying to recover from it. I am not able to strain or lift anything over 10 lbs. I am by myself and not even able to open the battery slide drawer.....so i have to try to find someone each time i need to do anything at this time. I am also in a campground with nothing available for quite a distance. the campground is still closed and i am the only motor home in it.
So at this time..between the meds and how i feel.....making decisions are not easy....Thank you and everyone on this site for your feedback.....It helps me go in the proper direction. I will get another charger...I guess a smart charger so they do not over cook....I will get someone to drive me ( 2 hours or more round trip....nothing really near here ) thanks again

[IamGadget]

Quote:

Originally Posted by "007" You should follow Gary's advise before getting into new batteries may save yourself big money. I have a 03, 8 year old engine battery and it still starts me up first crank of starter.

thank you...i do intend to do so.

because of my situation ( surgery last week ) i will find someone to place the two chassis batteries in my car...i will bring them someplace to test and charge them.....or sell me a charger.

Is there a best choice of charger to keep on hand? I see different amp ratings etc. thank you

Also...IMPORTANT: When i did jump start and the batteries only showed 9.5 and did not increase when i pumped the pedal to increase the rpm...i would have thought the it would have moved up a bit....Therefore someone told me it could be an alternator...oh well.
I will of course do the battery first. thanks for your help

[IamGadget]

i do have a battery tender plus ....it does not put out lots of amps....so i do not know how long it would take to charge...

I will try to find a decent charger that will not cook the batteries

[GaryKD]

Hi IamGadget,
Battery charger technology is a commodity. All auto parts store sell chargers.There are only a couple of feature to look for:
1. smart charger technology
2. at least 10 AMP minimum charger capacity and 50 AMP minimum start capacity. More is better.
3. A gage to tell you how the charger is progressing.

[IamGadget]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryKD Hi IamGadget, Battery charger technology is a commodity. All auto parts store sell chargers.There are only a couple of feature to look for: 1. smart charger technology 2. at least 10 AMP minimum charger capacity and 50 AMP minimum start capacity. More is better. 3. A gage to tell you how the charger is progressing.

Thank you