Community Forums

yes2baystar · 10-15-2012, 08:06 PM

When storing our 2011 Baystar last winter I put the battery switch to "store" which seemed to kill everything. The radio was inoperable, the L.P. detector was not flashing. But when I went to start it in the spring everything was dead. Any hints on what could be drawing power yet. Should I disconnect the batteries and if so, do I do both coach and chassis batteries. What side is best to disconnect. Pos. or Neg.?
I still have a couple of weekends of camping but just planning ahead.
Thanks for any help.

"007" · 10-15-2012, 09:45 PM

If its not possible to keep your coach plugged into a 110 outlet than I would remove the batteries and charge them once a month at home after checking the water levels.
If you can leave them in with 110 service your BIRD System will maintain all your batteries. You will have to check water levels also every month unless you have AGM's.
I have my coach plugged in all year never had a battery problem house or chassis, changed house to two 12V AGM's but chassis is 10 years old, original.
If you remove them make double sure you mark all cables and where they are place and the positions of batteries as to plus and minus positions, may even want to take pictures.
When you pull the chassis battery the ECM & TCM controls will have to learn your driving habits all over again and radio will need to be reprogrammed.

Mr_D · 10-15-2012, 10:33 PM

Leaving them in the rig even if the cut off switch is thrown will still discharge them. As others have said, take them out and take them home, charge them once a month or do as I do and keep the rig plugged in all the time. I've been doing that for over 25 years now and the last set of batteries lasted 10 years. YMMV though!

yes2baystar · 10-16-2012, 07:11 PM

Thanks for the replies. Taking the batteries out sounds like work

Maybe asking the owner of where I store it if I can keep it plugged in and stop out to check things would be my best bet. Thanks again for your thoughts.
This is all new to me. I had a pickup and slide in camper for years and never had a problem with the batteries in winter storage.
Thanks again!

paula55 · 10-16-2012, 08:49 PM

So while we're all on the subject of batteries I'm a total newbie with a few questions. I purchased a '96 Kountry Star from a private party so I'm on my own with the learning curve. I already learned that if I don't keep it plugged in the house batteries die rather quickly

I just discovered the store switch the other day and turned that on even though it's plugged in and wanted to make sure that was in fact okay to do. So still haven't had this puppy out yet for a drive because every time I've gone to take it out something wasn't working. So went out the other day, unplugged the power cord, reeled it in, checked all around, got in the driver's seat, turned the key and it was deader than a door nail. So I'm guessing when it's plugged in to shore power that only charges the house batteries and not the chassis batteries? Or is there something else going on there. I brought up my battery charger and hooked it up to one of the batteries and the meter wand was swinging left and right like crazy which concerned me because I know when I've hooked it up to my cars it's never done that. So I just disconnected it and figured maybe I could get some help on the forum. I know the house batteries were replaced earlier this year but the chassis ones weren't. Is it possible they're just old and need replacing. Unfortunately the little stamps on those batteries weren't crossed out so I don't know how old they are.

"007" · 10-16-2012, 08:55 PM

If you do have a chance to have 110V outlet supplied make sure you do not operate the battery cut off switch and all your batteries will be kept fully charged.

"007" · 10-16-2012, 09:10 PM

Welcome to the forum paula55.
All the same applies to your coach and yes you do need the switch on.
As for your chassis battery place the positive charge lead from charger on the positive post of battery. Place the negative on to the metal frame of chassis and see how that works.
You may also need to check all battery cable leads to chassi frame to see that they are clean and tight on frame. One for Gen, chassis, house battery's and one from your converter charger. If they are loose or dirty you will have poor charging.
Here is a Brochure which has tank & weight info and a 2000 Owners Guide which will cover working items in your coach. Its the lowest we have for a KSDP.
Enjoy the forums.

yes2baystar · 10-18-2012, 07:17 PM

Thanks again for suggestions folks. Just wish it could be as easy as hitting the "store" button and parking it

kcolivier · 10-19-2012, 02:07 PM

Have a reputable shop check the batteries. On my 2010 Bay Star, my batteries had to be replaced even though "new". Also, the LP detector is likely not switched, just fused, so it will create a slow current draw even is the battery disconnect switch is off.

Ken

yes2baystar · 10-22-2012, 07:17 PM

You're right kcolivier, While under the hood this weekend I did locate that 1 Amp fuse others talked about. Hopefully I have better luck next spring when taking it out of storage now. But for now I'm still camping every weekend trying to enjoy our fall weather before putting the camper to bed for the winter. Thanks again to all.