Battery Failure

[crawford]

I have a 2010 Fleetwood Discovery with 3600 miles on it, I recently took it to the purchase location for the third time, which related to starting problems, same problem each time, now it is out of warranty, upon investigation by their technician it was found that the starting batteries had failed and they want $500 to replace them. My question is shouldnt battery have a separate warranty even if prorated and why would they fail after 1 year with inside storage. My New RV has been in the shop 8 times in the past year for misc repairs did I get alemon or is this normal? I am new to RVing and am getting frustrated

[RJay]

It seems to me that you should be able to buy two chassis batteries for much less than $500 and install them yourself. You could try to see what the battery manufacturer will do about the warranty. I would be concerned about finding out what caused the batteries to fail before spending money on new batteries as the same thing could happen to them if you don't.

[radams]

Yes, components like batteries, tires, etc., do have a warranty of their own from the manufacturer. I would get the name, date code, and model number off the batteries, call the manufacturer and see what the procedure is for getting replacements and where their nearest dealer is. Then call the dealer and see how they can help you.

I agree with RJay that $500.00 is out of line for replacements, but then if you're at a dealership it's not uncommon to see ridiculous prices. Would you be comfortable replacing them yourself? That's your other option if you want to save money. Check your owners manual for info on what size battery's you'll need. I imagine you'll be looking for something around 900 to 1000 CCA's (cold cranking amps).

With battery's so new the only thing I can think of is that you have a dead cell. Those can crop up at any time without warning. It can be the result of over charging and boiling off the electrolyte. Even maintenance free battery's can have that happen. Or, it could just be a manufacturing defect.

Lastly, we have all been where you are on repairs to your coach. It is extremely frustrating, to say the least. All I can tell you is that it will get better but a sense of humor and persistence is vital. Reading the manuals, Googling, and this website will take you a long ways.

Good luck and safe travels!

[Norm4015]

I recently bought two 950CC batteries at NAPA for $262 including sales tax and installed them myself. That will give you an estimate of what batteries cost.

[pcurt23]

If I am going to let the coach sit for longer than two weeks, I shut off the engine batteries and the house batteries. If less than 2 weeks I only shut off the house batteries. I also have to make sure that the inverter is shut off as well. If longer than a month then I run the generator to charge both battery banks. My battery compartment is difficult to keep free of oxidation and I replaced most of the battery cables two years ago. I removed all the metal tie downs and replaced them with plastic.

As far as warranty trips, my 2007 Bounder Diesel went in about 4 times but I did fix a few items myself. I caused more problems myself out of ignorance than warranty issues. You have a complicated machine and it takes time to learn the systems. Join FMCA and get with a local chapter. You will have fun and learn about the coach.

During my tour at Fleetwood I found their quality control to be pitiful. However, this is the best unit I have owned.

[jimbo16720]

For one thing starting batteries don't cost near that much and if it's going dead you either have something draining it or a bad alternator. You can buy a good starting battery like a DieHard for around $100. The alternator shouldn't boil your battery like a converter. Sounds like you have something like a radio or clock or something like that thats drawing juice even when the motorhome is sitting and killing your battery.

[ga traveler]

We had a lot of problems with new coach's having bad batteries. After talking to manuf. reps, I found out that many manuf. buy batteries in huge quantities to save money. Then they sit in the warehouse until they sulfate. They put a quick charge on them and out the door. Also on the lot, people come in and turn every knob they can reach. Then walk out and there is another dead battery.