Folks, with all the great advice I have received, and some double checking, it appears that indeed the battery that is wired screwy is actually charging in reverse, causing a serious polarity issue. I am not interested in remedying the problem. Looks like I'll have to quit RVing and dump this coach.
JUST KIDDING!!
I ordered two replacement 6 volt GC-2 batteries today from NAPA and should have them installed by Thursday morning - in series, according to the diagrams I have from irv2.
Thanks again for all the great advice!
See you in Quartzsite!
Rick