Community Forums

dbspartan · 04-23-2015, 08:16 AM

I am a relatively new RV owner. Last year I purchased a 2011 Four Winds Serrano. The hit was stored outside outside under a cover for the winter and plugged into a 120V 15 amp outlet.

The batteries for the Engine keep losing power. At some point, the breaker to the outlet the unit was plugged into was tripped. This was the initial cause of the batteries draining. Batteries were recharged but the unit almost always requires a boost to start. The perplexing issue is that the coach power will no longer turn off. Maybe I'm losing it or showing RV novice knowledge, but I thought turning off coach power is possible and the smart thing to do if the unit is not be used. No click or clunk sound when I hit the switch. Power to TV's,microwave, stereo, etc. remain in tact. All four lights still come on for the coach battery power indicator.

Is there a solenoid or fuse that may have malfunctioned affecting the coach battery power off function? Do I need to replace Engine batteries? This unit only has 21K in mileage.

Appreciate any help or advice.

Dave Bennett

InverterServ · 04-23-2015, 03:14 PM

Dave, those things you named the TV's,microwave, stereo, etc are all usually controlled through the inverter. Does your coach have an inverter/charger? If so what kind? You should be able to turn it off via the remote on the inverter or the inverter itself. Also if you are going to be plugging it into a 15 A outlet on most inverter remotes they have the ability to turn the charger draw down to 15 A or less. There could possibly be a switch or something for the house batteries near the batteries somewhere but if you are going to be plugging it in to charge it you will not want to switch this off as it will not charge that way.

twinboat · 04-23-2015, 04:05 PM

You are turning off battery power. The stuff you are listing are 120 volt items. To turn them off, find the circuit breakers ( look like home style ). Leave the converter breaker on, that keeps your batteries charged.

You can leave them on, if plugged in, they don't use battery power.

As far as the engine battery, Someone familiar with your rig, can tell you if your charger charges the engine battery. If not, there are fixes for that.

If you have an Inverter, that makes 120 volts, with the power cord unplugged, refer to the last post.

Your engine battery could be shot, they don't do well sitting dead. Take it to get tested.

Gary RVRoamer · 04-24-2015, 05:48 AM

I suspect your chassis (engine) battery(s) are no longer capable of holding a charge. If its the original battery, its 4+ years old and has been somewhat abused, so that's not surprising.

Yes, there is a solenoid that disconnects the house batteries and makes the "clunk". But that is battery power, not the 120v for the microwave, etc.