Community Forums

throbbin367 · 08-24-2017, 10:26 AM

I have a 04 Winnebago journey 36g I picked up last year. I've had a couple issues with batteries some probably my fault. I was using the to over the weekend and it seems the starting batteries go dead in two days.
Monday after the eclipse we drove to Utah from Idaho which was a 9 hour trek in which the rv never turned off. I check the digits gauge at the control center and it was reading 13.5 volts to both sets of batteries so I assumed everything is charging. Last night I got in to move the rv and the engine would barely turn. I had to start the generator and let it run for a minute to get enough juice to start the engine.
Your next question will be, how old are the batteries and the answer is I replaced both six weeks ago because I had them tested and one had a short

Any ideas are very appreciated, thanks

whitetop · 08-24-2017, 10:59 AM

Sounds like you may have something drawing the batteries down, meaning something like engine heater, alternator, etc... Maybe try to check the load side of the isolation switch with coach parked and not plugged in, or on generator power.

FatChance · 08-24-2017, 11:21 AM

The digital battery gauges in the control center usually only show house battery condition, not chassis batteries. Double check battery voltage with a multimeter. You might also check the alternator output.

okcnewbie · 08-24-2017, 11:33 AM

You need a multi-meter so you can check right at the chassis(starting) batteries. 12.5VDC with the engine off and 14+ with the engine running. With a bad alternator sometimes the voltage can drop instead of going up when the engine is running. Check cables while you're at it.

throbbin367 · 08-24-2017, 12:09 PM

I have a multi meter and my digital gauge inside shows both sets of batteries and I have double checked the guage inside with a multi meter and they read the same. I'm not getting 14+ with engine running I get 13.6-7 running and 12.5 shortly after charging has stopped but my batteries don't stay at that level for long

throbbin367 · 08-24-2017, 12:10 PM

Whitetop. I did have one time where the engine heater switch got turned on and not noticed and drained my batteries but since that happened I put a piece of tape over the switch

okcnewbie · 08-24-2017, 12:46 PM

I guess you could put a light in series and start unplugging fuses. ....if the battery is charging correctly than it can only be something is draining it.
Good luck. ....didn't mean to offend

FleetMan · 08-24-2017, 04:46 PM

As others have said, you have a pretty good parasitic draw somewhere or something activated that shouldn't be. Also, do you have a Trik-L Start System installed on your '04? That will insure your chassis batteries are charging when plugged into shore power.

(Trick-L Charge/Trik-L Start - something like that. Standard on the '07s and later)

throbbin367 · 08-24-2017, 04:48 PM

I installed one last year because of battery problems and learned that when not plugged into shore power it will drain both sets of batteries if the draw is large enough

Soppy · 08-25-2017, 02:13 PM

Starting batteries should not go dead that quickly. They should be good for a few months. The only time any power should be coming from them is when the ignition key is on or in the acc position. There will be a small draw for the memory on the radio and engine control . I would use a clamp on amp meter and check the draw with the engine off. Should be lees than 1 amp.

Lv2Roam2 · 08-25-2017, 06:47 PM

Is it possible that when the new batteries were installed they were shorted? After checking to see that all the connections are tight and clean - and no extra wires are hanging around - perhaps a load test would be a good idea.