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JackBurton · 01-12-2013, 05:47 PM

We bought our first RV a 2003 Georgie Boy Pursuit back in October. At the time the dealer told us that the house batteries were new. We pretty much put into storage for the winter. We've been trying to get over to run the generate once a week. If we make it every week the generator turns right over. If we miss a week I have to run the engine for about 15 minutes before the generator will turn over. Is normal? Unfortunately the storage yard doesn't have shore power for us. We do have a battery cut off. We've been told they might be adding it.

OldChief7155 · 01-12-2013, 05:59 PM

Disconnect the negative cable from the batteries. If they have a full charge they'll go a good while without losing their charge. RVs have lots of goodies that slowly suck down the batteries if they aren't disconnected.

Run your gen at least 30 min once a month with at least 1/2 load like running a/c, microwave, etc. better not to run it at all if you can't do it for at least 1/2 hour.

I disconnect my ground cables (negative) and it sits for several months with o problems PROVIDED they were fully chargedl

vtbigdog · 01-12-2013, 06:06 PM

Have you checked the batteries to make sure the fluid level is full? Do you have a distribution panel that shows the state of charge for your batteries? Do you have a solar panel on the roof?

Running the engine for 15 minutes and then running the generator is not providing enough of a charge to your batteries, so they may just be weak. Your best bet may be to figure out how to get shore power to fully charge the batteries, and if you have a sloar panel and the batteries are still flat, contact the dealer.

Tha_Rooster · 01-12-2013, 06:12 PM

It sounds like this happened several times. If your batteries are dead it would take several hours to charge maybe overnight. If the batteries are not fully charged you are not doing much good they maybe toast.

TXiceman · 01-12-2013, 06:32 PM

As noted, run the generator at least 30 minutes at 1/2 load about every 4 to 6 weeks. If your batteries are draining that quickly you have a parasitic load. Do you have a battery disconnect switch? You need one if you do not. You can easily add one.

It is always best to disconnect the batteries when not in use.

Ken

CampDaven · 01-12-2013, 06:57 PM

I had a parasitic load. The refer. I put in a switch on the 12v wire there. Boom. Just charged the batts and let it sit.

dabrooks · 01-13-2013, 06:38 AM

I had a similar problem with the batteries draining. I got the knife type battery disconnect switches. I fully charged the batteries and have had no more problem. They fit on the negitave post. They cost about $20.00. Tracing down the battery drain is just not worth the time.

donhoward49 · 01-13-2013, 06:46 AM

All great ideas.. Can you remove the batteries and charge them at home? Get them to full charge then see if they stay charged.
PS take a picture of how they are connected for when you reconnect.