Community Forums

Lucyevans · 06-15-2013, 12:07 PM

We just purchased a Keystone Everest from an individual. We have just taken one short trip so far. We do have it hooked up to electricity when it is sitting at our home. The 2 batteries will only stay charged for about 4 days, then we have to re-charge them. We thought the system would continually re-charge the batteries if it was hooked up to electricity? Would someone out there give us some guidance as to what we could be doing wrong or is there some problem within the electrical system?
Pam Evans

trackman · 06-15-2013, 12:18 PM

If the batteries have been in the unit since 2008 they may need to be replaced. Since you are at home on shore power disconnect the batteries and see if they drain down with nothing pulling on them. That should give you a good indication. Also check the water level in the batteries.

redfire312 · 06-15-2013, 12:24 PM

Power converter sounds like the first thing to check out, it provides 12v power inside and charges the batteries when plugged in to electricity. It may have a breaker tripped on the electrical side or a blown fuse on the battery charging side.

Lucyevans · 06-15-2013, 12:38 PM

Where is the power converter located?

GaryKD · 06-15-2013, 12:47 PM

Hi Lucyevans,
If the batteries accept water, make sure water covers the plates. Use only distilled water. You'll need a Volt Ohm meter (VOM).
1. Locate the Converter/charger.
2. Determine the VAC entering the converter. This should be 120 VAC.
3. Determine the VDC leaving the charger (anywhere between 14.1 and 13.4 VDC).
4. If the above voltage readings are good, move to the batteries.
5. Check the VDC across the battery terminals. 6.6 VDC for a 6 volt battery and 12.6 VDC for a 12 volt battery.
6. If #5 is good you'll need to make sure the batteries are fully charged. Remove the batteries from the coach and take them to the local auto parts store. Ask them to do a load test. This will tell you if the batteries have a dead cell or a just completely worn out.

As to where the converter is located, that is specific to your coach. Many times it is in the compartment that has the shore power cord.

hjsdds · 06-15-2013, 05:04 PM

There was pretty good discussion on that here.
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f44/keyst...ms-162437.html
Typical battery chargers installed by the manufacturers don't even make boat anchors, they overcharge the batteries "when plugged in", hence the need to add water or distilled water. Start with a good charger and then replace the batteries.
The discussion there went on for two pages, check my detail answers there.

hjs

Canstacker · 06-19-2013, 09:38 PM

Not sure what Everest you have. We have a 2007 344J. The converter is located in basement to the left. It is behind a false wall. I changed ours out last fall. Everest Owners Website has great information.

HappyKampper · 06-20-2013, 11:43 PM

Our '13 cougar high country won't stay charged for more then 4 days either. Even with 2 6 volts and the hous power shut off.

hjsdds · 06-21-2013, 11:43 AM

HappyKamper, 4 days could be good or bad. People who boondock can go through a 4-6 battery bank in less than a day, if not recharged by either, solar, wind, or generator.
If the camper is sitting and is plugged into shore power that should not happen.
If the camper is sitting and is not plugged into the shore power, that could be short or not, depending on how your electrical system is configured and what you have connected to the batteries. Without knowing that it's hard to render an "opinion".

hjs