batteries drain when plugged into shore power

[caberto]

Hi all,

I'd like to thank all of you for all the useful information on this forum.

After much searching, weight considerations and other things I've learned on this forum, we picked up our new 2010 Keystone Cougar 324RLB and went for our first outing on Wed - Sat. All was great, with the exception of the two marine batteries not charging when we were plugged into the campground's power. The other (non-12 volt) electrical components worked fine, but the lights, and other 12 volt items stopped working after a few hours. I had to connect to the truck for short periods (with engine on) to charge the batteries and get the 12 volt system working. Thankfully I got no complaints from our camping neighbors.

I have an appt tomorrow (Monday) at the dealer to get this rectified. After speaking with one of their service guys. He said there might be a battery by-pass lever, but all the places he indicated it might be had no lever. He suggested it may be the converter/charger/control panel/fuse box... it didn't come with "the two fuses for the converter in the fuse box" but I added fuses in those slots with his guidance, and still nothing.

We had our walk through before we took delivery, and everything worked fine then, but I guess the batteries were fresh and all was working at that time.

Anyway, I would appreciate any feedback or suggestions on this so I'm not totally ignorant on this matter ;-)

I'm hoping it's an easy fix that won't take long to resolve.

Aside from having to connect to the truck about 2-3 times a day, we did have a great time, and can see that we will enjoy our new 5th wheel!

Thanks!

[Randy the sly old fox]

It could also be something as simple as the converter losing its 120V connection - it is a standard plug in so it could have simply come unpluged. It could also be a bad converter or blown/missing fuses - but it sounds like you have covered that.

[faye]

we are having this same problem now on our motorhome. when you find out the problem please post the solution. thanks

[cjensen91910]

A little info to keep, on the most common type of converter used.

Repairing Magnatek RV Power Converter

[caberto]

OK all - thank you for your replies! After a long hot day at the dealer, it ended up being the two converter fuses, which were actually behind the [COLOR=#0072BC ! important][COLOR=#0072BC ! important]control [COLOR=#0072BC ! important]panel[/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR] in the hallway. They were both fried. The two fuses have been replaced and all seems well for now, the converter fan can be heard when plugged in... I hope this resolves it for good. At least I know where they are now.

As far as the battery disconnect, this model (Keystone Cougar) does not come with one, according to the service dept who said they called Keystone. That being the case, are there any adverse effects with not having a battery disconnect?

On a related note... I would like to disable the front legs switch from being able to retract/extend the landing gear when parked - has anyone done this? I just hate the idea that anyone can pass by and control the landing gear at will.

Thanks!

[wingnut60]

The switch is open to anyone--not behind a lockable door? If this is the case, a simple Single Pole/Single Throw (SPST) spliced into either the hot or the ground wire will disable the control when the switch is open (off). Of course, the new cutout switch would need to be unreachable by anyone walking by. Or if the control switch is fused, pull the fuse.
Joe

[Blue74]

Quote:

Originally Posted by caberto OK all - thank you for your replies! After a long hot day at the dealer, it ended up being the two converter fuses, which were actually behind the [COLOR=#0072BC ! important][COLOR=#0072BC ! important]control [COLOR=#0072BC ! important]panel[/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR] in the hallway. They were both fried. The two fuses have been replaced and all seems well for now, the converter fan can be heard when plugged in... I hope this resolves it for good. At least I know where they are now. As far as the battery disconnect, this model (Keystone Cougar) does not come with one, according to the service dept who said they called Keystone. That being the case, are there any adverse effects with not having a battery disconnect? On a related note... I would like to disable the front legs switch from being able to retract/extend the landing gear when parked - has anyone done this? I just hate the idea that anyone can pass by and control the landing gear at will. Thanks!

Just a quick guess is find the fuse and pull it when you want to disable the legs. Also carry extra fuses for the inverter if they go again.

[RustyJC]

Quote:

Originally Posted by caberto As far as the battery disconnect, this model (Keystone Cougar) does not come with one, according to the service dept who said they called Keystone. That being the case, are there any adverse effects with not having a battery disconnect?

Yes, during unpowered storage the battery/batteries can be discharged due to parasitic or "ghost" loads from devices such as the LP and smoke detectors, the fridge control system, the RV stereo system, etc. You might check the battery compartment to see if there's an in-line fuse in the battery wiring between the battery and the converter. On a Jayco I had, there was no battery disconnect switch, but there was a blade-type in-line fuse about 6" from the positive terminal of the RV's battery. I could isolate the battery by simply pulling that fuse.

Rusty

[caberto]

Wingnut, Blue and Rusty...

Thanks for your replies. Yes, the switch to the landing gear is not locked (in plain view) and anyone has access to it. I did find the fuse for it and pulled it for the time being. I will probably put in a secondary switch in the front lockable compartment to disable that outside switch when not in use. With the fuse removed, I can still control the landing gear with the remote, which is nice.

Good info on the ghost charge loads on the battery... I did see an inline fuse (15amp) on one of the leads coming from the battery. I will check and see if removing that kills everything.

I did also stock up on spare 15, 30 (mini) and 40 amp fuses as well ;-).

Thanks for your replies everyone!