Battery question

ghoststories · 12-30-2011, 06:16 PM

We have a 2000 National Sea View, we bought in Nov. We drove it home then drove it to fill up with gas, since then it has been parked in the driveway. Husband has started it up a few times, but when he went to start it up today it had a dead battery to the engine...the day we picked up the MH at the dealer the battery to the engine was dead, they put a new battery in, that was on Nov.12, and now that battery went dead, was wondering if there was something the dealer didn't tell us?? This is our first Class A, we had a Class C before, so much we need to learn...was wondering where we should start looking to see if there is some sort of problem, causing the battery to drain...thanks in advance for any tips....

Wanabee FTer · 12-30-2011, 06:48 PM

If the battery is indeed new, a defective battery is possible but not probable.
Regardless I would start with performing a battery load test. This can be done at most auto parts stores or service centers. In your post you did not mention if the house batteries were also run down or if you were able to start the coach with the battery boost feature. (Switch on dash that combines house batteries with chassis batteries) If the batteries are good I would next look for anything that may have been left on. Check all obvious things first like head/parking lights, interior lights, storage bay lights etc.

If nothing is found on, I would next suggest performing a voltage draw test.

ghoststories · 12-30-2011, 06:59 PM

John, Thank you for your response, Let me answer some of your questions, my DH doesn't think the house batteries were down, he will have to double check tomorrow, nothing was left on...now I have another silly question,how do we perform a voltage draw test...we have so much to learn...I thank you for your time....

Wanabee FTer · 12-30-2011, 07:17 PM

IF DH has a voltage ohm meter, disconnect the negative battery cable and place one lead on the negative cable and the other on the negative battery terminal. Make sure key is off and read voltage on the meter, it should be close to zero. If it reads 12 volts, there is most likely something that was left on in the RV. If he has no meter, he needs to get one ASAP. It is an invaluable tool for the RV's tool box.

GaryKD · 12-30-2011, 07:21 PM

Hi ghoststories,
The "voltage draw test" may not be what you want to do. The test is an AMP draw test. The easiest way to do this is to have a clamp on volt meter. This link Amp Meter is provided only as a sample. Your local auto parts store will carry a selection of clamp on meters. One takes the hot lead and puts the lead in the opening. Turn the meter to measure AMPS. You'll be able to see if there is an AMP draw from the battery. If there is more than a very minor AMP draw (like .05 AMPS) one needs to start pulling 12 VDC fuses until the draw goes away. Then you'll know the offending circuit. Now you should be able to track down the offending appliance.

The load test previously posted is a good place to start. Make sure the battery is fully charged and take it to your local auto parts store. There is a tool (there is always a tool) one can purchase to do this load test yourself, but unless your kind of geeky (like me) loading up on tools one uses rarely is not a good idea.

Wanabee FTer · 12-30-2011, 07:30 PM

Gary,
Correct me if I'm wrong but the example you gave is for an A/C clamp meter. I believe an A/C-D/C clamp meter may be cost prohibitive?
Most DVOM's have a built in amp test feature (10-20 amps) and can test circuits the same way as I described the voltage draw test.

garym114 · 12-30-2011, 07:53 PM

I have a 2000 Sea Breeze, almost the same as yours.
Starting and running for a few minutes will not fully charge the engine battery. Can you plug the MH into 110v, even a 20 amp connection to run the converter? You don't have to leave it plugged in all the time, just a day or two every couple of weeks. This will keep the coach and chassis batteries charged.

Teachrz · 12-30-2011, 08:10 PM

Make sure the TV antenna amplifier is off (red light). It will drain the battery over time.

teera travel · 12-30-2011, 08:57 PM

teachrz is right about the tv booster also in my old moho i had to put a on off switch on the stereo because the pre amp even with the stereo off would pull down the batt. dan &cathy 2007 fleetwood terra lx

GaryKD · 12-31-2011, 11:36 AM

Hi Wanabee FTer,
Either of our suggestions will work. I prefer not to advise members (who seem to lack skills) a solution that involves disconnecting electrical connections to take readings. It is for the OP to decide.

For others making posts, the OP mentioned the chassis battery was dead. We all know some coaches are wired in unusual ways, but I would hope the TV antenna booster, etc would be wired off the coach batteries.

GaryKD · 12-31-2011, 11:47 AM

Hi ghoststories,
Consider making this question in the National Owners Forum on iRV2. On the iRV2 main page, scroll down about 1/2 way. There you should see the National Owners forum. I suggest this because nobody knows your coach like someone who owns one just like yours.

The wiring of your coach and what could be causing the dead battery might be better known by other National owners.

ghoststories · 12-31-2011, 12:21 PM

Thanks to all who replied,,,,DH checked , the TV booster was not left on, the house batteries are OK, he has a volt meter, will be checking battery with that...from now on , we will leave the MH plugged in to shore power a couple days a week, and see if that helps...Thanks again....

GaryKD · 12-31-2011, 04:24 PM

Hi ghoststories,
Connecting the coach to shore power may or may not charge the chassis battery. Some coaches are wired for this and some are not. If you are unsure, consider going to the National Owners Forum and asking there.

Also consider a battery tender. Go to http://www.campingworld.com/search/i...y&Nty=1&Ntpc=1 for sample choices.