Chassis batteries dead

[azloafer]

My house batteries are dead. They are 2 1/2 years old. How do I check the batteries to see if they are shot or if they just need a charge?

[Gary RVRoamer]

A battery load tester is the best way, but they should be fully charged before testing. Most any auto parts store can do it for you for free. Put them on a charger for 24 hours and see what happens. Voltage should come up to 13+ and stay at/above 12.6. If they get that far, then tale them in for a load test.

[DAN L]

make sure that the electrolyte level is above the plates before charging, but do not fill each cell to the full mark. the electrolyte can boil over if you do that making a mess.

[azloafer]

The problem with charging is that there is no electric where the MH is stored. The homeowners rules only allow the MH to be parked on our street for 1-1/2 hours to load or unload. How about going to a campground and being on shore power for two days, would that charge them enough to see if they are still good?

[DAN L]

Quote:

Originally Posted by azloafer The problem with charging is that there is no electric where the MH is stored. The homeowners rules only allow the MH to be parked on our street for 1-1/2 hours to load or unload. How about going to a campground and being on shore power for two days, would that charge them enough to see if they are still good?

what kinda moho do you have? you should update your signature box with this info.
what kinda converter do you have? most converters charge only 45-60 amps per hour. you need to charge the batteries close to double of the batteries amp hour rating. 12v batteries in parallel, add amp hour ratings of each battery. 2 6v batteries in series, add voltages. not amps. example: for 2 12v batteries in parallel with 100 ah rating, you have 200 ah total. with a 50 a converter you need to charge 200/50 X 2 = 8 hours. part of the reason is that the converter only charges max at start of charge and the charge is less than 100% efficient.
with 2 dead 12v batteries in parallel, you should charge the batteries independently, not together. if you charge them together, the weaker battery will take most of the charge and the stronger battery will never take a full charge.
if you have 2 6v batteries in series you can charge them together as the charger thinks they are 1 12v battery if the cables are large enough.
check these websites for more info:
Electrical Tutorial
The 12volt Side of Life (Part 1)
Deep Cycle Battery FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - DC Battery Specialists
Amps and Wire Gauge - 12V Circuit
RV Wiring

[azloafer]

Thanks for the info. I'll check the links. I think it stinks that we can only park the MH in front of our house for 90 minutes.

[GaryKD]

Hi azloafer,
In addition to the links provided, a simple solution is to bring the batteries to your house. If they are flooded cells, ensure the water is above the plates. Fully charge the batteries. Remove the charger. The batteries should be at or above 12.6 VDC. Let the batteries set for 1 week. Take another reading. They should still be at 12.6 VDC. If not, at least 12.5 VDC. If lower, gut feel says they are worn out. Now is the time to do the final check which is the load test at your local auto parts store.

[azloafer]

Thank you, all of you. I will follow your tips. Thanks again.