Community Forums

Shaun and Amy · 10-08-2009, 11:30 AM

I have four 6-volt batteries. Recently I've noticed their voltage drops quickly when not plugged into shore power. I checked each cell of each battery with a hydrometer and only 3 out of the 5 balls stayed floating. Does this sound like all four batteries have gone bad. The Energy Command Center reads that it's charging them, like it always has. When plugged in it reads 13.4 and then unplugged it drops right down to 12.4 and then after running the slides it quickly drops to 11.9.

What are your thoughts?

Thanks for any ideas.
Shaun

I should mention that this coach is a 2008 and we use it mostly to dry camp.

DandS · 10-08-2009, 12:27 PM

Shaun - At 11.9 volts your battery is only 40% charged. There are several possible causes for your trouble, suggest you read attached for some insight:The 12volt Side of Life (Part 1)

wa8yxm · 10-08-2009, 03:00 PM

First I'd give them a good charging.. What converter do you have in that rig..

Then, if you can, an equalization run

Then a load or capacity test (Takes some hardware to do that)

Then you will have good info to post back here.

tom wilson · 10-08-2009, 03:49 PM

buy a good meter to check specific gravity. those balls are not accurate enough.

GaryKD · 10-09-2009, 04:31 AM

Hi Shaun,

If the batteries are the flooded type, make sure to add distilled water to each cell to cover the plates. While the ball hydrometer may not be as accurate as a meter, it is good for checking the readings between cells. Your OP mentioned the cells are consistent with 3 balls floating. There may be hope for the batteries. This is something you can try.

disconnect the batteries from the coach
give them a good charge
take a reading of the VDC. It should be 12.6 VDC or there abouts
let the batteries sit for about a week (disconnected from the coach)
take another reading of VDC. The reading should still be above 12.5 VDC. If not, the batteries are used up and should be replaced.
If the second reading is 12.5 VDC or more, take the batteries to an auto parts store and have them put the batteries under a load. The will tell you if the batteries are good or not.

Performing these two tests, focuses on the batteries. The first test is static, to see if the batteries will hold a charge with nothing connected to them. The second test is under load and will tell you if the batteries can perform in your coach. If they fail either test, consider replacing the batteries.

Please let us know how all this turns out.

Shaun and Amy · 10-13-2009, 08:48 AM

Hello everyone and thank you for your help. After researching and studying and talking with tech's and checking everything, I'm embarrassed to say it was one of the last things and simpliest things that was the problem. The connections on the inverter that lead to the batteries was loose. VERY loose. I can't believe I missed checking that.

So, lessoned learned. Oh well, sometimes it's the simple things that get you.

Shaun

DandS · 10-13-2009, 09:23 AM

Shaun - If we're completely honest, all of us have done similar things - especially with a complex unit like an RV. I once looked for a blown fuse for my GPS for 2 days and finally discovered the power cord was not plugged in.

"007" · 10-13-2009, 10:50 AM

I have always said the simplest answers are the easiest, its easy to think of the worst when it may not be at all.
We have all been there your not alone.