Community Forums

Tom222 · 05-11-2014, 12:31 PM

If I am parked with no hook ups and leave the unit sitting for more that 4-5 hours, the battery panel shows that I have lost a charge and I must start the Genny to charge the batteries. The Refrigerator is on LP, nothing really is on, maybe an bathroom fan. I was expecting the house batteries to last a lot longer. I left last night and had my dvr to record a tv program, when I returned 4 hours later the dvr was off and Genny had to be started to charge house batteries.

Do I need new house batteries?

Tom

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2007 Fleetwood Providence 40X
OurBigRVAdventure.com

Tha_Rooster · 05-11-2014, 12:39 PM

How low does the voltage drop to? If you drain your batteries it could take several hours or overnight to charge,if you don't fully charge it's probably killed the batteries.

Skip426 · 05-11-2014, 12:40 PM

You need to at least get them out and have them load tested.
In batteries , size is every thing, how many batteries and how many amps in each .

My 4 golf cart batteries , will power the coach for at least 14 hrs. , that's the longest I've run on them so far. Furnace on , TV & sat. receiver for 4 of the hrs. and CPAP over night.

roaminranch2 · 05-11-2014, 12:51 PM

Sulphates will reduce the storage capacity. If your batteries are more than 5 years old, that could be the problem. Check the water level, and look inside to see if the cells have corrosion looking stuff in them. Another quick check is to look at the sides of the batteries. If they're bulging out at all, that's probably from the corrosion inside.

Tom222 · 05-11-2014, 12:56 PM

I just had the water checked last month at camping world (they said they checked it). ......what would to cost be to replace my batteries, I believe I have 6 house batteries , and should I get golf cart batteries? What's the difference?

Tom

Sent from my iPad using iRV2 - RV Forum

2007 Fleetwood Providence 40X
OurBigRVAdventure.com

mel s · 05-11-2014, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom222

If I am parked with no hook ups and leave the unit sitting for more that 4-5 hours, the battery panel shows that I have lost a charge and I must start the Genny to charge the batteries. The Refrigerator is on LP, nothing really is on, maybe an bathroom fan.
Do I need new house batteries?
Tom

Tom
Could be.
If your batteries need charging every 4 hours with only a DVR operating something definitely needs attention, fixing or replacing.

Have you eliminated all unnecessary parasitic battery draws?
Do you turn off the TV, (and disconnect it) when you are not watching it. Most TVs draw from the batteries even when they are turned OFF, as do satellite receivers and some stereos.
BTW both a RV refrigerator and a RV water heater use some 12VDC when running on LP.

Mel
'96 Safari

Skip426 · 05-11-2014, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom222

I just had the water checked last month at camping world (they said they checked it). ......what would to cost be to replace my batteries, I believe I have 6 house batteries , and should I get golf cart batteries? What's the difference?

Visit this site for an explanation.
The 12volt Side of Life (Part 1)

Golf cart & deep cycle, batteries are specifically built to withstand many charge / discharge cycles.
Cost more , but worth it.

Tom222 · 05-12-2014, 10:45 PM

I bit. The bullet and purchased new batteries, six golf cart batteries, and wow what a big difference that made. I am able to run the TV, sat. And vent fan, what no problems. Thanks for all the inputs!

Tom

Skip426 · 05-12-2014, 11:49 PM

Glad your fixed up, although a little light in the pocket book,

the good news is , maintained these batteries will last many years. My 4 are in their 6th season.

wa8yxm · 05-13-2014, 09:46 AM

I have had that problem.. First a description of my battery bank

I currently have one pair of 230 amp hour six volts (one 230 amp hour 12 volt battery) and 3 (I think group 29's (about 100 amp hours each) in parallel.

Used to have a pair of G-31's in two of the now 29 slots.

Well when one battery (A 29) shorted a cell.. I got exactly what you observed.. I tracked it down using a clamp on DC ammeter (Sears Multimeter) and isloated the shorted battery.. Later replaced it.

Then later it came back only worse.. This time it was one of the GC-2's.. (Being bigger they did the job better).

My suggestion if you have multiple batteries... Check for a shorted cell in one of them

HOW much difference did it make?
Well when the 29 shorted if I tripped the 30 amp park breaker (on a 30 amp site) the Prosine would hold.. Sometimes, long enough for me to re-set, sometimes not, depended on how fast I got to the breaker.

When the GC-2 shorted, the prosine went immediently into ALARM mode and shut down

Today.. I'm no a 50 amp site but the last time I tripped the park breaker,, I finished cooking and eating Dinner before I reset the thing.. Prosine and batteries cooked the meal for me.

Tony Lee · 05-13-2014, 10:47 AM

When putting new batteries in, it is a good idea to check the operation of the charging system in case it is faulty

mel s · 05-13-2014, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony Lee

When putting new batteries in, it is a good idea to check the operation of the charging system in case it is faulty

Tony

AND adjust the "charging perimeters" of your inverter/charger to the proper settings for the new battery bank...(incorrect charger settings can rapidly destroy new batteries).

Mel
'96 Safari