Community Forums

rgriffin46 · 07-19-2012, 06:42 AM

I have a 1999 Georgie Boy Landau and I was wondering if there is a battery disconnect when I put the MH in storage. The reason I am asking is my batteries that run the lights etc. runs down and I don't know why. If anyone has a 1999 out there and can tell me what the problem is I sure would appreaciate it. The batteries are new.

Thanks in advance.

CHCam42 · 07-19-2012, 07:01 AM

Most coaches have a parasitic load and over time will discharge the batteries. You can do a few things to remedy this. One hook to AC source. Two turn off the battery disconnect switch in the battery bay. If there is no disconnect switch disconnect the positive lead to the coach. Hope this helps and happy camping.

rgriffin46 · 07-19-2012, 07:15 AM

Clark

What did you mean hook to AC source?

Thanks

Midniteoyl · 07-19-2012, 07:22 AM

Plug the coach in... You have a converter with battery charger that should keep the batts topped off..

GaryKD · 07-19-2012, 07:22 AM

Hi rgriffin46,
Hooking to an A/C source means to connect the coach to 120 VAC when in storage. If that is not possible, consider a battery disconnect switch. CW sells them. A sample of a battery disconnect switch is at Search - battery dissconnect - Camping World

DznyFan · 07-19-2012, 08:39 AM

If you do not have a battery disconnect installed and decide to disconnect a cable always make it the negative cable, this reduces the possibility of shorting out the battery. A battery disconnect is easy to wire in. Just make sure to put it on the negative cable.

Sky_Boss · 07-19-2012, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DznyFan

If you do not have a battery disconnect installed and decide to disconnect a cable always make it the negative cable, this reduces the possibility of shorting out the battery. A battery disconnect is easy to wire in. Just make sure to put it on the negative cable.

I've had my rig sitting outside a service place a couple times for a bit over a week each time. I was sure the AUX BAT switch was off. both times...dead house batteries.

Winter project...add battery disconnect switch.

JMerenda · 07-19-2012, 10:26 AM

I purchased a trickle down slow charger by Shumacher at Advance Auto Parts. It permanently mounts in battery compartment and attaches direct to the terminals. I plug it into the wall at my storage unit with an extension cord and it powers on and off on its own keeping the engine battery fully charged

Mr.Geritol · 07-19-2012, 03:21 PM

For safety you should disconnect the negative lead. If your wrench touches a ground when working on the positive you will have a dead short with the wrench as the conduit. With batteries it should always be disconnect the negative first and connect it last.

Mr.Geritol

stearn · 07-19-2012, 03:42 PM

I installed a simple knife switch on my engine battery. We store in a building with no power! We have a house battery switch that only works with house batteries sort-of!! I know that my eng bat will have enough charge to start, and then all else falls in place.

Jim_HiTek · 07-19-2012, 07:18 PM

Most RVs of that age have two 'Salesmans' switches near the entrance door that disconnect MOST loads from the batteries. But as mentioned, there are parasitic loads that are still connected. Many people just disconnect the ground cables from the batteries when storing the rig.

And, many RVs that age do not have a charging system for the Chassis (starting) battery when plugged into shore power except for the weak solar panel many come with...but they do usually have a 'converter' that charges the house batteries. People add their own 'float' charger for that chore.