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IHull · 01-13-2020, 08:53 PM

I have a 98 Southwind 32V Ford 460. All the batteries (2-6v for the house) are new and charged.

So I got to my destination this weekend and I noticed when the engine is shut off in about 30 seconds all the 12v goes dead, all the coach as well as the 12v on the dash. The headlights work and the engine will start, but not the generator. Start the engine and in about 30 seconds it all comes back on and then start the generator. Everything works fine but when the generator is turned off it turns off in 30 seconds. I noticed once that it took 10 minutes to shut off, but most of the time it was 30 seconds.

I have an inverter wired directly to the 6 volts. When the 12v goes out, the inverter is dead too. That completely baffles me as there is nothing between it and the batteries.

It did this all weekend, and when I got it home yesterday I left everything on like I was using it. Checked this morning and the 12v stayed on all night. But after I moved it and shut it down then everything went dead again in 30 seconds. Then I moved it again, drove it about a mile and last time i checked it was still on.

The battery disconnect switches seem to be working properly.

I'm baffled.

Bobby F · 01-13-2020, 09:05 PM

Check all of your battery connections - grab each post connection and try to spin it. This sounds like one is loose.

twinboat · 01-14-2020, 02:09 AM

When you run the engine, there is a solenoid that connects the engine battery to the house batteries, like an automatic jumper cable. That's why stuff runs when the engine is running. Its all running from the engine battery.

When you shut it down, that solenoid opens the connection, as designed, and only your house batteries run your stuff, including your generator starter.

That means your house batteries are discharged or not connected properly.

First check the cable connections. Then follow the negetive cable to where it connects to the chassis. It may be a bolt thru some steel, that has rust and corrosion on it, or just loose.

Same thing for the positive cable, follow it and you should find a fuse or breaker about a foot away. Again, dirty or loose connections.

Sundancer268 · 01-14-2020, 04:59 AM

Just because the batteries are new doesn't mean they are good. Put a Volt Meter on the 6 volt batteries and see what their voltage is across each battery. They should be 6.3 volts if fully charged. If one battery is a lower, that battery is suspect. Get a load test on them to verify the condition, the dealer you purchased them should do it willingly.

trampsrv · 01-14-2020, 05:16 AM

x2 on checking battery connections!!

marjoa · 01-14-2020, 06:35 AM

Keep us posted.

IHull · 01-14-2020, 11:23 AM

My first thoughts were the ground. I just discovered that the connection between the two 6 volts may not have been good. I guess it all through me off when the 12v on the dash was affected too. I always thought that was connected only to the engine battery.

I'll post results.

Thanks for all the comments.