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Paddyboy2u · 05-28-2015, 07:46 PM

Been having a issue with my batteries on my TT as of late. They seem to be loosing charge when not in use. I do keep a small solar charger on the when it is parked. Basically after a road trip when we get home and park the TT, I have fully charged batteries, after a day or so they are down to 2/3 full. This happens even with the solar charger on or not. I now the charger works as I have checked it with my meter, and it is producing the amount of power that it states it does.
I m thinking that a battery disconnect switch on the main line just after the batteries. That way when I park the TT after a trip it is just a mater of turning a switch to save the batteries. Anyone have any other suggestions?

marcham · 05-28-2015, 08:06 PM

A disconnect installed at the batteries may help, but it won't solve the root cause. Can you borrow a clamp on DC ampemeter or a multimeter that has a DC amp metering option (you'll have to install the leads between the battery negative post and all negative wires going to the battery.

A small discharge is normal due to the co2, smoke and LPG alarms.

Another option for troubleshooting is removing the battery, charge it on a charger, let it sit for 3 days and read the voltage.

How does your battery get fully charged after a road trip?

Are you checking the power or voltage output of the charger?

Paddyboy2u · 05-29-2015, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marcham

A disconnect installed at the batteries may help, but it won't solve the root cause. Can you borrow a clamp on DC ampemeter or a multimeter that has a DC amp metering option (you'll have to install the leads between the battery negative post and all negative wires going to the battery.

A small discharge is normal due to the co2, smoke and LPG alarms.

Another option for troubleshooting is removing the battery, charge it on a charger, let it sit for 3 days and read the voltage.

How does your battery get fully charged after a road trip?

Are you checking the power or voltage output of the charger?

I understand there is a draw from the CO2 and LPG monitors among other things in the TT.
I have removed the batteries and have charged them and have let them sit for a few days with no significant loss of power.
The batteries after a trip are fully charged from my truck, after I park the trailer I have checked the voltage at the batteries and find them fully charged.
I do believe that I have something else that is having a draw on the batteries besides the things mentioned.
I have pulled the inline fuse from the main line and after a few days put it in and checked, just a minor loss. Hence the idea of the battery disconnect switch.

shiggs68 · 05-29-2015, 07:18 AM

Many RVs have battery disconnects installed directly by the manufacture because of this problem.

However, if the drain seems excessive and overcomes the ability of your solar charge panel, I'd begin to investigate. There are several methods to track it down, pulling all fuses and install one at a time watching for the drain. Or use an amp meter and do the same.

On the other hand, a cutoff switch is the easy way. Put it between the trailer load and the battery leaving your solar connected.

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padre44 · 05-29-2015, 07:37 AM

Just got one from Amazon - which has several to choose from. Works well and will solve your problem.

justafordguy · 05-29-2015, 11:10 AM

A battery disconnect switch is a great idea, every camper should have one. I also think you may want to do a little more troubleshooting and see what's draining the batteries down so fast.

sprayman · 05-29-2015, 01:58 PM

you could also install a battery selector switch with an OFF feature,

when you leave the turn them off.

Jim

TxTwoSome · 05-29-2015, 05:37 PM

Battery Disconnect Switch good idea or not?

Well in my opinion ALL trailers should come with one already installed!

I definitely think they are a good idea. Just my Two Cents!

chaps2018 · 05-30-2015, 06:20 AM

I use these two (different trailers)
http://www.amazon.com/Marinco-701-Ba...elector+switch

You can get these at walmart for a couple bucks: http://www.amazon.com/Negative-Quick...with+wing+nuts

Both are effective solutions.

tunafish · 05-30-2015, 06:31 AM

I had the same problem on my Rockwood pop up and my winnebago TT. It is the propane/CO alarm. It is wired directly. I just disconnected the neg. connection, eventually added a disconnect and the problem went away. But don't forget to turn it back on when you go traveling, leave it on when you plug in at the campgrounds too as you will want to charge.

Paddyboy2u · 05-30-2015, 06:55 AM

Thanks for the information. I am going to install this switch, which I picked up the other day for $6.00. The drain on my batteries has been caused from just the CO2 and the LPG monitors, along with the fact that my batteries are coming up 4 years old.
Going to install this in a exposure proof plastic sealed electrical box on the frame close to the batteries.
Will have to post a picture when it is installed.