12 Volt System Charging Rate

[bed685]

Recently I had the inline fuse at the battery completely fry. The battery turned out to be fried as well. I am concerned that the charging system could be damaged, too. Does anyone know a way to check the charging system to make sure it is properly working and what the rate of charge is from the charging system to the battery? any help is greatly appreciated.

[Chakara]

I would:

- let the trailer sit for 6+ hours not hooked up.
- check battery voltage with a multi meter.
- plug the trailer in
- compare voltages..

Higher is better.
-Chak

[RoyBraddy]

I suspect your 2007 RV unit does not have a smart-mode converter/charger on-board. These smart-mode units really perform nicely for automatic battery maintenance.

If your converter/charger unit is not a smart-mode unit it will constantly put out 13.6VDC and this will boil out your battery fluids over time. One should check the battery fluids every couple of weeks if the RV is always connected to shore power.

The fix is to upgrade to a smart-mode converter/charger and add a second battery while you are at it. Having 200AH of battery capacity is boss if you like to camp off the power grid for a couple of days over a weekend.

PLAN-B is to keep a close eye on the battery fluids and purchase a digital voltmeter from LOWES, WALMART, or any number of auto parts store, even AMAZON.COM. They only cost $7-$20 and will certainly take the guessing out of what is going on with your batteries. Sometimes when a converter/charger unit fails it goes to 19-20VDC and that will certainly cook your battery big time.

[bed685]

Thanks for your suggestions. I found the charger/converter is done. I ordered a new one with the smart charge option. It should be here today.