Battery drain in storage

[Jace817]

I have a 2014 28BHBE that appears to have a significant parasitic drain on the battery. We've been fortunate to get quite a bit of use since we purchased in March, so the longest it has set in storage is 4 weeks. When we went to pick it up after this, it was completely dead. I'll start monitoring the battery level more now, but right now I'm not sure how long it lasts in storage.

Is this normal on a new rig? My previous experience (25 years ago) you could expect a big to hold the charge for several months.

Any ideas on where to start looking for the current draw? I know the radio keeps time and the display, but that should take that much power.

[TEBechtold]

Do you have a battery disconnect switch? Is the fridge a residential fridge or an RV. The propane and CO2 sensor are connected in as well. If you have a residential fridge you will need to turn off your inverter. Also, if you do not have a disconnect switch for batteries you will want to disconnect the battery (batteries) to avoid drain.

[Lifespalette]

^^^^^^ yep.... what he said.....

[Mustang65]

Until you get a battery disconnect switch, just pull your main fuse by the battery, which SHOULD isolate the battery from the TT electronics.
Don

[Jace817]

It's an rv fridge. A disconnect is definitely on its way, I'm just curious what is causing the drain. Hadn't thought about the sensors.

[TEBechtold]

Jace,

Those sensors will drain the batteries often in less than a week. Been there done that when we first starting camping

[Camper_bob]

The fuse nearest the battery on the 28BHBE does NOT isolate the battery, it's for the power tongue jack.

I got wing nuts, so I disconnect my battery and take it home where it sits on a float charger in my garage. That's whether the trailer is in storage for one night or one month. I have a disconnect switch, but I haven't wired it in, and I probably won't; I have just gotten in the habit of taking the batt with me. No chance of theft or dead battery.

[RedHorse1]

Our X23B had a 30A fuse near the batt box that disconnected the TT and jack. It did not disconnect the emergency brake. Your stereo also has some parasitic drain. The A/C thermostat may have some too, not 100% on that one tho.

[Jace817]

I think that 30 am fuse only disconnects the electric jack. I typically pull that one as an added theft deterrent and the rest of the rig stays powered.

[RedHorse1]

The fuse was there before the power jack which I added. I'm sure that my 30A fuse protected the TT. There does seem to be some variables during manufacture. Maybe this is an example.

[troutslayer]

Originally Posted by Jace817

Any ideas on where to start looking for the current draw? I know the radio keeps time and the display, but that should take that much power.

I believe the thermostat and propane leak sensor take a fair amount of continual current as well.

[33 RLDS]

Don't forget the co2 and gas detector. it also uses 12v

[Jace817]

Thanks for the info. I got a keyed disconnect ordered that I'll get on it next weekend. I assume the proper way to do this is on the positive side with the electric brakes being bypassed?

[Imnaha.Mansion]

I installed a keyed disconnect switch on my TT and I connected it to the positive side of the battery. I must remember to turn it on before traveling. I carry spare key in TV.