Three starting batteries in three years

[flemingmmk]

I have 2008 Jayco Malborne MH. In three years I've had to replace the engine start battery each year. It failed to take a charge. Napa replaced them no charge. Bad batch of batteries ?? Is there something in the charging system that I need to check. The coach or house batteries are are fine.

Thanks in advance

[Grumpy]

If they tested bad, unlikekly the MH. I think I'd change brands.

[TWP723]

I'd check the alternator. Something's draining the battery. How often do you use your MH?

[hoppers4]

You need to keep a trickle charger on your battery while it's not being used. The chassis battery voltage can low enough in a month, due to parasitic draw, to disable vehicle start. Things like the radio, transmission, and various computer modules have a constant draw on the battery.

I've been using a charger called Battery Tender Junior for 10 years and haven't had any chassis battery problems since. I started using one after I figured out there was quite a parasitic draw from various devices. I also replaced a battery before I figured it out.

[abarkl]

Another option would be to install a battery cut-off switch or simply disconnect the ground (black) cable from the battery when in storage for an extended period.
Typically you want to ensure the battery is fully charged before disconnecting.

[nevermind]

Originally Posted by flemingmmk

In three years I've had to replace the engine start battery each year. It failed to take a charge.

If you are killing batteries, I would check the alternator voltage at the battery with the motor idle around 1500 rpms. You should have around 14.5v. You may need a new alternator/regulator if this is not a "total discharge killing batteries" issue.

[bansai]

Originally Posted by hoppers4

You need to keep a trickle charger on your battery while it's not being used. The chassis battery voltage can low enough in a month, due to parasitic draw, to disable vehicle start. Things like the radio, transmission, and various computer modules have a constant draw on the battery.

I've been using a charger called Battery Tender Junior for 10 years and haven't had any chassis battery problems since. I started using one after I figured out there was quite a parasitic draw from various devices. I also replaced a battery before I figured it out.

I swear by the battery tender also. Have had one on my motorcycle, which I don't ride that much, for 14 years and I'm only on my second battery.

[flemingmmk]

Thanks all. The alternator was checked at the Napa parts store. My unit has a battery cutoff switch which I use whenever the unit isn't in use.

[hoppers4]

The battery cutoff switch is for the house only, not the chassis. The chassis battery will still go dead after a month or so of not using it.

[abarkl]

Add a Trik-L-Start to your motorhome and never have a dead chassis battery again.