Batteries keep dying

[jconner]

We went on a trip recently and had a similar problem. Our battery would die fairly quickly. We were camping with friends who had a camper of their own so we would swap out batteries every six hours or so, using their camper to charge the depleted battery.

I assumed the worst, a bad inverter or something. After several days of trying to figure it out, I noticed there were two fuses hidden behind the plastic cover in my inverter/fuse box which could not be seen through the fuse box door. One of which was designed to protect (blow out) should anyone inadvertently hook up the battery incorrectly (reverse polarity) which I had done for a brief second prior to our departure.

I located the proper fuse and plugged it in and all is well! You can't beat a ten cent fix.

[RetiredOne]

Originally Posted by jconner

We went on a trip recently and had a similar problem. Our battery would die fairly quickly. We were camping with friends who had a camper of their own so we would swap out batteries every six hours or so, using their camper to charge the depleted battery.

Two things that jump out at me.

If you depleted those batteries, and ran them down to dead (below 11 volts), they are probably toast, and won't hold an extended charge anymore. These batteries can't take that repeated beating and expect to live. I think I see new batteries in your near future.......

Second, everyone, Everyone, EVERYONE (did I say Everyone) should have a digital voltmeter in their tool box and readily available (and know how to use it). A voltmeter can tell you INSTANTLY what's going on with your batteries and charging system, coach power, etc. and help start the detective process to find and fix the issue.

[poohbear]

Originally Posted by RetiredOne

Two things that jump out at me.

If you depleted those batteries, and ran them down to dead (below 11 volts), they are probably toast, and won't hold an extended charge anymore. These batteries can't take that repeated beating and expect to live. I think I see new batteries in your near future.......

Second, everyone, Everyone, EVERYONE (did I say Everyone) should have a digital voltmeter in their tool box and readily available (and know how to use it). A voltmeter can tell you INSTANTLY what's going on with your batteries and charging system, coach power, etc. and help start the detective process to find and fix the issue.

Its amazing & amusing how many electrical, battery, & AC problems get posted by folks with no meter. I carry a clamp on ammeter/voltmeter/ohmmeter that will also do D.C. Amps. You don't need to be an electrical engineer as most bookstores have some basic electricity books that are easy to understand so a DYI can do basic tests.

[MPD56]

Not starting anything.

Every week I have to explain to Electrical Engineers and Electrians how to use a digital meters out in the field.

The battery in a RV has more energy and less protection then a wall plug in your house.

Not everyone can understand simple, my wife tells me I'm one of them.