Help dead batteries ??

Topic: Help dead batteries ?? (Read 1972 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Help dead batteries ??

Reply #50 – July 02, 2013, 04:14:12 pm

Kent, I think the first thing I would do is disconnect all the batteries,charge them to full charge and check the voltage ,let them rest for 12 hrs and check the voltage again and have them load tested, if these are the original batteries they could be close to the end of life.

Re: Help dead batteries ??

Reply #51 – July 02, 2013, 09:21:51 pm

My generator is always on auto start, attended or not. The only problem I've ever had happened when I had taken it off auto while I was in the coach. I lost power at the pedestal and I didn't notice it until I had run down the house batteries. You can always have a generator problem I guess, but that is what regular maintenance and operation is for.

Re: Help dead batteries ??

Reply #52 – July 10, 2013, 01:48:43 pm

The dead battery problem continues , I was only able to run generator for about 3 hours then was unable to get back for 10 days , and everything dead again .
I plan to disconnect neg terminals until I can install disconnect switches , what gauge cable / lugs should I use to connect switches

Re: Help dead batteries ??

Reply #53 – August 17, 2013, 02:00:38 pm

Previously had been able to to start gen by jump leads from truck to house batteries , mid trying to sort the dead battery problem I had to travel to Tennessee to stay with ill relative , now back home and again everything dead .
Tried jump leads but gen had two weak attempts at starting then nothing !!
Can't even get gen door open to check. Reset .
Looked in electric bay and no lights anywhere ?
Sorry to come on to you guys again but sitting here feeling lost .

Re: Help dead batteries ??

Reply #54 – August 17, 2013, 02:06:55 pm

Jimmy,

Recharge the house battery bank. You can use an external charger if you have 120 VAC. You can also pull another vehicle up next to the battery compartment and use jumper cables. Hold charging vehicle RPM around 1200-1500 for quicker charge.

Do this until you have enough juice to start the on-board generator.

Make sure your inverter/charger is set to max charge rate (it is programmable-- usually called "power share").

Once fully charged, have the batteries load tested. Then find the draw.

Brett

Re: Help dead batteries ??

Reply #55 – August 17, 2013, 02:11:24 pm

Don't seem to have any power in coach ?
No lights work and can't get door to generator open the power latch won't operate ( want to check reset on gen as it won't even try now )

Re: Help dead batteries ??

Reply #56 – August 17, 2013, 02:44:11 pm

Brett
Thanks for the quick response , I managed to get a jump from a huge salvage truck , reset and started the generator and now charging . Thanks agin

Re: Help dead batteries ??

Reply #57 – August 17, 2013, 04:45:24 pm

Is there a min level on diesel tank when generator shuts down ( still running at moment )

Re: Help dead batteries ??

Reply #58 – August 17, 2013, 04:50:46 pm

Yes, less than 1/4 tank, about 1/8 tank, different fuel pick up higher in tank than engine pick up

Re: Help dead batteries ??

Reply #59 – September 06, 2013, 05:48:10 pm

The saga of battery's continues , travelled to utah and stayed at campground plugged in for 3 days with charger switched on , it flicked over to ready after 20 -24 hours , unplugged today to move to site with no power and battery's dropped from 13.75 to 11.5 within 5mins auto gen kicked in then back off 10 mins later .
Rang lifeline for advice , he said because they went flat he suspects all three are junk , replacement is $700 each .
Also suggested start battery's same , estimate $4200
Sitting here in total shock

Re: Help dead batteries ??

Reply #60 – September 06, 2013, 07:23:08 pm

I am a rookie at motorhomes but have experience in battery business. I would suggest to check each battery individually with a hydrometer if you can locate one and battery allows access to electrolyte, if not use digital voltmeter. 12 volts on digital meter is dead. 12.6 is fully charged (except AGM which is around 12.8 volts fully charged). If you have a bad battery in the set it can draw all the others down. Check the connections for loose or dirty condition. If you have batteries with stud terminals don't check voltage on the stud, check at lead pad the stud is in. When charging don't connect charger to stud on terminals, most studs are stainless steel and conduct poorly. If you have time, charge at 10 amps to minimize heat. If batteries are low on electrolyte (plates exposed to air) add distilled water never add battery acid. Good Luck!

Re: Help dead batteries ??

Reply #61 – September 06, 2013, 07:30:50 pm

I forgot to add hydrometer readings, 1260 is charged, deviations of more than 30 points ( for example: 1260 to 1230) battery is defective. In my opinion hydrometer is the gold standard in determining state of charge. Volt meters are fine if battery has set for 12 hours minimum after charging.

Re: Help dead batteries ??

Reply #62 – September 06, 2013, 07:32:56 pm

AGM so sealed , I think , going to try find a Rv dealer or truck service that can check them , nearest city is salt lake , was heading to park city

Re: Help dead batteries ??

Reply #63 – September 06, 2013, 07:36:26 pm

If you have lifeline batteries and they have been totally discharged, will probably not be any good at least that has been my experience. They are good batteries, but can not be totally discharged and then come back to life

Re: Help dead batteries ??

Reply #64 – September 06, 2013, 07:45:43 pm

Think that's the problem , feel like a total fool , my own very costly ignorance

Re: Help dead batteries ??

Reply #65 – September 06, 2013, 08:04:57 pm

If it is any consolation, you may be able to get by with 2 chassis batteries. That is what FT puts into the 2002 U270s even tho there is room for 3 in my chassis bay. I haven't experienced any need for more in the 8 years I've had the coach. Given the more energy-efficient items (LCD/LED TVs, replacement LED lights), even less storage is actually needed.

The Optima starting batteries are around $187 each on Amazon.

Re: Help dead batteries ??

Reply #66 – September 06, 2013, 08:26:44 pm

Brad
Thanks for that , just feel such a fool , kept meaning to disconnect neg lead but had family issues that kept me out of town and mind occupied . The immediate issue is to find an dealer around Salt Lake City
Think it's time to hit the jack Daniels

Re: Help dead batteries ??

Reply #67 – September 06, 2013, 08:37:07 pm

Optima Red Top 34 is $146.99 and free shipping on Amazon from TRU Motorsports. No good 8D prices there, tho.

The positive is you'll have new batteries and many trouble-free years ahead of you. If they were original, it likely was their time to go anyway (10 years+).

Re: Help dead batteries ??

Reply #68 – September 06, 2013, 09:52:23 pm

That's the worst part , only 3 years old , arrrrr

Re: Help dead batteries ??

Reply #69 – September 07, 2013, 12:29:20 am

Quote from: Jimmyjnr – September 06, 2013, 09:52:23 pm

That's the worst part , only 3 years old , arrrrr

Ouch! Sorry.

Re: Help dead batteries ??

Reply #70 – September 07, 2013, 10:57:51 am

After a month with this problem, am wondering how serious the need is to resolve it.
No meter, no testing / trouble shooting, I hope I am missing something.

Re: Help dead batteries ??

Reply #71 – September 07, 2013, 02:07:24 pm

Yes , a number of serous family problems that forced my attention elsewhere .

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