Foretravel Owners' Forum For owners and Fans of Foretravel Motorcoaches September 07, 2025 ...

Batteries Maintenance

August 23, 2015, 06:41:56 pm

Hi,

Batteries continue to be my biggest frustration in the RV.  I am into my 3rd set.

I fried the first set while leaving a charger for a while when I was working in the east coast and the MH was in NM.  I bought a new set and brought the Grand Villa to the East Coast.  It set for a while with one mechanic and when I took it to a campsite where we stayed for 2 month, it got cooked from the shore power creating a challenge in figuring out where the smell came from. 

I bought an expensive AGM batteries this time as I was told it is betterer.  The MH was at the mechanics during the winter to go over it and guaranty it is all working well so when I finally have a few days off I can go somewhere.

We packed it last night but this morning the house battery is dead 10month after buying it.  This time it just set with no tendering, the motor home was started a few times during these month.

So what gives.  What should I do when I store the rig for several month?  My schedule is some what erratic so I do not know when I will be able to go RVing next and where we live in the north country it is white for several month in the winter anyway.

Thank goodness this time I have a warranty but the trip is delayed     

Thanks!

Ted

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Re: Batteries Maintenance

Reply #1 – August 23, 2015, 06:50:18 pm

Ted,

Depends on whether you have a means of charging the batteries CORRECTLY while in storage (but same can be said while using the coach).

If you have 120 VDC and, repeat AND you have a smart converter, smart charger or inverter/charger that has been properly programmed, leave it plugged in 24/7.  The important issue is that the float voltage be between 13.2 and 13.5 VDC.  Above that and it will cook the batteries.  BTW, the 1993's came with a "stupid" converter.  One of the first things I replaced on our 1993.

Another option for storage with no 120 VAC is solar panel(s) with quality controller.

Be aware that OE, you coach has no means for charging the chassis battery except for the alternator.  Several viable alternatives to keep them charged.  Separate small smart charger, one of devices that "steals" charge from the house bank when it is charged to charge the chassis battery or even a small solar panel.

If you have on means of charging while in storage, you will need to disconnect the batteries.  The AMG's have a slow self-discharge rate, so they will do better when just left disconnected.

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Re: Batteries Maintenance

Reply #2 – August 23, 2015, 07:07:33 pm

Ted as Brett said if the original converter/charger is still in get rid of it fast. You can tell if it is there as when you plug into power you will start hearing a loudish electrical humming that is coming from the bay behind the doorway. You can buy a Progressive Electronics one of 180 amps or so quite cheap on Amazon and this will charge correctly and no noise either.
JohnH

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Reply #3 – August 23, 2015, 07:19:13 pm

Your charger is overcharging your batteries. If original replace it.

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Reply #4 – August 23, 2015, 08:54:43 pm

This forum is amazing!  Thanks guys for the quick respond.

I do not know what convertor charger I have http://www.foreforums.com/smileys/default/sad.gif  Is it at the right of the batteries at the bay?  I do not think I hear a hum noise from a device once I connect to shore power. 

I actually went to the last mechanic as he was supposed to be an expert in the electric system and told me that he have to change the charging setting to accommodate for the AMG. 

When he worked on my MH he dropped the air lines on the exhaust so when I drove 10 miles from his shop the air lines were toast and the MH will not move.  $500 tow and $500 repair by him later, I picked up the RV [Yes says he, I have checked all the systems it is all fine] just to find out the house battery is dead.  The refrigerator will show No Flame [I hope just cause there is no house DC]  And we are having a lobster and steamers at home.

So, I will gladly get any appropriate - recommended charger.  I will gladly buy the appropriate converter charger.  I am not sure that solar panels will work well here as I probably will keep the MH stored in the winter But I will be happy to add it if I will know exactly which one system - components are recommended. 

I think the biggest challenge I have is that the MH sits for many month between my trips - but someone got a cover the cost of Obama Care  

Any one have some strong recommendation for an RV electric and mechanic up in the North Country?

Thanks again guys for this terrific support!

Ted

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Reply #5 – August 24, 2015, 01:11:05 am

Actually Ted to check that charger/converter open up the bay behind the door (other side of coach) and get a flashlight and look right across to other side and see if you can see a metal box about 10" square with a couple of wires coming from it. The box will have somecooling fins on it. If it is this shape and if you crawl in bay and can hear it humming then that is the one that has to go fast. It may have been changed but you must check it and maybe take a picture and post it so we can see. The change over to a new one (if needeed) is very simple and safe. we will explain what to do and you will be able to do it, do not worry. AGM batteries are very sensitive to charges, I have them and solar on roof like a few others.
Anyway, check this out and let us know asap. In the meantime dissconnect the negative(black ) battery cable if you are not going to use coach.
JohnH

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Reply #6 – August 24, 2015, 11:31:06 am

Thanks Guys!

Looks like I have Inteli Power 9100  Model PD9160A  60Amp  13.6 VDC output. 

I am trying to figure out  how I can load pictures here.

Ted

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Reply #7 – August 24, 2015, 11:58:03 am

Well actually you now do not need to post  picture as the one you have is what we would have suggested, so you can strike that from the equation (unless something is wrong with it!!!)
They have a built in charge control if I remember correctly. A question would ba are both your batteries (engine and coach) the same style ie AGM? If youstore it for a long time remove the neg cable, or, leave it plugged in to 120v to maintain them. Right now I am devoid of ideas so hope someone else can jump in here.
JohnH

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Reply #8 – August 24, 2015, 12:20:55 pm

Thanks so much!

It probably was left to die by my dedicated RV service place.  Thankfully the batteries are under warranty so the house one that died will be replaced today and hopefully we will make it to Canada soon.

Thanks again for your help.

Ted

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Reply #9 – August 24, 2015, 03:40:40 pm

I gather you are going to eastern Canada not here to BC (left coast)
JohnH

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