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Topic: Dead chassis batteries (Read 1353 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Dead chassis batteries

Reply #25 –
I just wonder if it was as some noted. A bit of a bum connection.
I cleaned all six connectors on the batteries. Later the tech cleaned the connection that joins the big cables that runs to the smaller three post cables.

All I know is that after all connections were cleaned. Boost selenoid wire reconnected. And two hours of their service truck running while tethered to the coach via jumper cables. The coach roared to life quicker than it ever has.

The total bill was $25. So no complaints about that.

Finally arrived at Silver Falls where it is on 30amps. Saturday when we head out will be the big test.
Jerry & Nona and Kimeru the cat that thinks she's a dog
1998 36' WTFE U320  #5314 Motorcade #17711
USAF 1975-1995
2019 Subaru Crosstrek 'toad'
2003 Subaru Legacy touring car
jerry Fincher | Flickr

Re: Dead chassis batteries

Reply #26 –
Good news, Jerry.  Do you have a small smart charger hooked up to the start batteries so they get charged while plugged in?  They normally do not get charged unless youdo.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Dead chassis batteries

Reply #27 –
Oh doo doo. I thought it was done along with the house batteries by the xantrax system. Guess when we go into Silverton tomorrow I'll stop by an auto parts store. Any particular type or brand needed or recommend?

So now that leads me to think it just might have been corrosion mucking up the charging. This coach has been sitting quite a lot while we waited for the boss to retire. I can't recall that it has ever failed to start because of a dead battery since installing the red tops three years ago.
Jerry & Nona and Kimeru the cat that thinks she's a dog
1998 36' WTFE U320  #5314 Motorcade #17711
USAF 1975-1995
2019 Subaru Crosstrek 'toad'
2003 Subaru Legacy touring car
jerry Fincher | Flickr

Re: Dead chassis batteries

Reply #28 –
You could cross connect the batteries at the isolator with a jumper cable  as far as I know.  Just remove it prior to driving.  My auto connect is installed where the isolator was,  then the house side will charge the engine batteries.  The auto connect auto disconnects when either battery is not charged and is in discharge use.

Same idea just automatic
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Dead chassis batteries

Reply #29 –
Quote from: bigdog –
Oh doo doo. I thought it was done along with the house batteries by the xantrax system. Guess when we go into Silverton tomorrow I'll stop by an auto parts store. Any particular type or brand needed or recommend?
Just make sure the charger has a setting for AGM batteries - most of them do these days.  Some ideas:

The Best AGM Battery Chargers To Buy with In-Depth Reviews - 2018
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Dead chassis batteries

Reply #30 –
As I mentioned before connections are most often the problem. In my coach the location of my batteries, isolator, solenoids, etc, are in places that get all kinds of road dirt and moisture. That's why this always the first place I look.
1995 U320 40', 2013 chevy sonic toad, my real love are corvettes have owned 30

Re: Dead chassis batteries

Reply #31 –
Thanks everyone for all the info/guidance. Until I get out to pickup the appropriate charger. I'll just disconnect the neg side.
Jerry & Nona and Kimeru the cat that thinks she's a dog
1998 36' WTFE U320  #5314 Motorcade #17711
USAF 1975-1995
2019 Subaru Crosstrek 'toad'
2003 Subaru Legacy touring car
jerry Fincher | Flickr

Re: Dead chassis batteries

Reply #32 –
Jerry you needed a walk through.  Much harder to learn on the fly.

Would not disconnect the engine.  Just jump over the isolator.  Then the charger charges both sides. 

Definitely a combiner would help
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Dead chassis batteries

Reply #33 –
Just leave the boost switch on. It won't hurt a thing.
1994 U280, Build 4490
Deming, NM.

Re: Dead chassis batteries

Reply #34 –
Quote from: Twig –
Just leave the boost switch on. It won't hurt a thing.
Unless, of course, one of the batteries is bad or goes bad.
1993 U225 Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Former 1981 Foretravel Travco
Retired, Full Time Off Grid Snowbird

Re: Dead chassis batteries

Reply #35 –
Quote from: Dakota Slim –
Unless, of course, one of the batteries is bad or goes bad.
Excellent point. If the batteries are fully charged, leave the boost switch off. Disconnect the ground for overnight and IF in the morning they are dead or close to it, you've found the culprit.
1994 U280, Build 4490
Deming, NM.

Re: Dead chassis batteries

Reply #36 –
As long as you have the ground lead disconnected, use an Ammeter to see just how Buchanan parasitic drain there is.
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: Dead chassis batteries

Reply #37 –
Boost takes 3 amps continuously.

Combiner is magnetic and zero draw. 

As I said every new coach has a combiner
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Dead chassis batteries

Reply #38 –
I found a charger that does AGM's at a local Napa in Silverton. It shows the set as 95% charged with the neg cable removed after sitting over night. I have the charger set at 2Amps. It has an AGM over charge prevention program.
Jerry & Nona and Kimeru the cat that thinks she's a dog
1998 36' WTFE U320  #5314 Motorcade #17711
USAF 1975-1995
2019 Subaru Crosstrek 'toad'
2003 Subaru Legacy touring car
jerry Fincher | Flickr

Re: Dead chassis batteries

Reply #39 –
Let's see some pics of your trip!  ^.^d
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Dead chassis batteries

Reply #40 –
I would but don't know how to send photos directly from the iphone to the forum.

Any answers on that subject needs to go to a new topic outside the tech area. But I would like to find out.
Jerry & Nona and Kimeru the cat that thinks she's a dog
1998 36' WTFE U320  #5314 Motorcade #17711
USAF 1975-1995
2019 Subaru Crosstrek 'toad'
2003 Subaru Legacy touring car
jerry Fincher | Flickr
 

Re: Dead chassis batteries

Reply #41 –
Disconnecting the negative will tell you what does use the engine 12 v
Toby a 94 u280
Cummins 8.3
6 speed Allison
Exhaust brake


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