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Topic: Consequences of Dead, DEAD batteries? (Read 677 times) previous topic - next topic
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Consequences of Dead, DEAD batteries?

Yahoo Message Number: 84158
I'm hoping you all can provide some insight.
We're looking at a Country Coach that was in excellent shape, but on the dealers' lot (for the brief time it was there), they allowed both the chassis and house batteries to go completely dead. Apparently couldn't even get a "click" out of it and had to charge them for a long time to get enought to start engine or generator.
It's a 2008 Magna, but just standard batteries (not AGM), and they insist that the battery's health/cranking power wouldn't have been affected...but I'm suspicious.
Also, there seems to be a few gremlins as a result of it (blinking ATC light) they their tech said could be fixed with a "reboot".

In this scenario...what would you advise? We're newbies to this.

Mark

Re: Consequences of Dead, DEAD batteries?

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 84159
Quote from: marksperos"
I'm hoping you all can provide some insight.
> We're looking at a Country Coach that was in excellent shape, but on the dealers' lot (for the brief time it was there), they allowed both the chassis and house batteries to go completely dead. Apparently couldn't even get a "click" out of it and had to charge them for a long time to get enought to start engine or generator.
> It's a 2008 Magna, but just standard batteries (not AGM), and they insist that the battery's health/cranking power wouldn't have been affected...but I'm suspicious.
> Also, there seems to be a few gremlins as a result of it (blinking ATC light) they their tech said could be fixed with a "reboot".

In this scenario...what would you advise? We're newbies to this.

Mark
I would doubt that dead batteries would damage anything else on the rig.
Wet cell batteries work fine but require more routine inspection and maintenance.
The batteries may need replacing but probably not solely because they went dead on the lot.
Costco and Sam's Club sell 6v Golf Cart Batteries for less than a $100 each. Many MH owners use them for the storage batteries.

A pair of 8D starting batteries will cost about $800 or less.
Do the typical things. Look for water leaks in the house. Operate all the systems. 12v electric, 120v electric, plumbing and heating.
Drive the rig and if all is well have a non-dealer mechanic do a drive train inspection.
Also, expect to replace the tires as they will probably soon age out.

Re: Consequences of Dead, DEAD batteries?

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 84160
If the batteries sat "dead" for anytime at all they are probably shot. Even frequent discharge below 50% is very detrimental.

John 05 Inspire #52399

Re: Consequences of Dead, DEAD batteries?

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 84161
If they are originals, have them install new house/engine batteries as part of any deal. The OEM house batteries should be AGM. I would insist on AGM for the house batteries.
Also, if you are not comfortable doing a detailed inspection, you might consider hiring an outside Co familiar w/Country Coach/Magna's to do a detailed inspection. If you decide to purchase it make it contingent on inspection.

Brian

Re: Consequences of Dead, DEAD batteries?

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 84162
Hello Mark

An 08 Magna (what is the coach unit #) has many, to most, complex systems. If you like the coach, I'd suggest you have a PDI (pre delivery Inspection) done by someone like Butch Williams (541-221-0654) on the East coast or Kevin Wait (541-953-6162) on the West coast. It will take as much as two days to do it right. Make the purchase contingent upon their inspection report and repairs/service you want done as part of the purchase. They will also give you the basic training to drive and take care of this big investment. All systems will be operated so you will know how to use them.

That is what I did when I bought my 08 Affinity. I'm glad I did!

George, wb5ldn
08 Affinity 6877

Re: Consequences of Dead, DEAD batteries?

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 84165
George,

Thanks for the great advise!

The coach number is 6874M
Mark

Re: Consequences of Dead, DEAD batteries?

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 84171
Mark,

Flooded lead acid batteries are ruined when run stone dead. They may recharge but won't ever fully recover. Some AGM batteries like Lifeline units are designed to withstand complete discharges and bounce back from abuse. Others not so much.
JD Gallant's book is here: http://www.rv.org/shoppingcart/products.php?product=How-to-Select%2C-Inspect%2C-and-Buy-an-RV---%28Included-with-Membership-Package%29 Might be worth a read given your situation. The idea is to keep as much money out of the dealer's pocket as possible so you have it available to address ongoing repairs. And there will be ongoing repairs. You want to know as much about this as possible up front. In other words, what you'll realistically be facing after the sale. It isn't necessarily something to fear, just something to educate yourself on.
This news group is a good place to start. People here have tons of experience and can provide an "owners" view of things to include the good, bad and ugly. My bus is the Allure so I'll defer to our Magna owners for the specific details. That said, batteries are batteries. Good luck to you.

At 11:30 AM 11/27/2012, you wrote:

Re: Consequences of Dead, DEAD batteries?

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 84174
I'd certainly wonder why a dealer let ALL of the batteries go dead! This is a $700K piece of equipment (new) and they must have a significant investment in it. That would convince me to get an independent PDI and be very careful in my further dealings with the dealer.

Dave Glen

'06 Magna 5691
 

Re: Consequences of Dead, DEAD batteries?

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 84201
Quote from: David Glen
I'd certainly wonder why a dealer let ALL of the batteries go > dead! This is a $700K piece of equipment (new) and they must have a > significant investment in it. That would convince me to get an > independent PDI and be very careful in my further dealings with the dealer.

Dave Glen

'06 Magna 5691

Dave,

You would think. But on this same coach, they also
1) Drove into something on the DS, ripping the end of the topper off which then screwed up the topper AND the slide
2) In the bathroom, somehow smashed the door covering the slides so badly that the entire vertical edge up to the face plate was broken off.
3) The transporter left a black, greasy blob in the bolster of the drivers seat that was 4" across...and no one noticed it (against light leather), until I pointed it out.

Mark