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House Batteries Drain in just a few hours

Yahoo Message Number: 105167
Replaced all my house batteries because I thought there was a battery problem. Didn't change anything, just can't figure it out something causes them to drain very quickly even when we are driving down the highway. On a trip we leave with 100% charged and before we reach the next end of day stop the batteries are at 28-35%.

Does anyone have a suggestion?

Ray Norris

2005 Allure 470 #31197

Re: House Batteries Drain in just a few hours

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 105168
Just ideas;
1. Check engine alternator. If bad could be drawing power from coach batts.
2. Check relays - are they hot too touch . Indicating power drain.
 3 . Inverter on ?

Re: House Batteries Drain in just a few hours

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 105173
There's an oil pressure switch that must activate in order for current to go to the house batteries from the alternator. Check for current two house batteries when engine running.
Rich 2002 Magna

Sent from Outlook Mobile

Re: House Batteries Drain in just a few hours

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 105181
First thing I always check with battery issues are the terminals, although they are more important on chassis batteries for the starting current flow, but good to check first. Next, I would focus on the Xantrax inverters. What do they say? Look for system monitor screen, and observe how much current is going into the battery while charging on Gen or shore power (+ amps going in), and whether it is going through the charge cycle properly (bulk, absorption, float). If you can get them fully charged, try an Equalization (only if flooded) to shake things up. Check also how the inverter is set up for battery type, capacity of battery bank and max charging voltage (14.5 volts). Study the manual, and really be sure the inverter/charger is working correctly. I suspect it is that, and they are expensive, so do everything you can to rule it out. I will say, both of my inverters were replaced at about the 10 year life mark...

Greg

2006 Magna

From: Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com] Sent: Friday, March 18, 2016 8:07 PM To: Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Country-Coach-Owners] House Batteries Drain in just a few hours

Replaced all my house batteries because I thought there was a battery problem. Didn't change anything, just can't figure it out something causes them to drain very quickly even when we are driving down the highway. On a trip we leave with 100% charged and before we reach the next end of day stop the batteries are at 28-35%.

Does anyone have a suggestion?

Ray Norris

2005 Allure 470 #31197
2006 Magna Rembrandt C13
2016 Jeep GC toad

Re: House Batteries Drain in just a few hours

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 105182
Thanks, however there is no difference sitting, rolling when unplugging the house batteries will drop below 75% in less than an hour - These should hold for two or three days under normal dry camp conditions.

Ray

2005 Allure

Re: House Batteries Drain in just a few hours

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 105186
What does your inverter/charger controller show for current flow out of the house batteries. Turn off charger, inverter and all 12 volt devices you can. There will still be some devices active like your refrigerator control board and OTA antenna amplifier. Let us know how much current is flowing out of the batteries under these conditions.

How large are your house batteries? Mine have total capacity of 440 amp-hrs. When I've used 220 amp-hours the batteries are about 50% discharged and it is time to charge them. If yours are similar then you have drawn about 300 amp-hrs from the battery. If you are talking about an 8 hour time period that would show as about 25 or 30 amps on your controller.

If you are running your inverter while traveling then I would suspect the boost solenoid. Recently I discovered my boost solenoid wasn't working because my inverter shut down while I was traveling. Until I can get the solenoid replaced I added wires and a switch to connect the positive terminals of the house and chassis batteries. I turn the switch on while traveling and off when I stop for the day.
Pete
 2000 40'  Magna #5892  CAT C-10

Re: House Batteries Drain in just a few hours

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 105187
Ray

You can find the circuit the drain is on. Turn off all the house circuit breakers. Take the grounds loose from the house batteries. Connect them together along with one end of a 12 V test light. Then connect the other end of the test light to a good ground on the chassis. Now turn on one breaker at a time. If there is a drain on that circuit the test light will come on.

George Harper
04 Allure 31093

Thanks, however there is no difference sitting, rolling when unplugging the house batteries will drop below 75% in less than an hour - These should hold for two or three days under normal dry camp conditions.

Ray

2005 Allure