f.wernlein
Northern Virginia
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Joined: 12/13/2007
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Here is my 2 cents...Your batts may or may not be shot. Since you have some time, remove your batts and have them charged up with a good multi stage charger. Have them charged several cycles. Reinstall and see how they do.
Your real problem I think is insufficent charging AND not having the batts totally disconnected when in storage. I would be willing to bet with all systems turned off you still have some current draw you should test for this. You may need to install a full disconnect switch. West Marine/Boaters World sell types that are small, weather resistant, can handle this amp load and are normally easy to install right at the batts by adding a short length of "+" cable.
Your usage and storage situation screams for some type of solar assisted charging system to keep your batts charged up absent regular use and a source of 120 volt power. A good roof mounted panel could do this IF coupled with a good voltage controller.
Frank W.
1985 BlueBird Wanderlodge
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wa8yxm
Wherever I happen to park
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Joined: 07/04/2006
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If your converter (The generator does not charge any battery, unless it has a dedicated battery of it's own, it powers the converter however) does not charge the chassis battery a TRICK-L-START will do the job.. Kind of a DC powered battery minder it takes pains to protect the source battery too.
Nothin adds excitment like something that is none of your business
John is Near Kenwood TS-2000 housed in a 2005 Damon Intruder 377
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2cyber71
Pennsylvania
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Joined: 11/21/2003
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I have the same batteries....seem to be ok so far...but I don't like the Winnie House batteries.....can't wait to replace them....They are worthless....goes thru water like it's in the desert....Have to fill them every two weeks.....going gel next time.
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Tenn Stud
Northeast, TN
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Joined: 11/16/2004
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Are you parked in side or out side? If out side I would look at a solar panel. If inside I would connect both set of batteries together while in storage. If you want to charge with the generator, Take 1 jumper cable from the pos on the coach batts to the pos on the chassis batts, Both disconnect switches ON (both grounds are common)all will charge from the gen set, just unhook the jumper when you leave. ONE thing NOT to do START the ENGINE with the Chassis batt disconnected, BY either cable or the disconnect switch. If you do you will get to buy an Alternator. I would NOT run the engine at idle to charge any batteries, Not good for any engine
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ReadytoRide
Alexandria, VA
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Joined: 11/15/2004
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The coach came with a small solar panel on it, but not sure if it goes to the chassis or the house.
2007 Itasca Ellipse 40FD
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3sacrwd
Madison, WI
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Joined: 05/28/2004
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Solar charger is most likely for the house batteries. I leave my rig unpluged all winter, and only one every two months take my Honda Generator over and leave it with a battery charger for a few hours. I lock my Honda Eu2000i to my bumper and lock my charger in with my batteries. I don't start my rig for at least 4 months, and it starts in Spring right away. You do NOT have to start a diesal every day like one poster mentioned. It is better to leave it sit than to start it and only let it idle. It will never get to operating temp that way, and is very bad for it.
1997 Forest River Reflection 38' DP
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jimandsue60
North America
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Joined: 08/09/2004
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ReadytoRide wrote:The coach came with a small solar panel on it, but not sure if it goes to the chassis or the house.
The 5 or 10 watt (useless) solar panel that came on the roof goes to the house batteries only.
Jim
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smkettner
Southern California
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Joined: 03/21/2005
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The small solar panel may work as long as it is just the panel and the battery. All other cables must be disconnected. The Trik-L-Start will send some power up to the chassis battery but again the battery must be completely disconnected if you are relying on the OEM miniture solar power.
You could get more solar and have connections made to keep the batteries up and easily disconnect other loads. Think 80 to 120 watts with a controller.
Otherwise you need to run a generator for a few hours a month. Even with this you will need to fully charge and disconnect the battery for storage.
I would not start the engine or even the generator unless you will operate it under load for at least 30 minutes.
BTW what converter or inverter/charger does the generator power to charge the batteries?
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wa8yxm
Wherever I happen to park
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2cyber71 wrote:I have the same batteries....seem to be ok so far...but I don't like the Winnie House batteries.....can't wait to replace them....They are worthless....goes thru water like it's in the desert....Have to fill them every two weeks.....going gel next time.
NOT the fault of the batteries.. Fault of the converter.. Post the make and model of your converter and we can explain why.
Or just call randy at best converter (www.bestconverter.com) and tell him and see what he says
I have no connection with Randy, never met, never had a need to do business with him. But he comes highly recommended by others here who have had contact with him.
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Blake and Deb
Conroe, TX
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Joined: 12/24/2005
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Ready....
Here's what I see from your posts.
1). You need new starting batteries. The batteries you have are most likely toast especially if they've been discharged to 7 volts. Do as Sully says and measure the exact room you have in your battery compartment. Then, get the best CCA value for the money. Don't get deep cycle RV batteries. We replaced our group 31's for 4D's (truck batteries). Check Sam's Club! I've learned my lesson about discharging these and now keep them on a maintainer whenever parked.
2). If you plan to store your coach all winter, and have no means to keep your battery systems charged, then best option is to pull the batteries, bring to the house, and keep them on a maintainer. It's important you check the water (distilled) level at least monthly. I'd check it weekly until you can pattern the evap rate. Then extend the PM to fit actual conditions. I know this is a hassle, but it'll save you in the long run from being stranded just before a trip.
Good Luck!
Blake and Deb
2005 Monaco Windsor 40 PAQ
2006 f250 Lariat toad
Currently Bakersfield, CA. soon, Houston, TX
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