phogel Report post Posted August 2, 2015 2004 Fleetwood Discovery - changed the 2 chassis batteries 4 months ago and the 4 house batteries about a month ago. Returned from a trip two weeks ago and put the MH in storage. Accidentally left the inverter (and electric water heater though I think that's not powered by inverter) on. Battery switches (main and aux) were turned off. Today I went to pick up RV and when I went to start lights were flashing, clicking, etc - would not turn over. Chassis batteries at like 6 volts and jumping around while trying to start. Tried AUX start switch and that steadied the dash lights to normal but not enough to turn over. Looking at the house batteries and they are at 9.5-10V. I suppose inverter being left on could drain these new batteries (if something was on). However, I would not expect this to impact the chassis batteries. Is this a reasonable assumption? New owner so always a lot to learn. One other oddity - I pulled the chassis batteries to charge at home so I can at least drive it home and plug in. The inverter kept kicking on even though turned off in the coach. Any insight/help appreciated. Thanks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
desertdeals69 Report post Posted August 2, 2015 The chassis batteries should hold a charge for more that 2 weeks, might have a small current draw. The house batteries will be at 9-10 volts if the inverter was left on. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wolfe10 Report post Posted August 2, 2015 phogel, Welcome to the FMCA Forum. I see the two (chassis battery discharge/ house battery discharge) as unrelated. There are enough parasitic draws on the chassis batteries that they CAN discharge over a two week period. All the computers-- engine, transmission, radios, etc are in "standby mode" so that as soon as you turn the key they are ready to go. And, even with no electric loads on, the inverter in standby mode will discharge the house batteries over that time period. Strongly suggest you find some means of charging the batteries while in storage as well as turning off the inverter of course. Let us know if you have 120 VAC where you store it and we can make recommendations on that. If not, solar is a good choice. Would need to know if your chassis battery is charged from shore power, and if so how (separate charger or something like the Xantrex Echo Charger). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
phogel Report post Posted August 2, 2015 Appreciate the replies. I cannot get 120 VAC at my storage facility. I will investigate if the chassis is charged from shore (initial findings suggest Fleetwood generally does this). Does the Xantrax 458 inverter/charger charge the chassis batteries or just the house? Also, I have a small solar panel on the front AC unit. It has never worked so I jump up there and see if I can locate the fuse that is apparently the common reason they stop functioning. Appreciate the welcome and the information. Upon further investigation this could be the issue: "The charger portion of the Inverter/charger is wired directly to your House/Aux batteries through very large cables. The charging of the chassis battery is accomplished via the isolator solenoid which is controlled by circuitry within the BCC. Your problem could be the referenced circuitry failing, or the solenoid itself could be failing." This, of course, assumes the chassis batteries were not charged last time on shore power. I will be able to test drain, etc. once I get it home. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wolfe10 Report post Posted August 2, 2015 With your "no 120 VAC where you store it, best answer is to get a reasonable size solar panel and smart controller (voltage regulator) hooked to your house batteries. Then verify that your battery combiner in your BCC is charging your chassis batteries. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dickandlois Report post Posted August 3, 2015 phogel, The connections at the solar panels can fail over time. With no load on the solar panel(Unplugged at the connection at the Roof A/C unit, you should read somewhere between 14 to 19 volts with a meter. If you get a reading in that range, the panel is working. So look for a 3 amp fuse in the BCC unit, it could be blown! If it is, replace it and see if you have a Red LED lighting in or near the front AC inside cover. If the LED lights, you now should have a trickle charge on the batteries. This will not be the case if the coach is stored inside or under a roof though. Rich. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
phogel Report post Posted August 9, 2015 Appreciate the responses and apologies for the delayed response. Just returned from a week of beach camping with the family. Had vacation scheduled so I charged the batteries and went last weekend. I will certainly check out my small solar panel. A few findings over the week: My coach and house batteries charge when connected to shore power. They consistently read over 13V this week while camping with 50A service. Today after being in storage for 1 day, both house and chassis batteries read 12.3V. When checking the batteries in storage, I noticed that the microwave clock was ON even though I had certainly turned the inverter switch off. I went outside to the inverter and hit the inverter toggle on the top left and the microwave went off. I will return to check the batteries tomorrow after work as well. Perhaps the inverter switch is not working. I did hit the toggle on the inverter last weekend when first troubleshooting so perhaps that 'disconnected it' from the inside switch. The inverter being on or turning itself on explains the house batteries dropping. I was/am still concerned with how new chassis batteries could drain. However, while camping this week, I noticed that a 'Cargo Dome Light' wheel switch was rolled all the way up. I have no idea where these lights even are (presumably in the cargo bays) but since the switch is on the dash, it is likely on the chassis batteries. I have never touched it so I can only imagine that my 3 year old son found it was fun to play with. I am hoping this explains the chassis batteries but I will be checking them daily for the next week. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GPKeller Report post Posted August 31, 2015 I'm new to MHing too, and my house batteries went low but charged up when shore power was applied. I didn't know the inverter would do this, thought I needed new batteries. Thanks for saving me some $$$. gpkeller Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hermanmullins Report post Posted August 31, 2015 Gp, Welcome to the Forum. Have you joined FMCA and if so have you joined a chapter? To check your batteries, be sure they are charged fully and pull a load test on them. This a good way to check their condition. My batteries have gone down several times due to inadvertently leaving the radio. It gets bumped on when you lest expect.Herman Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BruceN53 Report post Posted August 7, 2016 Herman, what's the best way to pull the load test on them and what value is good/bad? Bruce Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wolfe10 Report post Posted August 7, 2016 Bruce, Fully charge them and then go to any place that sells batteries and have them LOAD TEST the batteries. Only accurate test is when they are fully charged. If wet cell batteries, make sure that the water (actually acid) level is correct. Add distilled water BEFORE charging if low. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
