mgratner
Wherever I happen to be USA
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Joined: 01/20/2005
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We have a 5th wheel that we have been fulltiming in for 4 1/2 years.
Our unit was new when we purchased it. I had the daeler install 2- 6 volt batteries in series. Whenever we were in a campground, on shorepower our DC voltmeter read 13.9 volts. When we stopped on the road for the night it would start out at 12.9 and after an evening of TV and even occasional heat it would read 12.4-12.6.
Most of our travels have been in 60-90 degree weather. We have been in Elkhart, plugged in, for about a week with rather cool temperatures, 35-55 degrees and the voltage has gradually dropped to 12.0-12.2 volts.
I guess its time to replace the batteries unless someone has somee other suggestions.
Cigar Mike
2004.5 2500 CTD Dodge Ram Quad Cab Longbed
2005 CF29CK Crossroads Cruiser with all the options
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pianotuna
Regina, SK, Canada
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Joined: 12/18/2004
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Hi mgratner,
How long since you desulphated the batteries? Have they been equalized recently? It won't hurt to try both those strategies before replacing the batteries.
If you are going to replace you may wish to read this:
Technology
And click on "Battery Selection".
mgratner wrote:We have a 5th wheel that we have been fulltiming in for 4 1/2 years.
Our unit was new when we purchased it. I had the daeler install 2- 6 volt batteries in series. Whenever we were in a campground, on shorepower our DC voltmeter read 13.9 volts. When we stopped on the road for the night it would start out at 12.9 and after an evening of TV and even occasional heat it would read 12.4-12.6.
Most of our travels have been in 60-90 degree weather. We have been in Elkhart, plugged in, for about a week with rather cool temperatures, 35-55 degrees and the voltage has gradually dropped to 12.0-12.2 volts.
I guess its time to replace the batteries unless someone has somee other suggestions.
Cigar Mike
Regards, Don
Kustom Koach Class C 28'5" 256 watts solar, 875 amp hours in two battery banks 12 volt batteries 2500 watt inverter.
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Fulltimer50
Casa Grande, AZ
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Joined: 07/07/2001
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If you are plugged in to 120v AC and you are showing low battery voltage, it is not the batteries that are bad but the converter/inverter. When plugged you should always see the full charging voltage.
George
99F250XLT/SC/LB/4x2/3.73LS/gauges/BypassReg/Airlifts/Rancho 9000s/DS Predator Tuner/203*TS/Coolant filter/Jimmyjammers/Oilguard/4"turbo back/Suncoast tranny/BD EBrake.
06 Newmar Cypress 29KSRE 5th wheel,Mor/Ryde IS,Kodiac disk brakes, 17.5" H
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Gadget Guy
Whitefish/Calgary
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From what you have described you have a faulty convertor. Your battery voltage is higher when you first arrive at the campground because your batteries have been charging while driving. Once stopped and plugged into power you loose voltage because your convertor is not working and because your convertor is not working you are using up your battery power. Your convertor does two things, charges your batteries while hooked up to shore power as well as convert the shore power to 12 volt to run the all the things that are 12 volt. I am sure your batteries will test out just fine because they are taking a charge while you are driving.
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answerswillvary
eastern washington
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Moved from RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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garym114
Texas
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Converter problem - Batteries aren't getting charged by converter.
Get a Digital Multimeter and Learn How to Use It
2000 Sea Breeze F53 V10 - CR-V Toad
Dawson Creek - Start of Alaska Highway
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09FLSTC
Out West
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Agree you need a multi stage charging system like the Iota DLS. Get the IQ4 too, that makes all the difference and you can leave it plugged in all the time if you want. 4 1/2 years is not that old but could be if you have not used a good converter/charger.
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smkettner
Southern California
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Joined: 03/21/2005
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Time for a new converter. Get a good multistage such as Xantrex, IOTA, WFCO, Progressive Dynamics. If you need voltage very soon (today) go to walmart etc and get a 10+ amp 12 volt automatic battery charger and slap it right on the battery. No need to disconnect.
www.bestconverter.com
2001 F150 SuperCrew
2006 Keystone Springdale 249FWBHLS
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