Took the wife out the camper to start filling for the season. Put the key in the ignition and battery is dead, used the house batteries to get it started. Last time I used the MH was to take it for tires two weeks ago and everything was fine. Battery is one year old and was kept on a trickle charger inside all winter. Scan Gage shows alternator putting out 14.1-14.5 volts. Wife is sure I left something on. I have it on a charger and afterwards would like to determine if something is pulling the battery down in storage. Do I just take voltage readings each day with my meter? First trip is in two weeks and do not want any issues. Thanks, TIm
Actually you use an ammeter. Some clamp around the wire, cheaper models must be put in series with battery wire. Start on 10 amp range, just in case something is on. If nothing is turned on, current draw should be in milliamps. It will not be zero because of all the computer stuff on vehicles today, plus radio presets, alarm functions, autofob door locks, etc.
Chuck
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You Google these words and you will know everything that is needed to to check for battery draw down. The cable should be off the post for a couple of hours tho. Marvh
Sear's has a couple of different DC amp-meters. Actually they are multi-meters, AC_DC volts, amps and, on the more expensive ones, they include resistance and temperature. Start around $50.00. AT least they did when I bought mine about 2 year ago.
marvh wrote: (checking amp draw on a 12 volt system)
You Google these words and you will know everything that is needed to to check for battery draw down. The cable should be off the post for a couple of hours tho. Marvh
Exactly.. As people have said you could buy something to test the draw on the battery.
Craftsman Digital 400A AC/DC Clamp On Meter #82369 thats the one.
Ed So.Calif
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