Battery not charging?

[miker259]

I disconnected both batteries over the winter and brought them home as I had heard they lose performance if left out in the cold. I attempted to hook them back up this past weekend and thought I had done everything right, but they don't seem to be charging efficiently. I had them hooked up while the camper was plugged into power overnight, and neither seemed to have a charge.

After the drive home, the auto-jack seemed to work for a brief period of time on battery power, then stopped.

Is it possible I have the batteries hooked up wrong? Or is there some switch I need to throw to ensure it's charging properly? I was getting some sparks when hooking up the negative line, but according to the photos I took last fall I believe I'm hooking them up the same way as before.

Thanks,

Mike

[gonzo628]

Originally Posted by miker259

I disconnected both batteries over the winter and brought them home as I had heard they lose performance if left out in the cold. I attempted to hook them back up this past weekend and thought I had done everything right, but they don't seem to be charging efficiently. I had them hooked up while the camper was plugged into power overnight, and neither seemed to have a charge.

After the drive home, the auto-jack seemed to work for a brief period of time on battery power, then stopped.

Is it possible I have the batteries hooked up wrong? Or is there some switch I need to throw to ensure it's charging properly? I was getting some sparks when hooking up the negative line, but according to the photos I took last fall I believe I'm hooking them up the same way as before.

Thanks,

Mike

If you don't have a voltmeter, you can get a cheap one from an auto parts or home improvement store. Take that and read battery (on the DC setting) at rest (no load, not plugged in/charging). Note that number, whatever it is. Next, plug the camper in and read it again. Did it fluctuate? Go up? What is that number? I believe that change indicates that some AC voltage is making through the inverter and to the battery(ies).

(Note, this suggestion does not represent expert advise from a qualified electrician... just a backyard (or side-yard in my case) mechanic looking to help).

[rvcycleguy]

Also, there should be a fuse link near the batteries. Between the batteries and the camper.

[Bill]

http://www.trailmanorowners.com/foru...&pictureid=451

Bill

[miker259]

Originally Posted by Bill

http://www.trailmanorowners.com/foru...&pictureid=451

Bill

Bill, it says I don't have permission to access that page, even though I am logged in. Any idea what is going on?

Mike

[rvcycleguy]

Originally Posted by miker259

Bill, it says I don't have permission to access that page, even though I am logged in. Any idea what is going on?

Mike

You're probably not a paid member, sponsor. $12 per year will provide you access to specific areas of the forum.

[miker259]

So I have noticed on two trips now that the power jack I have installed works for a short while after the car has been towing the TM home (2 hour drive) but then stops maybe after 20 seconds or so of use. I think what is happening is that the batteries are only charging from the tow vehicle and not charging from the standard electrical. Any thoughts on how to fix this?

Mike