I'm having a problem with my camper battery and not sure how to test it properly.
We have a 32 deep cycle battery on the camper that is only 1 1/2 years old. I had my camper plugged in for about two weeks before our last trip and the battery was dead within 30 minutes of arriving with just running the lights in the camper. I thought maybe the water levels might be low but that's not the problem.
Any thoughts on the best way to figure it out? I assume the inverter also is a charger? Is there a cheap volt meter I can permanently install on the battery to monitor it?
I did not buy a new camper yet but did buy a tow vehicle big enough to tow that camper I want. I'm still trying to explain to Joy that since I bought her a big rock, she could return the gesture. The email links I'm sending her isn't working. ::)
Jello Steve and I looked at the battery this past weekend at Knoebels Campground and it reads 13v plugged into shore power, drops to 12v when unplugged and losses a volt every 15 minutes with 1 light and 1 fan running. NOT GOOD. 🙁
I'm going to pull it and have it loaded tested. I think it's trash.
[quote author=JoeCamper link=topic=145.msg609#msg609 date=1285158169]
... Is there a cheap volt meter I can permanently install on the battery to monitor it?
I decided to install a voltmeter in my PUP so I can always check the battery condition. I got mine HERE and it works great. I mounted it over the fire extinguisher on the end of the storage under the dinette seat. It's just inside the door on the left. This way I can either use it from the inside or I can use it from the outside without having to crawl inside or crank up the roof! The switch is a push-button, momentary contact from Radio Shack.
[img width=512 height=384]http://lh4.ggpht.com/_IFjKhuhmYCc/TFfEZk6WTMI/AAAAAAAAAuk/pq1nIU1iHV4/s512/IMG_20100802_124250.jpg[/img]
Thanks "JC"
It has worked out great. If you go with the momentary contact switch you'll need to hold it in for a few seconds so that the voltage can register properly. If you don't want to do that you can use a rocker switch, but I figured if I did that I would leave it on and that would kill the battery! :-[
Today wasn't warm enough for you? It was like 45 out in Downingtown. I was in a T-shirt putzing around in my shed all day.
I like that meter idea. I think I will keep this in mind for the next trailer.
Matt O 2006 Skyline Nomad 27' travel trailer. Previously owned 1986 Coleman Columbia / 1992 Coleman Senecca / 1989 Born Free Class C RV.
[quote author=Lone Lock link=topic=145.msg4152#msg4152 date=1298781229]
Today wasn't warm enough for you? ...
This is actually funny. We had snow here on the California coast (2 blocks from the beach) for the first time since 1976.
I love my meter (see post above). I have a kill switch on my battery so it's got no drain while I' not using it. I go open the door and push the button to check the battery about once a month and since November I have only had to charge it once. I'll be checking it tomorrow, but I think I'll need to charge it this time.
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