Battery/Power Question

thetanu539 · 05-12-2014, 02:27 PM

So I have my first TT, an Avenger 27BBS. My popup had a bettery but I don't know I really ever needed it so I am new to this whole battery thing for the most part.

Here is my problem. I have an electric tongue jack and every time I go to use it the battery is dead. If I plug it in to power it charges and works then dead again. Last time I parked it it worked for about 3/4 of the way jacking it up then died. I have checked in the TT to assure all appliances/AC/lights are off and that I am not leaving the light on the jack on. I seem to have everything off and it just keeps dying. IS this normal? Am I missing a cutoff switch I should be flipping? What am I doing wrong?

Rrickim63 · 05-12-2014, 02:32 PM

It's not unusual for a fully charged battery to go dead in your driveway in less than 2 weeks. There are many things that draw from it while not being used. I would install a battery cut off switch or disconnect battery when camper is not being used. I'm sure others may chime in as well. Depending on the condition of your battery, it maybe good, or need replacing.

1999 Silverado with tow package

2006 Roo 23B hybrid

thetanu539 · 05-12-2014, 02:35 PM

The TT is brand new with a brand new battery. I just bought it 5 weeks ago and they installed a new battery at delivery.

Rrickim63 · 05-12-2014, 02:42 PM

Try charging your battery fully,either with a battery charger or by plugging in to shore power. Your converter should charge the battery. After charging,disconnect your battery from the trailer. If you have a volt meter, you can check battery voltage. 12.6 or so is where a good battery should be after charging and not connected to anything for several hours. Assuming it's good,I would just disconnect battery when you're not going to use it.

1999 Silverado with tow package

2006 Roo 23B hybrid

BeedoGoesCamping · 05-12-2014, 02:46 PM

We were told that the LP leak sensor drains the battery quickly if you are not hooked up to an external power source.

irishrv · 05-12-2014, 02:49 PM

What others are saying is correct. Parasitic loads like radio memory, propane detector etc will kill any battery. A cutoff switch at the battery or disconnect one lead to avoid this. Mine even has a factory installed batt disconnect but because it doesn't by pass the auto levellers (and likely some other things) my batt still draws down.

Rrickim63 · 05-12-2014, 02:50 PM

Yes, also most radio's will stay lit up,even when off. It's called parasitic draw.

1999 Silverado with tow package

2006 Roo 23B hybrid

Houstonkid · 05-12-2014, 04:04 PM

All good advice here. I learned the same way you did, by discovering the battery dead several times after no use. My previous trailer and my current Lacrosse both had/have a disconnect.

Edit: I know nothing about the Avenger line but the switch is usually a metal knob that has a push/pull operation.

retiredcamper47 · 05-12-2014, 04:56 PM

Check your "break away" brake switch on the tongue of your unit. Sometimes the post part will pull out enough to cause the contacts to engage. This will drain your battery quickly. Just a thought............

Bob

thetanu539 · 05-13-2014, 09:23 AM

Thanks everyone! I will take a look and worst case install a cutoff switch or removed the hot terminal.

rracer5 · 05-13-2014, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thetanu539

Thanks everyone! I will take a look and worst case install a cutoff switch or removed the hot terminal.

Everyone here is correct. Install a battery cut off, disconnect the positive lead or if you can and it's stored at home, just plug it in. That will keep the battery charged.

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