Newbie Question

[RustyParsons]

Hi! Newbie to the forum here with a question.

2020 Silverback 37MBH. It came pre wired for the Go Power solar, which I just purchased (50w "maintenance" system). Two deep cycle batteries, connected in parallel.

The GoPower controller began flashing after installation, which I learned is from a "over power" condition. Step one was to disconnect shore power, which I did. Step 2 was disconnect the battery wires and check voltage. I'm showing 19.8 v dc at the line.

Any idea how I'm ending up with almost 20v off 2 parallel 12v batteries?!?

[boondocking]

It seems like the batteries are connected in series not parallel.

[CurtPutnam]

Not an electrical expert (or any kind of expert) but:

Welcome from SoCal!

[A32Deuce]

Are the batterys wired in parallel or series? Sounds like in series. Positive to positive and negative to negative. Series would be positive out, negative to positive to second battery then that negative to ground. That's how 2 6 volt batterys make 12 volts. 2 12 volt batterys wired like that would give you 24 volts if they are fully charged. That's the only way you can get 20 volts from the batterys. Check your converter and see if the fuses are blown and or your converter works now. Not sure if 20 plus volts going into it would harm it.

[Kcoulter]

I agree...sounds like series instead of parallel

Properly in parallel:


Incorrect (in series):

[rsdata]

sounds like you are measuring the charging voltage from either the shore power charger OR the solar panels

[RustyParsons]

I will get a pic tomorrow, but to describe what I have in the battery compartment, I have two deep cycle 12v batteries.

The batteries are connected to each other with large cables, positive to positive, and negative to negative.

There are two coach cables, negative to negative of the left battery, positive to positive of the right battery.

There are two "Inverter" cables, negative to negative of the left battery, positive to positive of the right battery.

There are two "solar" cables, negative to negative of left battery, positive to positive of right battery.

I have not moved any cables, these are the way they were when we got the fifth wheel last April.

All 12v accessories, including the inverter, has been working fine. I am confused, because everything I see tells me I should see between 11.8 and 13.2 volts...