Stolen Battery and cut cables

campnqueen · 09-09-2014, 11:02 AM

We just got our work & play trailer back from the Rv dealer (had been there 7 weeks for warranty repairs!....and its only a year old)

We did not have a chance to remove the battery as we nornally do (too busy working).... and some SCUMBAG came along and stole the battery!!

But worst of all they CUT the battery cables... they wrere too short to start with but now... we have to repace them.

Anyon every had to do this? How hard? Do you get but joints and new ends or do you have to replace the whole thing for the inverter... I am thinking.

Please help if you have any suggestions.

OldCoot · 09-09-2014, 11:25 AM

I would just get 2 new cables the length you need.

campnqueen · 09-09-2014, 11:29 AM

Hey Old Coot... and how do we attach them? Dont they go to the inverter?

Charles Firth · 09-09-2014, 11:32 AM

Just my $0.02 worth, but my rv dealer has cameras all over the property. (don't know if it helps or not ) I know all the lots say they are not responsible for personal property left with your unit, but it would seem only right for the dealer to step up and assist with repairs and maybe even sell you a battery at cost. Depending on your repairs they may have needed 12 v power to work on the TT, if you had removed the battery it may have hindered them making the repair. Yes the butt connectors should work fine I have used them in marine applications for years. Not worth making a insurance claim, I had my battery stolen a few months back, no cables cut they unbolted the cables and even covered the battery box. The helped themselves to 12 battery's at the storage facility that night. I feel your pain, it just sucks someone has to steel your S##t.

Chuck "still in Va "

deartruc · 09-09-2014, 11:41 AM

I think the positive cable meets with a thermal fuse on the chassis and then continues to the inverter. So the lengths (and trouble) shouldn't be too long.

BamaBob · 09-09-2014, 11:57 AM

X2 contacting the dealer and, if nothing else, let them know they have a pilfering problem.

campnqueen · 09-09-2014, 12:03 PM

The unit was home from the dealer... at our storage unit. Thats what sucks!!
We can replace the battery... its the fact they CUT the cables to do!!

Witch Doctor · 09-09-2014, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charles Firth

Just my $0.02 worth, but my rv dealer has cameras all over the property. (don't know if it helps or not ) I know all the lots say they are not responsible for personal property left with your unit, but it would seem only right for the dealer to step up and assist with repairs and maybe even sell you a battery at cost. Depending on your repairs they may have needed 12 v power to work on the TT, if you had removed the battery it may have hindered them making the repair. Yes the butt connectors should work fine I have used them in marine applications for years. Not worth making a insurance claim, I had my battery stolen a few months back, no cables cut they unbolted the cables and even covered the battery box. The helped themselves to 12 battery's at the storage facility that night. I feel your pain, it just sucks someone has to steel your S##t.

Chuck "still in Va "

I wouldn't call batteries personal property, that refers to your items inside the RV, Batteries should be considered part. If they stole the RV would that mean they are not responsible because it's personal property, I don't think so. They should step up and replace everything.....

OldCoot · 09-09-2014, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by campnqueen

Hey Old Coot... and how do we attach them? Dont they go to the inverter?

No, they go to terminal blocks that are connected to the converter, not inverter.

**Herk7769** · 09-09-2014, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by campnqueen

Hey Old Coot... and how do we attach them? Dont they go to the inverter?

Without photos it is tough to give advice I think.

If you have only one battery and the only wires went to the current limiter and the frame, you should not be looking at a very expensive total replacement (except the battery of course).

Wire and terminals should be available at Home Depot or Lowes (bring a short piece to make sure you get the correct gauge. I think they are sized for 40 amps DC (8 gauge is OK for less than 10 foot run); 6 if longer.

You do not need to run it all the way to your converter (not "inverter" I am thinking - unless you had one of course); just to the current limiter under the frame.

Kaadk · 09-09-2014, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Herk7769

Without photos it is tough to give advice I think.

If you have only one battery and the only wires went to the current limiter and the frame, you should not be looking at a very expensive total replacement (except the battery of course).

Wire and terminals should be available at Home Depot or Lowes (bring a short piece to make sure you get the correct gauge. I think they are sized for 40 amps DC (8 gauge is OK for less than 10 foot run); 6 if longer.

You do not need to run it all the way to your converter (not "inverter" I am thinking - unless you had one of course); just to the current limiter under the frame.

x2.

Trace it back from the box and you should encounter current limiter, or a fuse, or a junction, or some other end of the line just under the front of the trailer. Measure from there to the box, add a little for slack and that's the length you need for the positive. Negative's probably even shorter. Mine goes to a bolt just below the box and into the frame. Maybe a foot total length, if that for mine.

OldCoot · 09-09-2014, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by campnqueen

The unit was home from the dealer... at our storage unit. Thats what sucks!!
We can replace the battery... its the fact they CUT the cables to do!!

Dealer not involved, it was in a storage lot.

Charles Firth · 09-09-2014, 02:11 PM

Being the TT was at the storage lot, I am sure they won't be of any help. Just have to bite the bullet and fix it. I was lucky they were gentle when they stole my battery, no damage just a $90.00 interstate battery replacement. I have since relocated the TT. I have heard of similar problems in our area with seasonal trailers. Just can't trust anyone. Scrapping is big business around here , the batteries probably went to the scrap yard, they will take anything. Best of luck on your repairs.

Chuck in Va

**KyDan** · 09-09-2014, 02:40 PM

Relatively easy to splice wires for RV battery.
It's not high voltage so not a big deal to someone who's got even
a little electrical experience.
A couple crimp on terminals from Home Depot or decent hardware store
and a few feet of black #8 stranded wire and you're good to go.
Might want to spring for a wire terminal crimping tool and even wire
strippers..... nah, forget the strippers. Just use a good sharp box knife
and be careful of your fingers!
I would not hesitate to butt splice them back together or go to the fuse
if it's close by.

I wish we were neighbors! I could fix it for ya in 15 minutes and that includes
howdy how ya doing time!
(I've even got red electrical tape to wrap the + wire so you'll always know
which one it is!)

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