Battery Charging or Lack of

[Super6]

Once again have e 2018 Puma 351THSS and seems like the battery never gets charged. If I look at the control panel it says full charge but when disconnected from the truck I have no lights and can't lift or lower front or back jacks. On the power panel I can change the mode of the charging but that seems to make no difference. Anyone have a clue what might be going on? Thanks

[timfromma]

Is the AC breaker for your converter turned on?

[Ale_Brewer]

Might be a stupid question but cover the obvious first. What are you using to charge the battery? Do you know that the battery is good?

[Flybob]

Is the battery disconnect switch in the in use position.

[Ida Ratherbe Camping]

Originally Posted by Flybob

Is the battery disconnect switch in the in use position.

X2

[Mr. Dan]

If you’re hooked up to campground power, the control panel will appear to show full charge on the battery even if the battery is stone cold dead. 4 lights simply mean a battery charge is being attempted from a campground power source. If you’re hooked to external power, unplug and check those control panel lights. It’s best to use an external meter.


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[Super6]

Thanks Guys! Here goes... The Breaker is turned on to the converter. I can change the mode on the converter but makes no difference. I only assume that the battery is good since it's a 2018 camper but I guess that really doesn't mean much. I did install a shutoff switch on the battery and it functions correctly. I can't really say in all honesty if I checked the panel when off 120VAC but once again I believe I did. I will double check later and report back. Thanks again.

[Mr. Dan]

What are the options for changing MODE on the converter. I’m not familiar with that.

[Kaadk]

Did you check if there's a 12v circuit breaker or fuse that tripped on the main line from the battery?

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...et-154141.html

[TitanMike]

Either turn the converter circuit breaker OFF or pull the shore power plug.

Check the 12 V terminals at the converter (the + and - terminals are usually visible next to the row of fuses when access cover is open).

If you don't have 12 V (or more) at these terminals you have one of the following three problems:

Main battery switch OFF

Circuit Breaker inline with battery tripped (open)

Wires connecting battery to trailer (+ to junction box where tow vehicle cable connects or ground to frame) are disconnected.

Being as it's a new unit, consider checking the reverse polarity fuses on the converter first. It's seriously time for the RV industry to go back to using batteries with the automotive type posts. Positive and Negative posts on automotive batteries are different sizes and it becomes real obvious you have the wrong terminal on the wrong post when you connect the FIRST one. That prevents a huge number of reverse connections right there.

[Larry-NC]

Originally Posted by Mr. Dan

What are the options for changing MODE on the converter. I’m not familiar with that.

Dan, some converters, e.g., Power Designs 4600 series include a "Wizard Mode" button which temporarily forces the converter from "Normal Mode" to "Boost Mode"; that is. to 14.4 volts from 13.6 volts.

Here's text from the manual:

WIZARD MODE BUTTON - The manual button has been provided to allow the operator to temporarily override the converter
(not recommended) or to verify the converter is operating properly. For manual operation, Press and Hold the button.
The indicator light will soon remain “ON” indicating Boost Mode. Continue to hold the button and the light will blink rapidly
indicating the converter is in the Normal Mode. Continue to hold the button until the light blinks slowly indicating the converter
is now in the Storage Mode. After the manual button is released the converter will stay in the selected mode. When the
battery charge status changes, the converter will return to the automatic mode of operation to prevent damage to the battery.

Larry

[Mr. Dan]

Originally Posted by Larry-NC

Dan, some converters, e.g., Power Designs 4600 series include a "Wizard Mode" button which temporarily forces the converter from "Normal Mode" to "Boost Mode"; that is. to 14.4 volts from 13.6 volts.

Here's text from the manual:


Larry

Thanks. Sometimes my major function here is asking questions. Now... 3-4 others have new knowledge about a converter mode switch. Thanks again.

[camaraderie]

You need an actual voltmeter. While plugged in...check the converters 12v output connections. They should read 13.2 or more volts. If not. Check converter fuses And make sure you have input power (120v).
If not..check for AC circuit breaker tripped and check all connections.
If that all checks...then check votage at battery terminals...should also be over 13v.
If not..check &clean all + and- connections in the battery compartment. See if pushing the cutoff switch makes any difference and in line fuses.
Assuming all that works...plug in and let your Batts charge overnight...then disconnect negative wire and wait 24 hrs to test voltage UNPLUGGED. 12.6 IS FINE12.4 shows significant t loss of capacity and anything under 12.2 needs to be replaced as over half the capacity is gone.

[Photo Lab]

Considering that it is a virtually NEW camper, it should have been equipped with a factory installed battery disconnect switch. this disconnects everything except the break away switch and possibly the jack motor. When you added your own switch, you doubtless now have two disconnects in series...they must both be on to power the RV. Snoop around a bit, and try to locate it; it should be fairly near the battery.

[Super6]

Mr. DAN. The options are


14.4 Volts (Boost Mode) Returned the battery to 90% of full charge in approx. 8 hours


13.6 Voltws (Normal mode) Requires 40 hours to return battery to 90% of full charge


13.2 Volts (Storage mode) Requires 60 hours to return battery to (0%


There is a button on the panel for changing this mode. There is a flashing light that displays what mode its in. that's about all I can tell ya.

[Super6]

Photo Lab,


I thought the same thing when I bought it but I couldn't find a switch. Maybe I will look harder. thanks

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Photo Lab

Considering that it is a virtually NEW camper, it should have been equipped with a factory installed battery disconnect switch.

Not all new trailers have a factory battery disconnect switch.
Most new entry-level stick and tin trailers don't have them.


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[Flybob]

Missing something here.

Try this
Connect RV to shore power with converter on.
Using a multimeter ( not test panel) measure the voltage across the pos and neg battery terminals and let us know. It certainly sounds the battery is not connected ( open circuit) from the distribution panel/converter.

[Flybob]

Originally Posted by Super6

Photo Lab,


I thought the same thing when I bought it but I couldn't find a switch. Maybe I will look harder. thanks

I am confused. Earlier you said." I did install a shutoff switch on the battery and it functions correctly."


Is there a battery shut off switch? Is it in the correct position?

[Skip12]

I second Camaraderie's suggestion. I had battery problems on my camper. The use of a multimeter took the guess work out of the equation.