Silly question from newbie

TX First Timer · 07-23-2020, 06:56 PM

Ok, here goes. Figure I should know this but only been out for 2 quick trips, as first time TT owners. After 2nd trip, got it back to storage. Everything is unplugged and off the tow vehicle. Wife and I are making sure we are secure to leave and I go inside to get something. Turn on lights and they come on? Everything is disconnected at we are at storage. 5 days go by and I go out there to drop a few things off that we washed, etc. Curiously I try to turn lights on and nothing comes on. Im the farthest from an electrician as it gets, but is that just some 'juice' left over from recent trip and then after few days theres no more? Just curious more than anything and still learning this fun hobby.

tuckerdog1 · 07-23-2020, 07:03 PM

Battery still connected. Likely drained now. Some units come with a battery disconnect switch. If yours didn't they are inexpensive to add.

kenandterry · 07-23-2020, 07:06 PM

There’s a “master house battery switch” somewhere on your rig. They’re in different locations in all RV units, from the smallest rig to the largest rig.

If you can’t find one, you should disconnect the negative battery lead from the post, or install a battery disconnect switch of your own, like the ones in this attachment photo.

eye95 · 07-23-2020, 07:08 PM

Do you have a battery cut-off switch? Usually one has to be added after-market. If you left any lights on (with the cut-off on or not present), that could’ve drained your battery.

If you have a cut-off, did you turn it back on before trying to use the lights?

Most people add the cut-off because of all the vampire devices that are always on and drawing current from the battery.

**wmtire** · 07-23-2020, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TX First Timer

Ok, here goes. Figure I should know this but only been out for 2 quick trips, as first time TT owners. After 2nd trip, got it back to storage. Everything is unplugged and off the tow vehicle. Wife and I are making sure we are secure to leave and I go inside to get something. Turn on lights and they come on? Everything is disconnected at we are at storage. 5 days go by and I go out there to drop a few things off that we washed, etc. Curiously I try to turn lights on and nothing comes on. Im the farthest from an electrician as it gets, but is that just some 'juice' left over from recent trip and then after few days theres no more? Just curious more than anything and still learning this fun hobby.

One of the first things A new rv onwer needs to understand is the different electrical systems (120 volt AC and 12 volt DC) that a RV has...and just what functions off what system.

Your RV battery, which does provide 12 volt DC power to the lights will run down while in storage due to what are called phantom draws from like your radio, LP detector, etc.

I have put together a newbie list of things like this that can be found at this thread. I would suggest reading the first link, then the one about "converter/inverter, they are different". This should give you the fundamentals.

Hope this below helps.

https://www.forestriverforums.com/fo...ts-157524.html

McKannick · 07-23-2020, 07:14 PM

You were just running on battery power as in 'dry camping' or 'boondocking', camping without hookups to power and water. It's the way every camper I've ever heard of operates. When you went back the next time, the things that can't be turned off in your Rv had sucked the battery dead (which is NOT good for it). Those things are like the propane leak detector, some smoke detectors, etc. When you hook up your tow vehicle or plug into shore power (the RV park) your battery should recharge. Check the water level in the battery though, it may be low now.
And for a future project, get a disconnect switch for the battery as the guy above shows you, or just be cheap and pull off the negative battery lead when in storage.

TX First Timer · 07-23-2020, 07:20 PM

Thanks so much for quick replies. I will read what you all posted and become more familiar. I figured as much. Have owned a boat for years and it has a master power switch so can switch off during storage so nothing can drain the battery. I don't think my new travel trailer has one. If it does, I'll have to figure out where it is. Or put one in. Still learning what runs off of propane, electric , etc. Thanks again for the info.

**wmtire** · 07-23-2020, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TX First Timer

Thanks so much for quick replies. I will read what you all posted and become more familiar. I figured as much. Have owned a boat for years and it has a master power switch so can switch off during storage so nothing can drain the battery. I don't think my new travel trailer has one. If it does, I'll have to figure out where it is. Or put one in. Still learning what runs off of propane, electric , etc. Thanks again for the info.

We all have to learn and that's why we are here. The link I provided will explain what runs off what. As another member suggested, you can just remove the negative battery cable when you store it, and that does the same thing as a disconnect switch.

Reverse_snowbird · 07-23-2020, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TX First Timer

Have owned a boat for years and it has a master power switch so can switch off during storage so nothing can drain the battery. I don't think my new travel trailer has one. If it does, I'll have to figure out where it is. .

As wmtire says, even if you have a battery disconnect in the rig, it's not going to shut off all the power drain.
You need to install a battery disconnect on the battery itself (or as pointed out, disconnect the negative battery cable)

NXR · 07-24-2020, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TX First Timer

Thanks so much for quick replies. I will read what you all posted and become more familiar. I figured as much. Have owned a boat for years and it has a master power switch so can switch off during storage so nothing can drain the battery. I don't think my new travel trailer has one. If it does, I'll have to figure out where it is. Or put one in. Still learning what runs off of propane, electric , etc. Thanks again for the info.

Please consider clicking on User CP on the light green bar at its left side. Then scroll down to Edit Signature and add in your RV's model year, model, and any other info like a specific variant or floorplan.

That will allow people to research your questions and give you far more accurate answers.

And welcome!

Ray

rsdata · 07-24-2020, 04:24 PM

likely your battery has discharged 100% and will be permanently compromised, even if it will recharge, it will never be the same...

tuckerdog1 · 07-24-2020, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rsdata

likely your battery has discharged 100% and will be permanently compromised, even if it will recharge, it will never be the same...

You "ray of sunshine"

TX First Timer · 07-24-2020, 10:39 PM

@NXR - thanks for suggestion. See if I did it right with this post.

TX First Timer · 07-24-2020, 10:50 PM

Ok maybe now it worked? Saved again in profile.

NXR · 07-24-2020, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TX First Timer

Ok maybe now it worked? Saved again in profile.

Yup, looks good.

Ray

SlowrideHD · 07-24-2020, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TX First Timer

Ok maybe now it worked? Saved again in profile.

Good job. Many things will be familiar to you since you have some boating experience. Not sure about your TV. My large television is 120v, the bedroom TV is 12 volt.
Of course your a/c and a/c duct fan is 120v. Your propane heat has a 12 volt fan which will run a single 12v battery down in a couple hours. If you have a combo electric/propane water heater you can actually have both on at the same time for quicker recovery since you may need that with several campers taking back to back showers. There is generally an electric on/off switch located directly on the water heater next to the propane pilot if so equipped. This switch has to be on for the electric element to function (make sure water heater is full of water).
Generally, all lights will be 12 volt. Ceiling fans will be 120 volt. You'll figure it all out. For more 12 volt capacity, get two 6 volt golf cart batteries. I like Trojan T-105, other folks like the Costco brand or something else.

JoeGibbs · 07-25-2020, 08:34 PM

I suggest that when placing the TT in storage that you pull the battery out and take it home with you. Get a battery charger and once every 2-4 weeks recharge it..

Getting a cut off switch is great but doing battery maintenance is also needed.

Cypressloser · 07-25-2020, 09:22 PM

Last but not least, most dealers equip their RV's with the cheapest batter(y)ies they can get their hands on. If you do have to replace it shop for a true deep cycle battery, not a starter battery or hybrid battery from a reputable manufacturer.

chriscowles · 07-25-2020, 09:43 PM

If you do have a disconnect and shut it off, check the light on the CO/LP alarm after you shut everything off. If the light is still on, the manufacturer wired it so it's always hot. That will drain your battery in storage. You can move the wire to the switched side of the disconnect switch.

The breakaway switch will also be on the hot side of the disconnect switch. It's not necessary to move that wire because it's only in use if you pull the breakaway switch. If you do rewire that, your disconnect switch MUST be on when traveling or your emergency brakes won't work when the trailer becomes disconnected.

You may also like: