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10-02-2018, 04:08 PM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 3
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Battery drain
We're nearing the end of our 3rd season in our 2016 390QSMB 5th Wheel (not full time). From the beginning we've seen battery drain to the point that there's not enough power to raise jacks when leaving about half the camps we've visited. Early on I raised them manually with a ratchet wrench (ugh!), bought a new battery, and finally realized that I could use the jumper cables from the truck battery. I understand that campgrounds don't always consistently supply the 30 or 50 amps for which we pay. My question is 2-fold: [1] Why, when we are still connected to shore power will the jacks not raise, but depend upon the strength of the battery? [2] What solutions should I try that I haven't already tried?
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10-04-2018, 07:33 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: x
Posts: 12,423
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My question would be why isn't the converter charging the battery? if you are plugged in. I believe I would check the 12V output of the converter.
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10-04-2018, 07:54 AM
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#3
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Site Team
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 15,288
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Some heavy current items like jack and slides may require more assistance from the battery when operating even with shore power. It sounds like your battery is not charging properly. It is unlikely that a drop in campground power is causing the converter to not charge the battery. You would see low voltage in other places ( AC /microwave) long before you saw it in the converter. Since it sounds like you have 12V power at the beginning of your trip it is not likely reverse polarity fuses or battery disconnect. Check the voltage at the battery terminals. It should be approx 13.8V when connected to shore power and mid 12V when disconnected with most 12V items off. Next check battery voltage while water pump is running with shore power disconnected. This should help narrow things down.
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10-04-2018, 08:28 AM
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#4
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Pickin', Campin', Mason
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: South Western PA
Posts: 19,142
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if you are having to connect jumper cables to your battery after a camping trip where you have been plugged into shore power, something is wrong with the converter/charger of your rig.
The converter not only provides 12v when plugged in, it also charges the battery to keep it fully charged for when not plugged in.
As mentioned, check the converter output, the battery and the connections.
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10-08-2018, 06:19 PM
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#5
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 3
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Thanks to all. I thought from the beginning that it is a converter/charging problem but was told by one tech that this is unlikely. Until today I’ve had no way to test it for myself. Will do that tomorrow. If it checks OK I’ll check often to see if it’s consistent.
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10-08-2018, 07:31 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Payson, AZ
Posts: 3,871
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go back and read post #3. use a meter to measure voltage at the battery terminals while plugged into shore power. it should be around 13.6 volts. if it is not you have an issue with the converter / charger or the cables between it and the battery.
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10-11-2018, 02:38 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Posts: 121
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Check the 40a fuse in the converter. I believe it is the fuse to protect reverse polarity to the battery. My bet is that its blown and not allowing your inverter to charge the battery
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10-11-2018, 02:45 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 603
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Furthermore, in reference to the jumper cables, when you are connected to your truck you should be getting 12V power from the truck through the 7 pin connector.
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10-11-2018, 02:50 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Northern KY
Posts: 5,725
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have you check the water level in the battery?
Open the top of the battery and look into each cell... the liquid level should cover the plates and be to the top of the split ring inside the battery... fill to that level using distilled water only...
amazing the extra power you will have when the battery is topped off...
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