Loss of power

[EVMIII]

Some how my shore power got cut off ( I think it involved my dog and a squirrel) resulting in a complete drain of my batteries. I just plugged it back in, will the battery re-charge from a complete discharge? I know my automotive battery charger won't charge a completely dead battery. I should know by tomorrow if it's receiving a charge, just wondering if anyone had any first hand experience. Thanks.

[JRTJH]

In the past with 12 volt batteries, I've found them completely discharged. Most of the time, unless there's other damage (freezing, dry plates, etc) the converter/charger can bring them back to full charge. I'd sure give it a try and see what happens. You'll probably be OK. Good Luck

[gearhead]

I've run the troll motor batteries down on my boat before. The on-board charger brought them back. RV/Marine batteries are better at recovering from discharges than the typical automotive starting battery.

[WaltBennett]

Your converter will charge them back up, but a complete discharge will cause some amount of damage to them and you should try to avoid doing it again if at all possible.

[EVMIII]

Thanks for the responses, just checked and it is taking a charge. From .2 on the voltmeter to 4.2 volts in about 4 hours. I just added a 15 foot extension that relieved all the pressure and allows me to keep the cord out of harms way. Hopefully the battery will be fully charged in the morning and everything will be operational. I'll definitely be checking on it more frequently in the future. Thanks again.

[EVMIII]

Update. Battery did not charge over night, showed 3 volts this morning. Removed battery and put on shop charger now it is steadily charging. Verified 50 amp service at plug and end of cord so I know I am providing power to camper. Problem, not getting power through camper or charger isn't charging the battery. I know some power is getting through because micro and frig will come on, nothing getting through the battery. Once battery charge is complete I'll put it back in and see what I have. Checked breakers and fuses in panel, all good. I foresee a trip to the service center in my near future. Will update as I go.

[JRTJH]

Be sure to check the "reverse polarity" fuses on the converter. They are not on the "row of fuses" but are located either on the side of the converter or on the edge of the power supply. They are 40 amp fuses and usually are the "maxi" fuse size, not the "normal" size.

If you just "happen to touch" the battery cables to the wrong battery terminal, those fuses will blow INSTANTLY to protect the converter and once blown, there is no charging capability from the converter to the battery, although all the 12 volt power to trailer circuits will still remain functional.

[notanlines]

^^^What John said X2^^^ If this is the problem then it is a very easy fix. And be sure to buy spare fuses when you're at the counter.

[EVMIII]

Thanks. I am researching now on where and how to access my inverter.

[bobbecky]

Just to help when discussing this problem, you are not dealing with an inverter, which changes 12 volts DC to 120 volts AC, but in fact you are talking about a converter, which takes 120 volts AC and changes it to 12 volts DC to charge your batteries.

[EVMIII]

Copy that on the "converter"

Update: Battery was on charger for 10 hours and accepted a full charge. Cleaned all contacts on battery, power cord, etc.. and reinstalled battery and plugged in power cord. As of now, everything is operational. Will monitor daily to ensure the battery is retaining a charge. Thanks for all the advice.