First retirement trip trouble

[JimJan]

Well we just retired and made it to Florida. Had stored our camper since October here. Had plugged into 120 volts the whole time. Pulled the cover off and spent the night, all good. In morning showered using water pump but later in day 12 volt lights got dim. Checked batteries (2) and at 11.6 volts.
120 volt from breaker to converter is okay. Pulled battery cables and measured 9 volts DC and jumped to 13 volts back and forth.
With battery cables off I charged the batteries most of day and now at 12.7 volts.
So, bad converter?
Thanks for some input so I can go to RV store for fix.

[sourdough]

Did you go almost 5 months with the batteries running on the converter and not check water? Did you when you arrived?

[JimJan]

Whoops, I did not, will go have a look.

[JimJan]

Okay, water level was down 1/4" took 1.5 pints for the 2 batteries.
Will that hurt the converter?

[sourdough]

How old are the batteries? What type/size? I've never had a bad converter but have had bad batteries that do what you describe. Maybe take the batteries in and have them load tested?

The reading from the converter, if taken correctly, makes me wonder about the output, maintenance charge mode etc. But, going back to my experiences, I would surely have those batteries checked first. No need to get another converter to fight with faulty batteries.

[flybouy]

Like Danny stated, get the batteries load tested. My guess is they are done.

Edit: also did you fill batteries with tap water? Using anything other than distilled water will damage the battery.

[JimJan]

The batteries are 1.5 years old.
They are new when purchased the used camper.
Just normal 500 cca batteries.
I'll take to an auto store to load test tomorrow.
But why wouldn't the converter put out 12+ volts without batteries hooked up?

[JimJan]

Used purified bottled water.

[sourdough]

Here is a link for a little more insight;

https://www.trailerlife.com/tech/diy/power-up/

Realize that the converter (newer ones) have variable outputs to maintain the battery...not just "charge it up" and keep charging. At that point obviously it can't just keep pumping out 14vdc or it will cook the batteries - especially if they are left for months without replenishing the fluid level.

I would check those batteries which are what I suspect given the mtce. and past history. A new converter will not fix poor/marginal batteries but will be an opportunity to spend some "excess" money.

[JimJan]

Thanks for the article. It's a good read.
Will start with battery load test, if okay then see if the converter has fuses.
Okay, if batteries are bad what type to replace with?
Only have room for 2.

[flybouy]

Originally Posted by JimJan

Thanks for the article. It's a good read.
Will start with battery load test, if okay then see if the converter has fuses.
Okay, if batteries are bad what type to replace with?
Only have room for 2.

First question is how do you use your camper? Always connected to shore power? Sometimes "dry camp" with no shore power? Always camp "off the grid" and never or rarely have shore power?

[Roscommon48]

read the thread I just started on batteries. get 2- 6 volt batteries if you need new ones. And use 'distilled' water.

[JimJan]

We always camp connected to shore power. Plan to take longer trips and live in it for months now instead of just a week though.

[ctbruce]

If you are not dry camping, 1 12v battery group 27 is plenty

[JimJan]

Originally Posted by Roscommon48

read the thread I just started on batteries. get 2- 6 volt batteries if you need new ones. And use 'distilled' water.

Another good article, thanks.
I started looking for 6 volt batteries around 200 AH but cannot locate any in case my batteries are bad. Auto parts stores seam to have low AH ratings.
Any ideas, perhaps Camping World? There in one close by.

[flybouy]

What Chip recommended, anything more is overkill and a waste of money.

[travelin texans]

Sams or Costco sell both the 6 volt golf cart & true deep cycle group 27 12 volt batteries that I think would be much cheaper than CW.
Six months ago bought 6 - 6 volt gc batteries at Sam's for my golf cart at $89 each & bought 2 group 27s 2+ years ago for the 5th wheel about $150 each, all were Duracell brand.

[FlyingAroundRV]

Do you have an EMS on your trailer?
You mentioned that you left it for an extended period (unattended?) in FL. I grew up in south Florida and they get a lot of thunderstorms. Also in my experience with our TT, the converter is sensitive to AC power issues. A lightning zap on an unprotected trailer could (IMO) have fried your converter.

[JimJan]

Took my Excide wet cell batteries to Interstate to check out. Said the batteries were at 80% charged and if put on 3 amp charge for a day will be fine. They put them on load and held okay. So no new batteries!
So I pulled the converter out and wired it to a battery direct. 12.56 volts without the converter, plugged in the converter and no change. Fuses on back were both good. Ordered a new 75 amp converter from the local CW.
Until then I have the batteries on a 3 amp charge for a day or so.
Were leaving the area in a couple days so should be good before we leave to the next location.
Let you know when all reinstalled.
Thanks for all the help.

[JimJan]

Originally Posted by FlyingAroundRV

Do you have an EMS on your trailer?
You mentioned that you left it for an extended period (unattended?) in FL. I grew up in south Florida and they get a lot of thunderstorms. Also in my experience with our TT, the converter is sensitive to AC power issues. A lightning zap on an unprotected trailer could (IMO) have fried your converter.

Yes we have a hard wired EMS but it could be the problem. Odd it held the batteries pretty good for 4 months and we were able to run lights, water pump , furnace, etc. for an afternoon and overnight before the lights slowly got less bright.