Quote:
Originally Posted by jbt816
Sorry I meant to post the battery is new. The Lippert iN·command system says battery is at 13.8.
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When "hooked up to your truck" the IN-Command system is reading the truck charge voltage, not the trailer battery voltage. Typically, it's 13.6-13.8 VDC
When "hooked up to shore power" the IN-Command system is reading the output of the converter/charger. Typically is 13.6 VDC.
So, you can't check your trailer battery if the trailer is connected to the truck or to shore power. The only way to determine the trailer battery charge status is either to remove the trailer battery cables and let the battery sit for about 30 minutes, then use a voltmeter to check the battery voltage or you could just unplug the trailer from shore power and the truck, let it sit for about 30 minutes, then check the battery voltage reading on the IN-Command panel, which won't work if the battery is completely dead.
Essentially, the IN-Command system "reads and reports" the highest voltage sensed on the system, so even with a "dead trailer battery" if the truck or the converter are providing power, the IN-Command senses and reports that voltage, not the "dead battery status"....
Isolate the battery, it's the only way to properly check battery voltage.
NOTE: If the battery is "dead", after unplugging shore power and the truck power, you probably can't get the IN-Command system to boot up, so trying to read a dead battery voltage on the monitor panel will probably be impossible.... If you don't have a voltmeter, you might find it easier to just pull the battery, take it to an auto parts store and have them check the battery....
New, used, it doesn't matter, all batteries can be discharged. When that happens, "they're bad until recharged".. Often they are damaged and won't fully recharge, so a replacement is about the only alternative... If it's "still new" you might be able to get an exchange battery to replace it "free of charge" from the place where you bought it.
If it is "dead" your next troubleshooting steps will be finding out "why" it completely discharged. That could be the battery cutoff switch in the disconnected position, it could be a bad converter/charger or it could be blown "reverse polarity fuses" which is where I'd place my bet if, as you say, it's a brand new battery......