Batteries not charging-both engine and coach

[freewill2008]

If the charger reads (or is expected to read) 14 to 14.5 volts, then it must be
a "smart" charger. If it is a smart charger, then it should show a high voltage
when connected to a discharged battery, but with no battery connected it should
automatically show a lower voltage.

If the charger is not a smart charger, then disregard.

In either case, you might try disconnecting the the battery bank(s)from the bus
and borrow/beg/rent/buy a 40-50 amp portable charger that has a battery
reconditioning function to see if you can bring the batteries back. I've had
some good luck with this, getting extra months or years from batteries that had
experienced a complete discharge.

The corollary to trying a reconditioning charger on the batteries is to try a
different battery on the charger. Any available partially discharged battery
connected to the bus charger will tell you if the charger and isolator are
working. Use a specific gravity tester to see if the battery gets charged.
(Also, use the tester on the bus batteries to see how badly discharged they
are.)

Finally, going back a step or two, did you check the voltage at the batteries
with the charger on/charger off? If the voltage at the battery post(s) does not
go up when the charger is turned on, then there is a problem with the charger or
between the charger and the batteries.

Bob Griesel '84 FC31 WLII WA

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Ed Gardels" wrote:
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Ralph L. Fullenwider"
wrote:
> >Ralph, Thanks for the input. Yes I put a meter on the contact of the bosch
relay and read 4-5 volts. I then remove the + wire from the charger and get 13v,
go figure....
> Ed Gardels 89SP
> Arlington Tx
> > Hi Ed:
> >
> > Just a curious question to start; Have you checked the output dc voltage
> > from your chargers? they should be reading 14.1 or so dc volts at the
> > source. If only reading 12.3 vdc then the chargers have taken a hike on you.
> >
> > Safe travels,
> >
> > Ralph and Charolette Fullenwider
> > 84FC35 "Ruff Diamond"
> > Duncan, Oklahoma
> >
> > At 05:01 PM 5/5/2009 +0000, you wrote:
> > >--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Chuck Wheeler" wrote:
> > > >Thanks for the response, Chuck. Actully i tried that a couple of weeks
> > > ago, but the chargers didnt keep up. Its the first time that the engine
> > > batteries went down too. I think that a clue to my problem, since it
> > > deals with both seperate banks of batteries. I have also tested the
> > > battery isolator. I have exausted my ideas.
> > > Thanks
> > > Ed Gardels 89SP
> > > Arlington Tx
> > > > Ed,
> > > >
> >
>