Batteries/Charger problems

[jburgessx2]

I'm having an issue that I hope someone can help me with. There is much I
understand about my 85 PT40 and I do enjoy doing most of the maintenance. One
thing I haven't grasped yet is the electrical portion and I'll admit I need to
be spoon fed because my knowledge level is so limited. BTW, we full time in our
coach so getting things fixed promptly is important. Here's the background and
issue:

- About 1 year ago I replaced the six 6-volt batteries with golf cart batteries.

- At the same time I replaced the original charging units with an IOTA 45 amp
charger (new).

- I had no issues until a week ago. And, I do check water levels and keep my
batteries clean and full.

- My lights went out and I realized the batteries weren't being charged (or so I
thought because the gauge showed zero charge.

- I replaced the IOTA with a new unit and it immediately went into charge mode
and charged the batteries (at least I assumed it did because I had lights and
the charger gauge showed a charge.)

- I moved the coach yesterday (unhooked from shore power) and the engine would
not turnover. I started the generator and the coach started right up.

- My new charger doesn't seem to be charging now (per the guage) and it's only a
week old.

- The batteries are full of distilled water and they are cleaned with good
connections.

So, have my batteries gone bad? Is the charger bad even though it's brand new?
Do I have a bad relay between the batteries and charger?

Frankly, when it comes to these electrical problems, I'm not sure where to start
to determine what the issue is.

What do I need to do to troubleshoot? Where do I start? How do I know when to
stop?

Thanks.

Jerry
85 PT40 (Jayne Marie)