Batteries not charging...

[fwernlein]

To really get an idea of what your batteries are capable of....you
need to fully charge, and then load test the individual batteries.
A specific gravity test only shows state of charge from what I
know. Try to find a local source (auto parts, battery dealer) for
this.

If you eliminate other problems (poor wiring, bad connections, low
battery water, old/shot batteries)...you should be able to run a
wild ass guess test of your own: if the wiring is clean, your
batteries are charged, and have good water level, put "on" a known
amp load draw using bus systems (gas alarm, couple of lights, etc.)
and see how fast batteries draw down....if it seems that you have no
real battery capacity, may be time for new batteries.

BUT, are you facing the BB "works as designed issue"? Which is
these buses were not really set up for boondocking or dry storage.
Absent turning off the master (and later versions - the electronic
master) or using a user installed switch at the battery, you are
drawing some load even with all systems turned off....and this will
draw down your batteries over anywhere from a few hours to a few
days, depending on the load, and your battery set up (2,4 or more
batteries) and thier condition.

The fix here for me was adding a solar panel, and/or learning to
kill the switch when storing the bus. The single 120wt. solar panel
negates the base load and light boondocking loads that i have (not a
system for "living solar". The master switch works for the rest of
it.

Northern Az. Solar Power has a great informative FAQ sheet on
batteries....on thier web site.


frank
85FC33
Woodbridge, Va.

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "geez_al" wrote:
>
> I everyone, I ran into a problem that is sort of confusing me.
>
> My bus has been sitting now for a few months. I've been running it
> every few weeks to kep everything charged and lubricated but the
last
> time, I left the inverter on and it drained the batteries all the
way
> down to about 10 volts and I had to jump start it.
>
> The alternator is working as normal when running but it seems the
> batteries just can't hold a charge. Even after running for extended
> peroids of time (trip to Mississippi from NM) when the engine is
off,
> the low volt relay still trips.
>
> Any suggestions? I don't think there is a short anywhere.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Al S.
> 1981 31ft FC
> NM
>