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Old 03-11-2018, 10:24 AM   #1
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house batteries not charging

I goofed, I got home from a trip and forgot to disengage my coach batteries, long story short they died as I was away for a couple of days. I plugged in to shore power and the batteries won't charge. They are new interstates, what could be the problem?
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Old 03-11-2018, 10:36 AM   #2
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Is the main battery switch on? (AKA the salesman switch)
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Old 03-11-2018, 10:38 AM   #3
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Yes. I fear I may have done major harm by letting them completely discharge.
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Old 03-11-2018, 10:57 AM   #4
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If they got too low the onboard charger may refuse to charge them. I would put them on an external charger and see how that works.
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Old 03-11-2018, 05:26 PM   #5
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Oh Dear! That is probably the case. Modern 'smart' chargers won't lift a matters out of the basement. You need an old school analog/manual charger (the kind with the (steam gauge) amp meter. About 10amp should do it.

It should turn on for a few seconds and rest for a while. As it raises the battery's charge, it will stay on longer and longer. It may take a couple days to get a full charge. (Figure battery capacity / average charging rate. 150Ah / ~ 5A charge rate = 30 hours as an example....).

Have you damaged the batteries???? Probably, but it may not be fatal since you caught it quickly. Bruised..not mortally wounded.

It is worth a shot, IMHO.

Next. Two suggestions.... 1. To help remember to turn off the Coach "Master Electrical" switch, leave a coach light on inside where you can see it as you leave as a reminder that the switch is ON. Light OFF = Electrical System OFF

2. Grab your RV's manuals and research the coach charging system. The charger should have a multi-stage charging regime AND a maintaining scheme that includes "desulfating". The latter will help (maybe) restore the batteries and extend their life. If, it doesn't... you can get a charger maintainer and manually hook it up from time to time to top them up and maintain them.

I hope this helps... Keep us posted!
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Old 03-12-2018, 06:57 AM   #6
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We are full believers in checklists and always review them.
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Old 03-12-2018, 07:35 AM   #7
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Yep! Check lists are a "good do"!!!
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Old 03-29-2018, 06:38 AM   #8
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Put a "trickle" 2 amp charge for 24hrs or more. Batteries will charge. But if not and being the batteries are new, bring them back to the store and ask for replacement under warranty.
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Old 03-29-2018, 09:25 AM   #9
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After several tries with no luck on trickle and regular charge, I put the charger on its highest setting and it worked. I have no idea why the batteries were new interstates but it worked so.... Thanks for all the replies they are appreciated.
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Old 03-30-2018, 06:25 AM   #10
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Might want to have the batteries load tested. Hate for it to die on you while out camping.
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Old 03-30-2018, 08:16 AM   #11
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Yes, you should have a load test done. If it’s a flooded battery each cell should be tested too. It may be sulfated. It may charge but not hold a load for very long. There are battery shops that can test and bring back damaged lead acid batteries.
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Old 03-30-2018, 10:29 AM   #12
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Quote:
"1. To help remember to turn off the Coach "Master Electrical" switch, leave a coach light on inside where you can see it as you leave as a reminder that the switch is ON. Light OFF = Electrical System OFF"
Thanks, OldCrows. Great tip. I have a "Leaving/Storing the RV" ck list, but this visual reminder is a good thing IMHO.

Safe travels............. ed s
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