When it comes to maintaining your RV's electrical system, understanding the interaction between batteries, inverters, and converters is crucial. In this blog, we'll delve into some common battery-related issues faced by RV owners and provide expert advice on how to diagnose and fix them.
Understanding Battery Performance in Your RV
One of our readers, William M, recently shared an issue he encountered with his 2019 Forest River Sabre. His RV is equipped with a residential fridge powered by a 1000-watt inverter and has two 80 amp-hour batteries. William noticed that while his RV's leveling system works perfectly when connected to shore power or a generator, it fails to self-level when relying solely on the batteries or when plugged into his truck. Additionally, his inverter runs for only 5-10 minutes before starting to click and eventually shutting off.
The first thing to understand is that RV leveling systems and inverters place heavy loads on batteries. In William's case, the two 80 amp-hour batteries might not be sufficient to handle these loads, especially if there's a loose connection or if the batteries are aging and not holding a charge as effectively.
When connected to shore power, the converter does most of the work, ensuring the leveling system operates smoothly. However, when relying on batteries alone, a loose connection could prevent the system from receiving the necessary power. This could also explain why the inverter struggles and eventually shuts off.
Key Advice:
- Check for Loose Connections: Inspect the connections between your batteries and the RV's electrical system, particularly on the positive side. A loose connection can limit the power flow, preventing heavy-load systems like leveling and inverters from functioning properly.
- Evaluate Battery Health: If your batteries are from 2019, they might be reaching the end of their lifespan. Batteries that take a charge but don't hold it well may dip in voltage under load, causing issues like those William described. Monitoring voltage drops can help identify whether it's a connection issue or a sign of aging batteries.
Dealing with Charging Issues from DC to DC Chargers
Another reader, Josh, faced a unique challenge. He uses a DC to DC charger from his truck's alternator to keep his 410 amp-hour lithium batteries charged while driving. However, he noticed that his onboard generator charges the batteries at a much lower rate than the DC to DC charger, which seemed odd.
The concern here might lie in the converter or a loose connection. Josh's proposed solution was to leave the coach converter circuit breaker off and add a DC to DC charger to the generator's output, hoping to achieve faster battery charging. However, this approach is not recommended. The generator produces AC (alternating current), while a DC to DC charger requires DC (direct current) as input. Attempting to run AC through a DC device could cause significant damage to the system.
Key Advice:
- Check the Converter: If the converter is producing less than 12 volts, it may be faulty. When connected to shore power or the generator, you should see around 13.6 volts at the converter and close to that at the battery.
- Avoid Incompatible Systems: Instead of trying to modify your setup with a DC to DC charger in the generator circuit, focus on ensuring your converter is functioning correctly. If there's a loose connection between the converter and the batteries, it could cause intermittent operation and lower charging efficiency.
- Consider the Automatic Transfer Switch: If you suspect the problem lies with the automatic transfer switch (which switches between shore power and generator power), keep in mind that a faulty contact on the generator side could be the culprit. However, this is more difficult to diagnose and may require professional assistance.
Both William and Josh's experiences highlight the importance of understanding how your RV's electrical system components work together. Whether it's ensuring proper connections or replacing aging batteries, taking the time to troubleshoot and address these issues can save you from headaches on the road.
Remember, keeping your RV's electrical system in top shape ensures that you can enjoy all the comforts of home, even when you're miles away from civilization. If you encounter similar issues, start with the basics: check for loose connections, evaluate battery health, and ensure your converter is working as it should. With these tips in mind, you'll be better equipped to tackle any electrical challenges your RV might throw your way.