Results for "charging-issues"

Solar Batteries Medium 2-4 hours 109 👍 0

RV Battery Draining Overnight? Find & Fix Parasitic Drain

The day after I installed that new solar charge controller last month, my RV batteries started mysteriously draining from fully charged to completely dead overnight. I've already confirmed that all visible lights, fans, and appliances are turned off, and I've switched off the main interior power, but something is still drawing power continuously. I understand this is likely a parasitic drain where some component or circuit is staying energized when it shouldn't be, but I'm not sure how to systematically track down which specific circuit is causing the problem. I have a basic multimeter but I'm not entirely sure about the proper methodology for testing each circuit individually to isolate where exactly the power draw is coming from. What's the step-by-step process for using a multimeter to methodically work through the electrical system, starting from the main disconnect and testing individual fuses or circuits until I can pinpoint the exact source of this parasitic drain? …more

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Electrical Medium 2-4 hours 105 👍 0

How to Protect Your RV Alternator When Charging Lithium Batteries: DC-

Tried everything my neighbor did to charge his LiFePO4 batteries but mine keeps frying the alternator while his works flawlessly — what's different? I want to install a temperature sensing device that can interrupt charging by opening the solenoid between chassis and house charging systems if the alternator gets too hot. I'm looking to spec out components and understand the installation process, and I'm open to hearing why this might not be a good approach. My goal is preventing alternator overheating when these lithium batteries draw high current compared to my old flooded or AGM batteries. I'm looking for technical feedback and am totally open to critique. …more

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Solar Batteries Medium 45 minutes 103 👍 0

RV Lithium Battery Not Charging: Complete BMS Reset & Troubleshooting

According to the manual my RV lithium battery should charge normally after BMS protection kicks in, but mine's been sitting completely dead for hours. My Battle Born battery is showing 20% charge, but it's not taking any power when I plug into shore power or when my solar panels should be charging it.

I've been reading about BMS protection modes but I'm not really sure what that means or how to deal with it. Is there a way to reset the BMS system? I'm a bit out of my depth here and would really appreciate some guidance on troubleshooting this before I have to call for expensive repairs. …more

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Best RV Surge Protectors

4.6 (14,200 reviews)

Electrical Medium 45 minutes 103 👍 0

RV Converter Not Charging Battery: Fix Guide & Solutions

Despite my multimeter showing 12.6 volts at the battery, everything I've read says my converter should be pushing 13.6 volts during charging. When I plug into shore power, my converter fan kicks on and runs like normal, and all my 120V stuff works fine - lights, outlets, everything. But my batteries just aren't charging at all.

I'm not really sure where to start troubleshooting this. Could it be a fuse somewhere? Bad connections? Or is my converter partially failing somehow? I'd really appreciate some guidance on what to check first and how to test if the converter is actually putting out the right voltage to charge the batteries. …more

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General Easy 30 min research 99 👍 0

2001 Fleetwood Flair Parts: Complete Guide to Finding OEM & Replacement Parts

Pulled into my driveway after my local RV dealer closed down last year, and now finding OEM parts for my 2001 Fleetwood Flair 33R has become a complete nightmare. Ford has discontinued so many of the OEM components I need, and the usual RV parts suppliers keep coming up empty. I've been searching for months now and I'm starting to worry I'll never get this thing roadworthy again.

I know there have to be salvage yards out there with Fleetwood parts, but I don't know where to look or how to search effectively. Are there online platforms specifically for RV salvage? How do you even cross-reference parts when the original numbers are discontinued? I'm willing to try anything at this point - used parts, aftermarket alternatives, whatever works. Someone please tell me there's a systematic way to track down these elusive components! …more

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Electrical Medium 30-60 minutes 98 👍 0

RV Emergency Start Switch Not Working: Complete Troubleshooting & Repair Guide

Every time the temperature hits 85°F or higher, my RV's emergency start switch completely fails — works perfectly in cooler weather, but now my chassis battery is dead while house batteries stay charged. When I press the emergency start button, absolutely nothing happens - no sounds, no response at all.

I'm worried there might be something wrong with the system or that I'm not using it correctly. Should I be hearing some kind of click or sound when I press the button? Could there be blown fuses I need to check? I'm hesitant to keep trying without knowing if I might cause damage to the electrical system. What's the proper troubleshooting process to safely figure out why this emergency start feature isn't connecting my house batteries to help start the engine? …more

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Solar Batteries Easy N/A - planning 92 👍 0

Winnebago Ekko Solar Battery Setup: Complete Boondocking Power Guide 2

Looked at our 2022 Winnebago Ekko's dual 320 Amp Hour Lithionics batteries and 450-watt solar setup after my wife mentioned it wasn't optimized for boondocking, and now I'm completely obsessing over our power management. Planning extended boondocking trips to music festivals and remote locations.

I'm particularly interested in understanding how feasible it is to run the roof AC while driving using solar panels and batteries, and ensuring enough power remains when I arrive at my destination. What's the best strategy for maximizing battery life and solar charging efficiency during extended off-grid stays? …more

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Solar Batteries Medium 4-8 hours 91 👍 0

Lead Acid vs Lithium RV Batteries: Complete Upgrade Guide

Pulled into my favorite boondocking spot with batteries that used to last three days, but now these lead acid units are completely dead after just one night! I've been running two 12V lead acid batteries in my travel trailer and I'm SO tired of dealing with their limitations - slow charging, constant maintenance, and they seem to die at the worst possible times.

I found these Dyness 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 lithium batteries and I'm really hoping they might be the solution I've been looking for. But I'm completely lost when it comes to lithium technology. Will my current converter/charger work with lithium batteries, or am I looking at more upgrades? I keep seeing mentions of something called a BMS - what exactly does that do and why is it important?

I just want a system that actually works reliably and charges properly both when plugged into shore power and while driving. Can someone please tell me if making the switch to these Dyness LiFePO4 batteries is worth it, and what I need to know about compatibility with my existing charging system? …more

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Electrical Hard 4-6 hours 89 👍 0

RV Alternator to Lithium Battery Charging: Complete DC-DC Wiring Guide for Safe Installation

Last week I picked up my 2007 Holiday Rambler and discovered the previous owner left the alternator-to-battery charging system a dangerous wiring disaster that could destroy my new lithium batteries.

I'm upgrading from four 6V lead-acid house batteries to lithium, and I keep reading conflicting advice about alternator charging. Some people say "just connect it directly," others are warning about alternator damage and proper current limiting. I'm planning to add a DC-to-DC charger eventually, but I'm confused about whether I can safely use the alternator to charge lithium batteries in the meantime.

What's the right way to handle alternator charging with lithium batteries? Should I disconnect the alternator feed completely until I get a proper charging system, or is there a safe way to make this work without turning my alternator into an expensive paperweight? …more

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Solar Batteries Medium 4-6 hours 87 👍 0

Georgetown GT7 Lithium Battery Conversion: Complete RV Installation Guide

Turned the keys on my 2023 Georgetown GT7 and discovered the previous owner left the electrical system in complete shambles, now facing this intimidating lithium conversion nightmare. I know I need LiFePO4 batteries, but every forum post I read mentions different components and I'm getting conflicting information.

I really want to make this upgrade work - the lead acid batteries are killing me with their weight and charging limitations. What specific components do I need beyond the actual lithium batteries? I'm especially confused about whether my converter will work and if I need additional charging equipment for the alternator. Please tell me my 2023 model year gives me some advantage here! …more

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Solar Batteries Hard 4-6 hours 86 👍 0

50 Amp RV Inverter Charger Replacement: Complete Installation Guide 20

Finally moved into an RV with a 20-year-old Tradewinds inverter/charger unit that's completely dead and I have absolutely no idea how to replace it. The repair shop is offering a used Magnum MS2812 (2800VA) for $700 installed, but I'm concerned about its actual charging capacity versus my requirements.

My RV is wired for 50A shore power service, and I need an inverter/charger that can handle the full charging load. The shop claims the MS2812 will work, but the specifications seem to indicate it's only a 30A charger unit. Are there any legitimate 50A inverter/charger options available under $1000, or should I be looking at different manufacturers like Progressive Dynamics or Aims for this price range? …more

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Best RV Generators

4.6 (18,900 reviews)

Solar Batteries Easy Informational 85 👍 0

RV AGM Battery Installation Cost Guide 2024 - Complete Price Breakdown for RV Owners

Spent three hours researching and my neighbor swears AGM batteries work fine for my Renegade Valencia, the dealer's pushing a $6000 lithium package, but YouTube reviewers are completely split. Since we'll be using it in cold weather below 32F, particularly in Alaska, AGM seems like the better choice anyway.

Planning to have the dealer install 2 large AGM batteries on the opposite side of the coach where the stock battery is located. Need a realistic cost breakdown before I talk to them - what should I expect to pay for quality AGM batteries, installation labor, and any additional wiring/parts needed?

I'm estimating $1500-1800 for everything. Want to know if this is actually a better value than the expensive factory lithium option, especially when purchasing and installing in the lower 48 before bringing the RV to Alaska. …more

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Electrical Medium 30 minutes to 2 hours 85 👍 0

RV Red Fault Light No Power: How to Fix Partial Electrical Outage

Tried rewiring my RV's electrical system yesterday but something still doesn't seem right — red fault light is on and half my outlets have no power. My Class A has this red fault light glaring at me from the power panel, but it's not a total blackout situation. AC is running fine (thank goodness!), but my fridge, microwave, and some outlets decided to take a vacation.

I already tried the usual suspects - reset every GFCI I could find inside and messed with the main power cord panel outside where shore power comes in. Still got that annoying red light mocking me.

This partial power thing is driving me nuts. What should I be checking next to get everything back online? …more

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Electrical Easy 30-60 minutes for testing 84 👍 0

RV Battery Boost System: How to Connect Chassis and House Batteries for Emergency Power

Every time I try starting my RV, my chassis battery barely cranks in 30°F weather, takes forever to turn over, AND just died completely at my last gas stop. The voltage dropped to about 11V and it failed the load test. I tried using the battery boost switch but had to hold it down for about a minute before it worked.

How exactly does the battery boost system work? Does it connect the house batteries to help start the engine? Is it normal to have to hold the switch for that long, and what should I check to prevent this from happening again? …more

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Solar Batteries Easy 1 hour preparation 83 👍 0

How to Store LiFePO4 Batteries in Winter: RV Cold Weather Battery Guide

Somewhere along the way, the previous owner of my newly purchased RV completely abandoned proper winter storage for these LiFePO4 batteries through multiple harsh seasons. My battery documentation shows a storage temperature range of 14° to 122°, which concerns me since Spokane winter temperatures tend to drop within 10° of zero.

The batteries are currently located under the entry steps, and I'm considering three options:
1) Leave batteries in the coach and risk potential damage like case cracking
2) Install heating pads or battery blankets
3) Remove and store batteries indoors

I'm leaning towards removing the batteries indoors, but I'd appreciate input from those with experience. Can anyone talk me out of this approach or confirm it as the best strategy? …more

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