House batteries didn't charge while driving

[JinianStarEyes]

We have a 2008 Georgetown, in which we put new lead acid batteries. Today driving to Tillamook OR from Ocean Shores WA when we stopped at a harvest host to overnight, jacks would not go downb(auto leveling system), there's no power, and the generator won't start. The engine starts fine. We think the house batteries didn't charge while we were driving. Any suggestions? Could it be the batteries, alternator, other? We're calling Good Sam Service Tech line tomorrow.

[Matt_Colie]

Jinian,

It is great to hear that you got it handled.
Thank you for coming back and closing the loop on this.

So often others have come here for advice or assistance and just vanished. We never hear what the real issue turned out to be.

Did you guy give a possible reason for the failure?? (Hope - hope)

Matt

[wolfe10]

Even if house bank is discharged (not likely with new batteries and long drive), the alternator is more than adequate to have them fully charged at the end of the drive.

[DrewE]

ppine wrote:
People seem to consistently over estimate the ability of their TV alternator to charge their RV batteries.

This is one area where motorhomes usually do much better than tow vehicles and trailers. The battery combiner circuitry on a motorhome provides a decidedly better and higher-capacity connection between the chassis and the house batteries, and usually the house batteries can get a substantial charge over the course of a day's driving.

[JinianStarEyes]

So we got a mobile repair tech out and there's some kind of disconnect to the house batteries. Alternator, solenoid are fine. Power is going into the control board but not getting out to charge everything. Correct part is ordered will be here Friday, in the meantime we are charging the batteries with a device the tech lent us. We have power generator heat and are parked safe. And enjoying the lovely blue heron farm and cheese company in the meantime. Will post updates. THANK YOU to all who responded with help 🙂

[dougrainer]

Did the systems WORK before you replaced the Batteries(even tho bad batteries)? If so, 99% of the time when systems worked BEFORE replacing the Coach batteries and then you have operational problems, you connected the new batteries wrong or you missed a cable that should be connected. Doug

[ppine]

People seem to consistently over estimate the ability of their TV alternator to charge their RV batteries.

[Lwiddis]

Consider an adequate solar system, Jinian. It charges whenever the sun is out.

[magicbus]

esyers wrote:
For me, it was a bad solenoid causing the same problem.

Same here. I found out in the middle of the Alcan and used jumper cables to charge the house until I got to a town. Should be easy to diagnose the problem with a meter.

Dave

[theoldwizard1]

JinianStarEyes wrote:
Any suggestions?

Buy a meter, preferably one with a built in "amp clamp" like Uni-T UT210E AC/DC Current Mini Clamp.

Without "data" we are all just "shooting in the dark" !

[esyers]

For me, it was a bad solenoid causing the same problem.

[MrWizard]

Your alternator is good, or your engine battery would be dead, check the battery disconnect switches, usually near the entry door, make sure the house/aux batteries are in the on/connected position, they should stay that way until you put the rv in storage
In disconnect mode very little will work, just like dead batteries, and they might not even charge from shore power.
I'm not familiar with the options for your rv
A whole house inverter powering an electric appliance will suck the house batteries dead,
Check to see if the water heater or fridge is set on for 120v, should be set for propane aka LP unless on Shore power

[time2roll]

The house battery voltage should jump a full volt as you start the main engine.
Polarity matters so double check. Plug in the RV and see if the house battery starts charging.

Otherwise for charging en route you need to poke along the charging cable from the battery to the isolator and if needed back to the alternator. Along the way you will find voltage jumps up at some point. You will need to repair, replace, clean, tighten, or adjust the component at that spot. Generally the issue will be at a connection, not mid wire in some blind area.

Good luck. Post what you find.

[JinianStarEyes]

Thank you. We just picked up a volt meter and will see what that says. I should mention we are new full-time rvers and this is a used rig. I appreciate your input. I'm glad we're at least parked and safe for the night, going to troubleshoot and look at fuses and such in the morning. All input/thoughts still welcome in the meantime!

[herbert007]

I just corrected a similar problem where I had a dead chassis battery. The battery was new but there was a draw from the alternator which fried the new battery. My jacks won't work. Problem finally solved.