Batteries going dead

[dstuart000]

I have a 2009 Jayco 25 RKS. I just replaced my batteries last year and I just had them tested and they are in great shape. My problem is that something is draining my batteries way too fast. My batteries were fully charged and in 1 day they will be drained with nothing obvious running. Is there a way to narrow down the problem? Any suggestions would be appreciated. thanks

[md2lgyk]

Do you have an electric tongue jack? I wired mine directly to the battery without realizing it has two small lights on it that can't be turned off. So I installed a battery cutoff switch. But if your batteries go dead in just a day, I'd suspect either a short somewhere or the breakaway switch.

[BigDaddyHfx]

You could also try using a battery isolation switch to cut off power to everything in the trailer. If the batteries still go dead its them not a mystery drain.

[CavemanCharlie]

mbopp wrote:
Your electric brake break-away switch isn't activated, is it?

Yes, first thing is an amp draw reading.

I was thinking that too. One day must be one heck of a draw to drain what you call "batteries" Even if they are cheap ones. You have a dead short somewhere. Do as the others have said and try to isolate the problem.

[powderman426]

BTW for those that want to check dc amperage without removing any wires, they now have dc clamp on meters at good prices like These. After having used on of these, I'll never go back to the old way.

[skipnchar]

korbe wrote:
I would first test the amp draw, then figure out where it's coming from

Good advice. Until you know what the drain actually IS you can't tell if it's a battery issue or something going to ground somewhere. Shut down different circuits and re-test the draw to see which circuit it's coming from.

Good luck / Skip

[mbopp]

Your electric brake break-away switch isn't activated, is it?

Yes, first thing is an amp draw reading.

[ScottG]

A really sneaky draw is the high-humidty heater for the fridge. It draws a fair amount of current constantly if left on.

[dstuart000]

Thanks for the suggestions.

[korbe]

I would first test the amp draw, then figure out where it's coming from

[69_Avion]

As stated above, start isolating circuits one at a time.

[donn0128]

Start pulling fuses. If your running the furnace at all that will kill a battery fast. Same for leaving the lights on.

[opnspaces]

There are a few things that are known to pull battery power even when everything appears to be off.

LPG alarm,
Radio memory,
Refrigerator (on propane)
antenna power booster,
possibly smoke/co alarm,

If the trailer is at home and you have time you could probably try pulling all the fuses in the panel and replace them one at a time over a period of days.

Could there be a light left on in a storage bay that you are not aware of?

Do you have a multimeter that you could use to check amp draw off the battery?