Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 

Go Back   Thor Forums > Thor Tech Forums > Motorhome Tech Topics
Click Here to Login
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 09-19-2017, 01:27 PM   #1
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: '17 Hurricane 34F
State: Missouri
Posts: 235
THOR #6040
All batteries drained

3 weeks in storage ( I have gone much longer ) and all of my batteries were drained, 2 house and one engine. I had to jump the engine battery, then started the generator. The engine battery took a long time to reach a level sufficient to start the engine again.

I am sure I engaged the "store" setting, but what would cause the engine battery to be depleted along with the house system.

I am back in storage with full charges around, and will check it in a week or so. After the winter shut down I will be replacing every battery, and hopefully upgrading in the process.

It has me considering a small solar unit to maintain the engine battery at least.

__________________
wredman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-19-2017, 03:02 PM   #2
Senior Member
 
Travelin' Texans's Avatar
 
Brand: Redwood
Model: 36FB
State: Arizona
Posts: 1,766
THOR #3610
You have we several that cause a draw even with switch in store mode, LP/CO detector for one, any electronics with internal timers, any illuminated light switches. You best option is to disconnect the the batteries.
__________________
Fulltimed 10+ years
Sold '13 Thor Redwood 36 FB
Traded '13 GMC Denali DRW D/A
Replacement undetermined
Travelin' Texans is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-19-2017, 04:35 PM   #3
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: SOB 2014 Meridian 36M
State: Washington
Posts: 981
THOR #7205
I have had really good luck keeping batteries on a float charger when my vehicles are stored. I would find a good solar charger & charge controller. I hate hearing about guys that have to use RV storage with no power to keep batteries maintained.
__________________
99dart is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-19-2017, 06:46 PM   #4
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Windsport 27K
State: Florida
Posts: 265
THOR #2154
Yes, a solar panel on the roof is the best investment you can make, if your RV is in storage (outside) for any length of time.

I put a 100 watt panel on the roof and it keeps my 3 batteries (chassis and house) nicely charged between trips, and that sometimes is a month or longer.

I just check the batteries for fluid level from time to time, and run the generator and air conditioning every couple of weeks, but never have a problem with the batteries.
__________________
Tom N3EQF is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-19-2017, 06:55 PM   #5
gmc
Senior Member
 
gmc's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Hurricane 32A
State: Florida
Posts: 1,873
THOR #2829
Nothing normal should cause the ENGINE battery to drain in 3 weeks... I'd expect any vehicle to be able to sit a month or more without an engine battery issue (assuming battery is in good condition).

(And really - on a properly wired coach - nothing should cause the COACH batteries to drain when in STORE either... detectors, illuminated light switches, electronics should ALL go OFF.)
I just had my rig unplugged in STORE for about 6 weeks before I fired up the engine/genny in prep for Irma - didn't miss a beat...

Solar chargers can help mask a problem... It may be simpler on coach side to put a hard disconnect if there are items bypassing the use/store... but shouldn't have to do the same for the chassis battery...
(Now if your BCC or BIRD/Trombetta isn't properly isolating your batteries - and there is draw when in STORE - or you left it in USE - that could explain it... I'd want to fix the problem rather than add a solar charger...)
__________________
Greg
Not yet retired...
Florida (Michigan transplant)
2014 Hurricane 32A
2000 Infinity (previous)
gmc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-19-2017, 07:25 PM   #6
I Think We're Lost!
 
Bob Denman's Avatar
 
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
I agree: add a switch that leaves no doubt as to whether or not the batteries are disconnected.

Battery Disconnect Switch.jpg
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	Battery Disconnect Switch.jpg
Views:	258
Size:	82.1 KB
ID:	6998  
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
Bob Denman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-19-2017, 07:33 PM   #7
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Windsport 27K
State: Florida
Posts: 265
THOR #2154
...well yea of course you don't want to mask a problem. I didn't mean that. I have a shunt in series with the batteries and the load and I know the parasitic draw is very very low because the Trimetric meter shows me that in real time.

Or you can go low-tech and measure current with a multimeter. And of course, if you measure substantial current draw with the switch in "Store" then the fun begins as you try to determine what device or devices are still connected.

At any rate, a solar panel is nice insurance.
__________________
Tom N3EQF is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-19-2017, 07:35 PM   #8
I Think We're Lost!
 
Bob Denman's Avatar
 
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tom N3EQF View Post
At any rate, a solar panel is nice insurance.
I agree: The Missus and I are investigating them...
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
Bob Denman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-19-2017, 07:45 PM   #9
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Windsport 27K
State: Florida
Posts: 265
THOR #2154
One thing that I forgot to mention is that if your batteries had been discharged to a very low voltage previously (especially if more than once), it's very possible they aren't holding a charge for very long. That's true even for very young batteries. I remember when I bought my RV brand new the batteries were in very bad shape, and had to be replaced.
__________________
Tom N3EQF is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-19-2017, 07:56 PM   #10
I Think We're Lost!
 
Bob Denman's Avatar
 
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
If (When?) the time comes to replace the batteries: would you suggest a marine deep-cycle type?
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
Bob Denman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-19-2017, 08:42 PM   #11
Senior Member
 
Travelin' Texans's Avatar
 
Brand: Redwood
Model: 36FB
State: Arizona
Posts: 1,766
THOR #3610
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Denman View Post
If (When?) the time comes to replace the batteries: would you suggest a marine deep-cycle type?
The coach batteries should already be deep cycle batteries, but the chassis battery is your normal automotive battery.
Yes, the factory disconnect DOES NOT disconnect those items mentioned, I totally agree it should. It also does not disconnect the control panel to electric slides.
__________________
Fulltimed 10+ years
Sold '13 Thor Redwood 36 FB
Traded '13 GMC Denali DRW D/A
Replacement undetermined
Travelin' Texans is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-19-2017, 10:11 PM   #12
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: '17 Hurricane 34F
State: Missouri
Posts: 235
THOR #6040
I know that about 30 seconds after I opened the door and the stair did not extend, all possible root cause investigation was eliminated because I started hitting switches, buttons, breakers in the battery compartment, etc.

The dash was dead as dead, way beyond the clicking noise when trying to crank.

I connected a weak jump battery to the chassis bat, and the dash came to life, but would not turn the starter. This also brought brief life to my inverter panel, but it soon went blank again.

Would leaving headlights on drain the house batteries, do they have a auto shut off? Im thinking something had to be left on, but what would reasonably drain both sides of the electrical system.
__________________
wredman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-19-2017, 11:21 PM   #13
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2017 Windsport 29M
State: Indiana
Posts: 3,692
THOR #5196
Quote:
Originally Posted by wredman View Post
I know that about 30 seconds after I opened the door and the stair did not extend, all possible root cause investigation was eliminated because I started hitting switches, buttons, breakers in the battery compartment, etc.

The dash was dead as dead, way beyond the clicking noise when trying to crank.

I connected a weak jump battery to the chassis bat, and the dash came to life, but would not turn the starter. This also brought brief life to my inverter panel, but it soon went blank again.

Would leaving headlights on drain the house batteries, do they have a auto shut off? Im thinking something had to be left on, but what would reasonably drain both sides of the electrical system.
Even in the store position there is considerable parasitic drain on the batteries!
__________________
SuperD is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-20-2017, 12:42 AM   #14
gmc
Senior Member
 
gmc's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Hurricane 32A
State: Florida
Posts: 1,873
THOR #2829
Quote:
Originally Posted by wredman View Post
...
Would leaving headlights on drain the house batteries, do they have a auto shut off? Im thinking something had to be left on, but what would reasonably drain both sides of the electrical system.
Should only drain the chassis battery... No auto shutoff... No chimes...
If batteries are not properly isolated when not plugged in or running Genny - would drain both... The Battery Control Center (BCC) or BIRD/Trombeta provide this function.

Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperD View Post
Even in the store position there is considerable parasitic drain on the batteries!
Not the case in mine... And OP says he head left in store longer in past as well.
Certainly have been different experiences in this area.
__________________
Greg
Not yet retired...
Florida (Michigan transplant)
2014 Hurricane 32A
2000 Infinity (previous)
gmc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-09-2017, 08:56 PM   #15
Junior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Hurrican 29M
State: Colorado
Posts: 22
THOR #9124
Batteries died while plugged in

I had my new 29m winterized about a month ago and left it In my driveway plugged into 110 power. I went to check it today and all batteries were dead. I know the 110 was working as the inside lights worked fine. My batteries always stayed charged in my old class c when connected to 110 power. Any ideas why the would discharge on newer class A.
__________________
PeteBailey is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-09-2017, 09:48 PM   #16
Senior Member
 
bevedfelker's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2015 Vegas 24.1
State: Pennsylvania
Posts: 1,468
THOR #2601
Pete -- when plugged in to shore power did you have the USE/STORE in USE. When you were plugged in 110 VAC was going to the converter. In the converter 110 VAC and 12 VDC (from the converter's rectifier) were being provided to the coach so everything would be working.

BUT, (at least on my Vegas) if the USE/SORE was not in USE 12 VDC would not have been being provided to the house batteries or chassis battery to keep them charged. USE/STORE must be in USE to keep batteries charged.
__________________
Ed & Bev Felker
Retired USAF Col and retired Nurse
Traveling with Lily & Bella ('Teddy Bear' breed)
2015 Vegas 24.1 (E-350)
bevedfelker is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-09-2017, 10:19 PM   #17
Junior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Hurrican 29M
State: Colorado
Posts: 22
THOR #9124
Pretty sure I left it in store. I’ll switch it to use and see if that’s the problem. Thanks!
__________________
PeteBailey is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-10-2017, 01:16 AM   #18
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Gemini 24TX (Formerly)
State: California
Posts: 1,459
THOR #5821
House batteries seem always to have parasitic electrical draws, as said clocks, timers, sensors and??? Chassis batteries too, since the computer is never completely off, supporting things like security systems & sensors. I have a Chevy HHR, the manual states that maximum time the car can be parked without running or any charge and can reliably be started by its own battery is 28 days. I know for a fact that the Mercedes chassis the Gemini is built on, has a computer that although is very low drain, is always on, even with the ignition off. I am installing a scan gauge II in it, and have been told that the gauge backlight and display shuts off when it senses zero RPM, but there remains constant power to it through the OBD II port, and although the battery drain is very low, there remains some.
__________________
Laco is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-10-2017, 01:34 AM   #19
Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Miramar 33.5
State: Florida
Posts: 46
THOR #5240
Had the same problem. There is a solenoid that connects the house and chassis batteries together. This allows the house to charge the chassis and when the engine is running it charges the house. Do a forum search for bird and/or trombetta. Here is the one I used as a replacement in mine.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
__________________
fotofx is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-10-2017, 03:30 AM   #20
Senior Member
 
Tupelo Kid's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: ACE
State: Georgia
Posts: 214
THOR #9143
Smile

Quote:
Originally Posted by bevedfelker View Post
Pete -- when plugged in to shore power did you have the USE/STORE in USE. When you were plugged in 110 VAC was going to the converter. In the converter 110 VAC and 12 VDC (from the converter's rectifier) were being provided to the coach so everything would be working.

BUT, (at least on my Vegas) if the USE/SORE was not in USE 12 VDC would not have been being provided to the house batteries or chassis battery to keep them charged. USE/STORE must be in USE to keep batteries charged.
Bottom line for the less likely to understand. (sounds better than stupid)
Anytime the coach (ACE) is connected to shore power (110 all the time at home) the USE/STORE switch should always be in USE to allow the charging of "all" batteries?
I did have the front bat go down on me a week after I brought the coach home. The house bats were low but not down. Salesman said to always place in STORE when not in use.
Please confirm.
Thanks.
__________________
Ours is a 2018 THOR ACE 29.3
Tupelo Kid is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Thor Industries or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.




All times are GMT. The time now is 07:55 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.6.0 PL2