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 > Maintenance and Repair
Click Here to Login
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 08-10-2019, 04:40 PM   #1
Junior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
State: Oregon
Posts: 6
THOR #16316
Batteries not holding a Charge

We've been doing some boondocking with our 2018 Thor Aria 3601. Everything was fine until 2 days ago when the batteries started to not hold a charge. We are now having to run the generator almost constantly. Also, it looks like we can't turn on/off the inverter, although the refrigerator is running. Does anyone have any ideas as to what to look at?

__________________
OregonRV is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-10-2019, 05:29 PM   #2
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
State: Georgia
Posts: 2,585
THOR #4735
- first, more info is needed: what was your 'everything was fine' camping habits? were you off-grid and only running the generator periodically, as needed, while the inverter handled everything for the most part? Do you have an solar as part of the equation?

- what do you mean by 'batteries started to not hold a charge'? Are you just talking about the Voltage reading? How often are you looking at it? Is your AGS set to start and charge you batteries when they reach a certain Voltage?

- have you changed your 'SHORE MAX' button setting?

as for the 'can't turn on/off the Inverter'... no, it is simply passing thru 120v power when you have the generator running, whether it is on, or it is off. Do you mean you can't seem to turn it OFF when the generator is not running?

Certainly the fridge is on the inverter, and would not have power unless the Inverter is on, or the Generator is running, or you are on shore power. But, also, probably ALL of your outlets are on the Inverter, including your microwave. Are all of these outlets also under power when the Inverter is the only source of power?

Batteries can certainly start to develop lower output profiles and may take longer to charge 'fully' over time, and sometimes you may not really notice it until you are 'off grid' for long enough for it to be evident. Sometimes a cell may become weak, showing a very low 'specific gravity', which means it can no longer hold a 'load' properly, causing the hold battery, and battery bank, to be drawn down with it... your overall battery bank Voltage would drop quicker, and your AGS would then start your generator to run more often.

The SHORE MAX button setting provides the data to the system that you want either LESS power going to the Battery Charger, or MORE power going to it - when you're off-grid and wanting the AGS and the Generator run time to go MOSTLY to recharging the batteries, then you want this number as high as possible - even 50 or 60amps.
While the generator is running, this will give the most output of the Battery Charger to the batteries, but you'll also then need to pair back on running the air conditioners and microwave and possibly even the electric water heater to minimize tripping or overloading the generator's breakers, which could leave you with the generator running, yet no power to the coach - and your inverter now using even MORE of the low batteries, since it would then be back as the only power source, even though you may not realize it.


fun!
__________________
the Turners...
two Campers, two Electric cars
former diesel pusher traveler
TurnerFam is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-10-2019, 06:44 PM   #3
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
State: Missouri
Posts: 2,324
THOR #6903
Well written TurnerFam
__________________
lwmcguire is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
aria 3601, batteries, inverter

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 12:07 PM.


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