Battery issue

[Sanford]

Just had to prematurely replace my chassis battery. Less than 36 months. When stored, I have the RV on 50 amp service. Periodically I disconnect to exercise the coach batteries. I’m wondering if the constant charging is shortening the chassis battery life. Thoughts?

[The Gritz Carlton]

Not sure of year model but the in-completed chassis may have sat idle for 12 months or more on a gravel lot before they became coaches. Add that to your 36 known months and you're approaching their usable life.

[16ACE27]

Our RV is always connected to SP at home. If the converter is operating properly it should not shorten the life of either the house or chassis batteries. Our chassis battery went 5+ years before requiring replacement.

[Sanford]

Thanks for the replies. The battery is less than 36 months old.

[Chateau_Nomad]

I'm going with the "dead on dealer lot" hypothesis. It's common to see lead-acid battery deep discharged and left that way for months on those lots.

Maybe with factory installed rooftop solar that phenomenon will subside somewhat.

When you replace the battery, keeping it plugged in is the best thing you can do. I keep my Wrangler toad on a cheap trickle charger for months on end, and it fires right up. I even have a 6 year old lawn tractor with original battery... trickle charger all winter. Still going.

Completely discharging is brutal... constantly float charging won't hurt it at all.

[Pete'sMH]

I just bought a new 22 and the chassis battery was DOA. Dealer replaced it. Coach batteries seem to be fine but we’re kept charged by factory solar.

[Lt Keefer]

On the face of it, I wouldn't worry about the life of a factory installed chassis battery. In my 50 years of driving some have lasted two years, others five or more. Just get a good replacement and move on.

[Sanford]

Thanks to all for your help.