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Old 07-25-2018, 03:51 AM   #1
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Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Compass 24 TF, Mercedes
State: Washington
Posts: 26
THOR #11249
dead battery

I have a Compass 24TF and it's been sitting for about 5 weeks with the key in the ignition but not turned on, Battery is now completely drained.. Does this sound right? On the charger now but at about 1/2 charge I tried to start it and all I got was on and off again power cycling but no power to the starter. Anybody have this happen?

Steve

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Old 07-25-2018, 10:13 AM   #2
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THOR #1249
Yes, it is fairly common to have coach and eng. batteries drained if you don't have disconnect switches on the batteries. Seems there is always a parasitic drain on coaches elec. and difficult to track down. Most folks just add knife switches on their batteries.
Your battery may be toast now if it has been drained all the way down for a long period of time. You may want to get the battery tested.
Good luck.
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Old 07-25-2018, 11:59 AM   #3
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Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
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THOR #8860
I agree... And I'm sorry to hear that this happened.
The "Use/Store" switch is a vital first step in maintaining the health of your batteries.

But the secret ingredient: adding a bayonet switch, so that they are physically disconnected from everything!

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Old 07-25-2018, 01:50 PM   #4
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Model: Compass 24 TF, Mercedes
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THOR #11249
So... it was only the chassis battery that was dead, the coach battery's were fine. I also didn't see a way to use the coach batteries for starting the motor... but the motor charges them when running? I also had shore power on to the coach but that won't charge the chassis battery?
I'm going back to a tent...
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Old 07-25-2018, 02:03 PM   #5
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THOR #8860
Is your rig on the Mercedes Chassis?
I think that they're the ones that don't connect the coach and chassis batteries together in any meaningful way...
Don't give up jet yet: there are always solutions lurking around the corner!
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Old 07-25-2018, 02:28 PM   #6
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Sorry, should of said that right off.. Yes it is a Mercedes. Only kidding about the tent, we'll be at the motel. Overnight I charged the battery and this morning all seems OK. Leaving today on a short trip so I will find out and the battery charger is coming along this time.
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Old 07-25-2018, 02:45 PM   #7
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Glad to hear that there has been some good news!
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Old 09-17-2018, 06:11 PM   #8
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Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Compass 24 TF, Mercedes
State: Washington
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Update to this issue..
Another extended period of no use and another dead battery but this time no key in the ignition. No obvious things left on to account for the drain. The idea of through switch is not practical to me for many reasons but mostly for where the battery is located and a visit to a Mercedes dealer is not very appealing either although that will be my last resort.
So again this is the chassis battery not the coach (Compass 24 TF) batteries and during this last period the coach was on shore power the whole time. I guess first question is how do I determine IF there is a drain when everything is off? and second how would you determine what it was?
If I see no drain then I guess I would focus on the battery itself? Thanks again for any feed back on this

Steve
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Old 09-17-2018, 06:17 PM   #9
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THOR #8860
If the chassis battery is draining in that short period of time: you need to let the dealer take a look at what's going on...
My rig had been sitting since the beginning of June...
Over the weekend: I keyed her up, and it started without a bit of a fuss...
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Old 09-17-2018, 06:24 PM   #10
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Model: 2017 Axis 25.4
State: Arkansas
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THOR #12231
I would figure out the drain first then buy a new battiery (AGM) if it was me. You killed the battery twice and it seems to be draining fast so perhaps its just a battery problem?

I would test after one week of sitting to see if it will start.

Check battery with multi meter for draws and current voltage at rest. You can then plug the RV in to 120 AC and see if it charging too.

Plus once it starts up see if the alt is charging batt.

Many youtube videos on using Mutli Meter. Im just learning how to use one myself so Im not sure off hand on how do do all of that off hand - I just tinker with it until I get some results - Perhaps someone else can chime in to help you.

Youtube is my GOTO for stuff like this.
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Old 09-17-2018, 09:19 PM   #11
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Had a Sprinter with the 6 cyl. Mercedes eng. Battery was located under the drivers side floor board. Had a drain on my battery also, and mechs at Dodge said it was normal drain, but was not normal to sit for weeks without running. Finally ran some battery cables up behind dash console and installed a keyed cutoff switch.......problem solved.
Good luck with your.
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Old 09-17-2018, 09:39 PM   #12
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State: Virginia
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I believe other Mercedes type RV owners have said the chassis battery is only charged by the engine. It is not tied together as other RV makers do it.
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