Dead house batteries - what would you do?

[jkwilson]

Thank you so much for all the help here! You all are invaluable! I was able to do a couple of things since I posted:

1) Checked in with the previous owner who says that the batteries were likely completely discharged too many times during outside winter storage.

2) Had the batteries tested and they are in fact toast.

I was able to find 4 of these at Costco for $89 each. Will they do the job? And if so, I just wire them back in the exact same way the others were?

Thank you all again for the help!!

Attachment 31669
Attachment 31670


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Yep, swap those directly for what you have. Take a picture before, and label the wires to be sure you get them right. If you hook up wires wrong, even briefly, you may blow a fuse in your converter. My method is to label batteries with numbers, e.g. 1,2,3,4, and then wires with plus and minus. So each wire will be labelled with 1+, 3- etc..

[CaliMClass]

Yep, swap those directly for what you have. Take a picture before, and label the wires to be sure you get them right. If you hook up wires wrong, even briefly, you may blow a fuse in your converter. My method is to label batteries with numbers, e.g. 1,2,3,4, and then wires with plus and minus. So each wire will be labelled with 1+, 3- etc..

Great advice! Thanks so much!!!


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[RV Sailor]

Yep, swap those directly for what you have. Take a picture before, and label the wires to be sure you get them right. If you hook up wires wrong, even briefly, you may blow a fuse in your converter. My method is to label batteries with numbers, e.g. 1,2,3,4, and then wires with plus and minus. So each wire will be labelled with 1+, 3- etc..

I will reply yes with a couple suggestions

-carefully inspect all wires and attachment lugs for deterioration. If yes replace. Make sure all connections are secure.

- if you don’t maintain the batteries any purchase will deteriorate just like the old ones requiring and outlay every couple years. Especially wet cell cheap Costco ones. You must take weak ones home or trickle charge every winter layup

- read up on batteries and battery maintainence including winter storage differences between wet cells and agms. Included if you purchase wet cells learn how to desulfate them ( sulfation suffocates batteries). It lowers their charge level upper end

- make sure you have a GOOD converter ( 3 stage) or good charger. Bad ones can fry your batteries.

You don’t need to become a battery expert , but some knowledge more than you have , ( not trying to insult but being honest) concerning them will make your experience better as well as save you money in the long run. We all started in your spot

I am a proponent of 6 volt ( golf cart) batteries like you are buying,for most people. I ran them on our 35 ft sailboat for 22 years. I however prefer AGM over wet cell for many reasons but you can read or contact me.

[CaliMClass]

Thank you so much for all the tips, no offense taken at all! This has been a great learning experience for me so far.

Update: I installed the new batteries this morning and everything works perfectly. Definitely understand that if I don’t maintain them they’ll go the way of the others. On that note...

We live in California so the RV is stored in a place that never gets below freezing, it’s also in use for weeks at a time, and stored for a max of 2 months at a time.

I will use the disconnect key, which I understand doesn’t stop ALL draw, also double checking...is the picture I attached in the disconnect position? Meaning this position should minimize draw when not in use?



Is there anything additional I can do to prevent parasitic draw if I know it won’t be in use for a couple of months? Disconnecting one of the cables on one of the batteries perhaps? If so, which one?

Thank you again for all the help I’ve gotten here, it’s invaluable! [emoji2]


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[bertschb]

I will use the disconnect key, which I understand doesn’t stop ALL draw, also double checking...is the picture I attached in the disconnect position? Meaning this position should minimize draw when not in use?

Is there anything additional I can do to prevent parasitic draw if I know it won’t be in use for a couple of months? Disconnecting one of the cables on one of the batteries perhaps? If so, which one?

If you can remove the red handle, it's disconnected. Yes, many people disconnect one of the battery cables for storage longer than a week or so. Some remove positive. Some remove negative.

[Ynot4me2]

Thank you so much for all the tips, no offense taken at all! This has been a great learning experience for me so far.

Update: I installed the new batteries this morning and everything works perfectly. Definitely understand that if I don’t maintain them they’ll go the way of the others. On that note...

We live in California so the RV is stored in a place that never gets below freezing, it’s also in use for weeks at a time, and stored for a max of 2 months at a time.

I will use the disconnect key, which I understand doesn’t stop ALL draw, also double checking...is the picture I attached in the disconnect position? Meaning this position should minimize draw when not in use?



Is there anything additional I can do to prevent parasitic draw if I know it won’t be in use for a couple of months? Disconnecting one of the cables on one of the batteries perhaps? If so, which one?

Thank you again for all the help I’ve gotten here, it’s invaluable! [emoji2]


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I installed one of these on our battery box. I only use this now. The battery disconnect is always on.
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07413JWLD/...ing=UTF8&psc=1

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[CaliMClass]

If you can remove the red handle, it's disconnected. Yes, many people disconnect one of the battery cables for storage longer than a week or so. Some remove positive. Some remove negative.

Thank you! I’ll do that. With my setup, which terminal would be best for me to disconnect?



I’ll also look into the device that was mentioned above also.

Thanks again!


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[orbiker]

Thank you! I’ll do that. With my setup, which terminal would be best for me to disconnect?



I’ll also look into the device that was mentioned above also.

Thanks again!


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The negative that comes from the trailer to the battery.

[CaliMClass]

The negative that comes from the trailer to the battery.

Thank you! So basically the 4 cables on the negative terminal on the battery closest to me in the picture? Thank you!


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[CaliMClass]

Thank you! So basically the 4 cables on the negative terminal on the battery closest to me in the picture? Thank you!


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Just closing the loop on this one. It is the 4 cables on the negative terminal. I disconnect them now if I know the trailer will be dormant for a few weeks.

Thanks again everyone!


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