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Batteries not charging-both engine and coach
05-05-2009, 15:01
Post: #11
Batteries not charging-both engine and coach
--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Henry Jay Hannigan"
wrote:
>Thanks for the reply.. I replaced thhe 4 coach battieries two yrs ago with 4
Optima($800).Havent had a problem tl now

Ed Gardels 89SP
Arlington Tx
> ---
>
>
>
>
> ED:
>
> I took out my 4 house batteries and replaced them with TWO TROJAN 6 VOLT
T-105'S AND PUT IN A XANTREX CHARGER AND I have plenty of house power...just a
comment.
>
> Regards,
> Hank
> 90SP36
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Ed Gardels" wrote:
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Chet Geist" wrote:
> > >
> > > Dumb question Ed, but do you have 110 volts to your chargers?
> > > Good question Chet, but yes I do but I havent mesured it. As a mater of
fact I saw on the PDI(Power Dynamics)web page today(Ive been using their
troublesooting chart), that if the input is low the output can be low. I might
get to that tommorrow. This afternoon I took out the batteries to put on my
other charger in the garage.
> > Thanks
> > Ed Gardels 89SP
> > Arlington TX
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > > Chet Geist
> > > 1981 FC33, Austin, Texas
> > >
> > >
> > > -----Original Message-----
> > > From: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> > > [mailto:WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com]On Behalf Of Ed Gardels
> > > Sent: Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1:03 AM
> > > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> > > Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Batteries not charging-both engine and coach
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > My batteries wont charge after I found them discharged.grand kids
knocked
> > > shorepower plug out. I pluged it back in and a couple of days later they
are
> > > still dead. I have the diagrams for the chargeing circuit. There are four
> > > bosch relays in the circuit to allow the current to the buss and then to
the
> > > battery bay. One of the wires that goes to the coil of one of the relays
> > > goes to the front elec panel.What else is neccesary to charge the
> > > batterys.relay or whatever.I have been working on this for two weeks with
no
> > > results.
> > > Anyone have ideas or knowledge of this circuit please advise?
> > > thanks in advance
> > > Ed Gardels 89SP
> > > Arlington Tx
> > >
> >
>
Quote this message in a reply
05-05-2009, 16:07
Post: #12
Batteries not charging-both engine and coach
You have probably heard this before but from my experience, the PROBLEM
sometimes is very simple instead of going off the deep end. It is usually a
simple fix with these BIRDS. Just start with the very basics first
etc.......good luck.....
Hank
90SP36
http://picasaweb.google.com/bluebirdzoom/hanksshamrock#

















--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Ed Gardels" wrote:
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Henry Jay Hannigan"
wrote:
> >Thanks for the reply.. I replaced thhe 4 coach battieries two yrs ago with 4
Optima($800).Havent had a problem tl now
>
> Ed Gardels 89SP
> Arlington Tx
> > ---
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ED:
> >
> > I took out my 4 house batteries and replaced them with TWO TROJAN 6 VOLT
T-105'S AND PUT IN A XANTREX CHARGER AND I have plenty of house power...just a
comment.
> >
> > Regards,
> > Hank
> > 90SP36
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Ed Gardels" wrote:
> > >
> > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Chet Geist" wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Dumb question Ed, but do you have 110 volts to your chargers?
> > > > Good question Chet, but yes I do but I havent mesured it. As a mater of
fact I saw on the PDI(Power Dynamics)web page today(Ive been using their
troublesooting chart), that if the input is low the output can be low. I might
get to that tommorrow. This afternoon I took out the batteries to put on my
other charger in the garage.
> > > Thanks
> > > Ed Gardels 89SP
> > > Arlington TX
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > > Chet Geist
> > > > 1981 FC33, Austin, Texas
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > -----Original Message-----
> > > > From: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> > > > [mailto:WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com]On Behalf Of Ed Gardels
> > > > Sent: Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1:03 AM
> > > > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> > > > Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Batteries not charging-both engine and
coach
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > My batteries wont charge after I found them discharged.grand kids
knocked
> > > > shorepower plug out. I pluged it back in and a couple of days later they
are
> > > > still dead. I have the diagrams for the chargeing circuit. There are
four
> > > > bosch relays in the circuit to allow the current to the buss and then to
the
> > > > battery bay. One of the wires that goes to the coil of one of the relays
> > > > goes to the front elec panel.What else is neccesary to charge the
> > > > batterys.relay or whatever.I have been working on this for two weeks
with no
> > > > results.
> > > > Anyone have ideas or knowledge of this circuit please advise?
> > > > thanks in advance
> > > > Ed Gardels 89SP
> > > > Arlington Tx
> > > >
> > >
> >
>
Quote this message in a reply
05-05-2009, 17:25
Post: #13
Batteries not charging-both engine and coach
If the charger reads (or is expected to read) 14 to 14.5 volts, then it must be
a "smart" charger. If it is a smart charger, then it should show a high voltage
when connected to a discharged battery, but with no battery connected it should
automatically show a lower voltage.

If the charger is not a smart charger, then disregard.

In either case, you might try disconnecting the the battery bank(s)from the bus
and borrow/beg/rent/buy a 40-50 amp portable charger that has a battery
reconditioning function to see if you can bring the batteries back. I've had
some good luck with this, getting extra months or years from batteries that had
experienced a complete discharge.

The corollary to trying a reconditioning charger on the batteries is to try a
different battery on the charger. Any available partially discharged battery
connected to the bus charger will tell you if the charger and isolator are
working. Use a specific gravity tester to see if the battery gets charged.
(Also, use the tester on the bus batteries to see how badly discharged they
are.)

Finally, going back a step or two, did you check the voltage at the batteries
with the charger on/charger off? If the voltage at the battery post(s) does not
go up when the charger is turned on, then there is a problem with the charger or
between the charger and the batteries.

Bob Griesel '84 FC31 WLII WA

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Ed Gardels" wrote:
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Ralph L. Fullenwider"
wrote:
> >Ralph, Thanks for the input. Yes I put a meter on the contact of the bosch
relay and read 4-5 volts. I then remove the + wire from the charger and get 13v,
go figure....
> Ed Gardels 89SP
> Arlington Tx
> > Hi Ed:
> >
> > Just a curious question to start; Have you checked the output dc voltage
> > from your chargers? they should be reading 14.1 or so dc volts at the
> > source. If only reading 12.3 vdc then the chargers have taken a hike on you.
> >
> > Safe travels,
> >
> > Ralph and Charolette Fullenwider
> > 84FC35 "Ruff Diamond"
> > Duncan, Oklahoma
> >
> > At 05:01 PM 5/5/2009 +0000, you wrote:
> > >--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Chuck Wheeler" wrote:
> > > >Thanks for the response, Chuck. Actully i tried that a couple of weeks
> > > ago, but the chargers didnt keep up. Its the first time that the engine
> > > batteries went down too. I think that a clue to my problem, since it
> > > deals with both seperate banks of batteries. I have also tested the
> > > battery isolator. I have exausted my ideas.
> > > Thanks
> > > Ed Gardels 89SP
> > > Arlington Tx
> > > > Ed,
> > > >
> >
>
Quote this message in a reply
05-05-2009, 22:45
Post: #14
Batteries not charging-both engine and coach
Load test each battery individually, possibly a bad cell, then recharge, with a
shop charger.

Bill 88 FC Michigan


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Ed Gardels" wrote:
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Henry Jay Hannigan"
wrote:
> >Thanks for the reply.. I replaced thhe 4 coach battieries two yrs ago with 4
Optima($800).Havent had a problem tl now
>
> Ed Gardels 89SP
> Arlington Tx
> > ---
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ED:
> >
> > I took out my 4 house batteries and replaced them with TWO TROJAN 6 VOLT
T-105'S AND PUT IN A XANTREX CHARGER AND I have plenty of house power...just a
comment.
> >
> > Regards,
> > Hank
> > 90SP36
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Ed Gardels" wrote:
> > >
> > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Chet Geist" wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Dumb question Ed, but do you have 110 volts to your chargers?
> > > > Good question Chet, but yes I do but I havent mesured it. As a mater of
fact I saw on the PDI(Power Dynamics)web page today(Ive been using their
troublesooting chart), that if the input is low the output can be low. I might
get to that tommorrow. This afternoon I took out the batteries to put on my
other charger in the garage.
> > > Thanks
> > > Ed Gardels 89SP
> > > Arlington TX
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > > Chet Geist
> > > > 1981 FC33, Austin, Texas
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > -----Original Message-----
> > > > From: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> > > > [mailto:WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com]On Behalf Of Ed Gardels
> > > > Sent: Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1:03 AM
> > > > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> > > > Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Batteries not charging-both engine and
coach
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > My batteries wont charge after I found them discharged.grand kids
knocked
> > > > shorepower plug out. I pluged it back in and a couple of days later they
are
> > > > still dead. I have the diagrams for the chargeing circuit. There are
four
> > > > bosch relays in the circuit to allow the current to the buss and then to
the
> > > > battery bay. One of the wires that goes to the coil of one of the relays
> > > > goes to the front elec panel.What else is neccesary to charge the
> > > > batterys.relay or whatever.I have been working on this for two weeks
with no
> > > > results.
> > > > Anyone have ideas or knowledge of this circuit please advise?
> > > > thanks in advance
> > > > Ed Gardels 89SP
> > > > Arlington Tx
> > > >
> > >
> >
>
Quote this message in a reply
05-05-2009, 23:55
Post: #15
Batteries not charging-both engine and coach
Ed, If you don't have a battery load tester, I can let you use mine.


Ernie Ekberg
83PT40
Wanderlodge
Weatherford, Tx

--- On Wed, 5/6/09, pattypape wrote:

From: pattypape
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Batteries not charging-both engine and coach
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Date: Wednesday, May 6, 2009, 5:45 AM


Load test each battery individually, possibly a bad cell, then recharge, with a shop charger.

Bill 88 FC Michigan

--- In "WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com", "Ed Gardels" wrote:
>
> --- In "WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com", "Henry Jay Hannigan" wrote:
> >Thanks for the reply.. I replaced thhe 4 coach battieries two yrs ago with 4 Optima($800) .Havent had a problem tl now
>
> Ed Gardels 89SP
> Arlington Tx
> > ---
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ED:
> >
> > I took out my 4 house batteries and replaced them with TWO TROJAN 6 VOLT T-105'S AND PUT IN A XANTREX CHARGER AND I have plenty of house power...just a comment.
>
>
> > Regards,
> > Hank
> > 90SP36
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > In "WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com", "Ed Gardels" wrote:
> > >
> > > --- In "WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com", "Chet Geist" wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Dumb question Ed, but do you have 110 volts to your chargers?
> > > > Good question Chet, but yes I do but I havent mesured it. As a mater of fact I saw on the PDI(Power Dynamics)web page today(Ive been using their
troublesooting chart), that if the input is low the output can be low. I might get to that tommorrow. This afternoon I took out the batteries to put on my other charger in the garage.
> > > Thanks
> > > Ed Gardels 89SP
> > > Arlington TX
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > > Chet Geist
> > > > 1981 FC33, Austin, Texas
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > -----Original
Message-----
> > > > From: "WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com"
> > > > [mailto:"WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com"]On Behalf Of Ed Gardels
> > > > Sent: Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1:03 AM
> > > > To: "WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com"
> > > > Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Batteries not charging-both engine and coach
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > My batteries wont charge after I found them discharged.grand kids knocked
> > > > shorepower plug out. I pluged it back in and a couple of days later they are
> > >
> still dead. I have the diagrams for the chargeing circuit. There are four
> > > > bosch relays in the circuit to allow the current to the buss and then to the
> > > > battery bay. One of the wires that goes to the coil of one of the relays
> > > > goes to the front elec panel.What else is neccesary to charge the
> > > > batterys.relay or whatever.I have been working on this for two weeks with no
> > > > results.
> > > > Anyone have ideas or knowledge of this circuit please advise?
> > > > thanks in advance
> > > > Ed Gardels 89SP
> > > > Arlington Tx
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

Quote this message in a reply
05-06-2009, 01:39
Post: #16
Batteries not charging-both engine and coach
Make sure that your main DC switch by the door in ON

Make sure that you AUX BATTERY on the dash is ON



See if that will work



I found out the hard way these need to be done on my coach to charge both bank\s of batteries

Scooter 2000LX Ocqueoc, MI





To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
From: egardata@...
Date: Tue, 5 May 2009 17:01:57 +0000
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Batteries not charging-both engine and coach




--- In "WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com", "Chuck Wheeler" .> wrote:
>Thanks for the response, Chuck. Actully i tried that a couple of weeks ago, but the chargers didnt keep up. Its the first time that the engine batteries went down too. I think that a clue to my problem, since it deals with both seperate banks of batteries. I have also tested the battery isolator. I have exausted my ideas.
Thanks
Ed Gardels 89SP
Arlington Tx
> Ed,
>
> Some chargers need at least some charge to get started. I have had to put a
> small trickle charger on the boat to get the batteries up enough to turn on
> the main charger. The protection circuits in modern chargers need some
> voltage to insure that they are connected properly.
>
> - Chuck Wheeler-
> 1982 FC 31SB Fort Worth TX
>
>
> _____
>
> From: "WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com"
> [mailto:"WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com"] On Behalf Of Ed Gardels
> Sent: Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1:03 AM
> To: "WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com"
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Batteries not charging-both engine and coach
>
>
>
>
>
> My batteries wont charge after I found them discharged.grand kids knocked
> shorepower plug out. I pluged it back in and a couple of days later they are
> still dead. I have the diagrams for the chargeing circuit. There are four
> bosch relays in the circuit to allow the current to the buss and then to the
> battery bay. One of the wires that goes to the coil of one of the relays
> goes to the front elec panel.What else is neccesary to charge the
> batterys.relay or whatever.I have been working on this for two weeks with no
> results.
> Anyone have ideas or knowledge of this circuit please advise?
> thanks in advance
> Ed Gardels 89SP
> Arlington Tx
>


Quote this message in a reply
05-06-2009, 02:53
Post: #17
Batteries not charging-both engine and coach

Ed, I have a shop charger if you want to try it and see if it will get things going.
- Chuck Wheeler-
1982 FC 31SB Fort Worth TX


From: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com [mailto:WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Ed Gardels
Sent: Tuesday, May 05, 2009 10:01 PM
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Batteries not charging-both engine and coach



--- In "WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com", "Henry Jay Hannigan" ..> wrote:
>Thanks for the reply.. I replaced thhe 4 coach battieries two yrs ago with 4 Optima($800).Havent had a problem tl now

Ed Gardels 89SP
Arlington Tx
> ---
>
>
>
>
> ED:
>
> I took out my 4 house batteries and replaced them with TWO TROJAN 6 VOLT T-105'S AND PUT IN A XANTREX CHARGER AND I have plenty of house power...just a comment.
>
> Regards,
> Hank
> 90SP36
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> In "WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com", "Ed Gardels" wrote:
> >
> > --- In "WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com", "Chet Geist" wrote:
> > >
> > > Dumb question Ed, but do you have 110 volts to your chargers?
> > > Good question Chet, but yes I do but I havent mesured it. As a mater of fact I saw on the PDI(Power Dynamics)web page today(Ive been using their troublesooting chart), that if the input is low the output can be low. I might get to that tommorrow. This afternoon I took out the batteries to put on my other charger in the garage.
> > Thanks
> > Ed Gardels 89SP
> > Arlington TX
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > > Chet Geist
> > > 1981 FC33, Austin, Texas
> > >
> > >
> > > -----Original Message-----
> > > From: "WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com"
> > > [mailto:"WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com"]On Behalf Of Ed Gardels
> > > Sent: Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1:03 AM
> > > To: "WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com"
> > > Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Batteries not charging-both engine and coach
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > My batteries wont charge after I found them discharged.grand kids knocked
> > > shorepower plug out. I pluged it back in and a couple of days later they are
> > > still dead. I have the diagrams for the chargeing circuit. There are four
> > > bosch relays in the circuit to allow the current to the buss and then to the
> > > battery bay. One of the wires that goes to the coil of one of the relays
> > > goes to the front elec panel.What else is neccesary to charge the
> > > batterys.relay or whatever.I have been working on this for two weeks with no
> > > results.
> > > Anyone have ideas or knowledge of this circuit please advise?
> > > thanks in advance
> > > Ed Gardels 89SP
> > > Arlington Tx
> > >
> >
>

Quote this message in a reply
05-06-2009, 07:03
Post: #18
Batteries not charging-both engine and coach
--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "freewill2008" wrote:
>
> If the charger reads (or is expected to read) 14 to 14.5 volts, then it must
be a "smart" charger. If it is a smart charger, then it should show a high
voltage when connected to a discharged battery, but with no battery connected it
should automatically show a lower voltage.
>
> If the charger is not a smart charger, then disregard.
>
> In either case, you might try disconnecting the the battery bank(s)from the
bus and borrow/beg/rent/buy a 40-50 amp portable charger that has a battery
reconditioning function to see if you can bring the batteries back. I've had
some good luck with this, getting extra months or years from batteries that had
experienced a complete discharge.
>
> The corollary to trying a reconditioning charger on the batteries is to try a
different battery on the charger. Any available partially discharged battery
connected to the bus charger will tell you if the charger and isolator are
working. Use a specific gravity tester to see if the battery gets charged.
(Also, use the tester on the bus batteries to see how badly discharged they
are.)
>
> Finally, going back a step or two, did you check the voltage at the batteries
with the charger on/charger off? If the voltage at the battery post(s) does not
go up when the charger is turned on, then there is a problem with the charger or
between the charger and the batteries.
>
> Bob Griesel '84 FC31 WLII WA
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Ed Gardels" wrote:
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Ralph L. Fullenwider"
wrote:
> > >Ralph, Thanks for the input. Yes I put a meter on the contact of the bosch
relay and read 4-5 volts. I then remove the + wire from the charger and get 13v,
go figure....
> > Ed Gardels 89SP
> > Arlington Tx
> > > Hi Ed:
> > >
> > > Just a curious question to start; Have you checked the output dc voltage
> > > from your chargers? they should be reading 14.1 or so dc volts at the
> > > source. If only reading 12.3 vdc then the chargers have taken a hike on
you.
> > >
> > > Safe travels,
> > >
> > > Ralph and Charolette Fullenwider
> > > 84FC35 "Ruff Diamond"
> > > Duncan, Oklahoma
> > >
> > > At 05:01 PM 5/5/2009 +0000, you wrote:
> > > >--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Chuck Wheeler"
wrote:
> > > > >Thanks for the response, Chuck. Actully i tried that a couple of weeks
> > > > ago, but the chargers didnt keep up. Its the first time that the engine
> > > > batteries went down too. I think that a clue to my problem, since it
> > > > deals with both seperate banks of batteries. I have also tested the
> > > > battery isolator. I have exausted my ideas.
> > > > Thanks
> > > > Ed Gardels 89SP
> > > > Arlington Tx
> > > > > Ed,
> > > > >
> > >
> >
>



Go to Walmart and buy a cheap Hydometer and check your battery water. Simple
easy to use and you can see if what condition your battery is in. Good site to
use if not familier with what a Hydromter does and how to use it.
http://www.batterystuff.com/tutorial_battery.html
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05-06-2009, 09:01
Post: #19
Batteries not charging-both engine and coach

Most smart chargers will operate "current limited" into a discharged battery so the voltage will only be as high as possible within the current limits of the charger. Once the battery terminal voltage gets to the point that the current is below the charger's rated current limitthe chargerwill go to "voltage limited" operation. At this point you would see the voltages you would expect. If you immediately see 14-15 volts across a discharged battery then you have a weak or bad battery. A good discharged battery has a very low internal resistance. As batteries age this internal resistance increases.
- Chuck Wheeler-
1982 FC 31SB Fort Worth TX


From: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com [mailto:WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of freewill2008
Sent: Wednesday, May 06, 2009 12:26 AM
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Batteries not charging-both engine and coach



If the charger reads (or is expected to read) 14 to 14.5 volts, then it must be a "smart" charger. If it is a smart charger, then it should show a high voltage when connected to a discharged battery, but with no battery connected it should automatically show a lower voltage.

If the charger is not a smart charger, then disregard.

In either case, you might try disconnecting the the battery bank(s)from the bus and borrow/beg/rent/buy a 40-50 amp portable charger that has a battery reconditioning function to see if you can bring the batteries back. I've had some good luck with this, getting extra months or years from batteries that had experienced a complete discharge.

The corollary to trying a reconditioning charger on the batteries is to try a different battery on the charger. Any available partially discharged battery connected to the bus charger will tell you if the charger and isolator are working. Use a specific gravity tester to see if the battery gets charged. (Also, use the tester on the bus batteries to see how badly discharged they are.)

Finally, going back a step or two, did you check the voltage at the batteries with the charger on/charger off? If the voltage at the battery post(s) does not go up when the charger is turned on, then there is a problem with the charger or between the charger and the batteries.

Bob Griesel '84 FC31 WLII WA

--- In "WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com", "Ed Gardels" .> wrote:
>
> --- In "WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com", "Ralph L. Fullenwider" wrote:
> >Ralph, Thanks for the input. Yes I put a meter on the contact of the bosch relay and read 4-5 volts. I then remove the + wire from the charger and get 13v, go figure....
> Ed Gardels 89SP
> Arlington Tx
> > Hi Ed:
> >
> > Just a curious question to start; Have you checked the output dc voltage
> > from your chargers? they should be reading 14.1 or so dc volts at the
> > source. If only reading 12.3 vdc then the chargers have taken a hike on you.
> >
> > Safe travels,
> >
> > Ralph and Charolette Fullenwider
> > 84FC35 "Ruff Diamond"
> > Duncan, Oklahoma
> >
> > At 05:01 PM 5/5/2009 +0000, you wrote:
> > >--- In "WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com", "Chuck Wheeler" wrote:
> > > >Thanks for the response, Chuck. Actully i tried that a couple of weeks
> > > ago, but the chargers didnt keep up. Its the first time that the engine
> > > batteries went down too. I think that a clue to my problem, since it
> > > deals with both seperate banks of batteries. I have also tested the
> > > battery isolator. I have exausted my ideas.
> > > Thanks
> > > Ed Gardels 89SP
> > > Arlington Tx
> > > > Ed,
> > > >
> >
>

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05-07-2009, 04:16
Post: #20
Batteries not charging-both engine and coach
Sounds like you did the same thing I did. I have the Progressive Dynamics 80 amp charger, I found out this week that when there is no power ti the charger it goes in to monitor mode.My batteries were doing the same as yours. Out of 4 have two bad. The voltage dropped to 0 and suffocated the plates. Take yours to a parts store that does free battery testing. just checking for voltage on indicates what it is charged to not the actual condition of the battery need a load to do that.

Hugh & Lexie Turner
1984 Wanderlodge PT 40 PAPA'S MAGIC BUS
FMCA
F393612 Bluebird Chapter
Good Sam Life Member 057729600
Thomaston, Ga 30286
hturner12@... / ford10076@...
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