My RV's House Batteries Aren't Charging

by John
(Monterey ca.)

My RV's House Batteries Aren't Charging

My RV's House Batteries Aren't Charging

Shore power does not charge house battery's. I have a 32v Southwind 2006. It charged battery's when RV is started only. Generator won't charge battery's either.

ANSWER: Hi John thanks for submitting your question on our Ask An RV Question Page

FREE coverage for your spouse & dependent children. Good Sam Roadside Assistance. Learn More!

Based on your description it sounds like your RV's Power Converter is no longer charging your house batteries. Normally when you are plugged into shore power or running your generator; the RV's Power Converter will take over the task of providing 12 volt DC power to your RV as well as charging your house batteries. The fact that the batteries are only being charged when the motorhome is running indicates that you definitely have a problem with the Power Converter and it may have to be replaced.

If the Power Converter needs to be replaced; you should have a Certified RV Technician perform the repair. But before you take that step: here are a couple of things that you can check to troubleshoot the problem.

1. In the electrical compartment of your motorhome you should check for any blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers.

2. Inspect the Power Converter itself for any loose. broken or corroded connections.

3. Inspect the house batteries for any loose, broken or corroded connections. Just a tip here: since you are inspecting your house batteries this would also be good time to also check the electrolyte levels in the batteries and top them off with distilled water if needed.

4. Check the wiring coming from the converter to the house batteries for any in-line fuses that may have been blown.

If everything mentioned above checks out then it is time to take your RV in and have a Certified RV Technician diagnose and repair the problem.

I hope that this information has been helpful to you.

Join the Good Sam Club Today! The Official RV Community Club


Do you have any suggestions or comments on this topic? You can add them to this page by clicking on the "Click Here To Post Comments" link located near the bottom of this page.

Happy RVing

RVing Al

Comments for My RV's House Batteries Aren't Charging

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Converter not charging via genny.
by: Rustyroo

We experienced a severe lightning storm yesterday. Since then, we've discovered our house batteries will not charge with either on board 5000k onan, or independent 2200ei yamaha. 2007 Nat'l class a Coach motor seems to be only way.
I've check the battery fluid levels. All 1/2 inch above cells. (2 6v deep cycle less than 1 year old.)
No breakers or fuses appear to be blown or popped in circuit board of coach.
There is a junction box just above house batteries that has a oblong red button. It appears to be extended. Don't know which way is correct. In or out? (Have picture. Cant see how to post.)
Any suggestions?
Thanks
Rusty
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Battery charging problem
by: Larry Windsor

I started having a problem with the batteries ... it started when I couldn't get the slide to work. I even had the batteries checked ... they were a bit low but should have had enough power in them to work the slide. I did replace them as they were quite a few years old, took them home and charged them up and tried the slide again ....nothing .... what I finally found was where the ground wire attached to the body ground was my problem! The lock washer that held the ground wire terminal had broken. There wasn't enough contact to make a good ground. I installed a new wire connector to the wire after I shortened it a bit to get to clean copper to crimp to, cleaned the frame and tightened the bolt with a new washer and lock washer to secure the wire to the frame. Everything worked just perfect! I hope this helps someone !!

Click here to add your own comments

Return to Ask an RV Question.

LEARN HOW TO RUN 2 RV A/Cs ON A 30 AMP CONNECTION