Motorhome battery not charging? Here is the solution!

Any loose or damaged wires

Signs of melting or discoloration

Exposed wires coming into contact with each other

If loose connections are found, secure them accordingly. Replace any damaged cables and check to see if your RV's batteries are now charging

Use this opportunity to check any blown inline fuses and replace them immediately if necessary.

Note: Use caution when replacing fuses and ensure that the amperage remains consistent. Using a higher amperage fuse could result in overheating and a potential fire risk in your RV.

Also, assess the condition of the cables and fuses connected to your RV battery. Are there signs of fraying, looseness, discoloration, or contact between the wires? Have any in-line fuses blown? Replace accordingly.、

In complex RV electrical systems, referencing a wiring diagram can prove useful, although it may be difficult, if not impossible, to find one. Check your owner's manual or the manufacturer's website to see if such a diagram is available.

Checking the condition of the battery for corrosion

We will then examine the battery poles for noticeable signs of corrosion and check that the battery cables are securely attached to the battery poles.

In my experience, this is one of the main causes of interruption in power transfer to home batteries when the vehicle is plugged in.

Of course, it is essential to eliminate loose connections and remove visible signs of corrosion.

How to effectively clean corroded battery connectors:

Make a thick mixture by mixing two tablespoons of baking soda with an equal amount of water.

Disconnect the power and ground cables from the battery terminals.

Clean the terminals and cable connections thoroughly with a wire brush and the paste to remove the corrosive substances.

Then wipe the terminals thoroughly with a paper towel.

Reconnect the power and ground cables to the respective battery terminals to ensure a tight and secure connection.

If your RV battery is still not charging, we can move on to the next step.

Test ofm Circuit breaker

Locate the fuse and breaker panel in your RV, which is usually located in the same compartment as the power converter.

Look for the presence of circuit breakers on the electrical panel, similar to those you would find in a home. These breakers specifically control your RV’s 120V system. To check their functionality, ensure that none of the breakers have tripped by gently touching them and checking their correct position.

Tip: Check the owner's manual or look near the breakers for signs that indicate the purpose of each breaker.

In the same area, you may also find the RV fuse box, which is similar to the fuses in cars. Thoroughly inspect these fuses to determine whether they may have blown. If you discover any blown fuses, replace them immediately and check to see if your RV's batteries recharge when plugged in.

If all circuit breakers are turned on properly and fuses remain intact, you can proceed to the next step.

Checking the battery disconnect switch

In many cases, RVs and fifth wheels are equipped with a battery disconnect switch located inside the vehicle. Make sure this switch is in the “On” position.

To verify the presence of a battery disconnect switch and determine where it is located, you may need to check the owner's manual again.

Checking the condition of the LiFePO4 battery

Then we need to make sure that the cause of the problem is not the battery itself. It's possible that your RV's charging mechanism is working efficiently, but the battery isn't retaining its charge.

Checking your RV battery is a simple process:

Connect your battery to a battery charger to start charging. If you don't have access to a battery charger during your trip, you can also use your RV or tow vehicle's alternator to charge, if your RV is compatible with it.

Press the battery disconnect switch mentioned above to disconnect the battery from the system and thus isolate it from the power grid.

Allow a few hours to pass. You can then use a digital multimeter or voltmeter to determine the battery charge level.

If you notice a significant loss of charge in the battery within this short period of time, it is likely that the battery itself is defective. Replace the deep cycle battery and then recheck your RV's charging system.

If the battery passes the test, only one troubleshooting step remains.

Testing ofn the functionality of the power converter

First check whether your power converter successfully generates a steady current of 13+ DC voltage. You can do this by measuring the voltage across the battery while it is connected to a shore power source.

Using a voltmeter you should be able to read an approximate reading of 13.5 volts on the battery.

Disconnect your RV from shore power and take another voltage measurement on the battery. At this point you should see a voltage drop.

This quick check will help you determine whether your inverter is working properly.

If it unfortunately does not fulfill its purpose, various problems such as a defective cooling fan, a faulty temperature sensor or a defective circuit board can be the cause.

It is not advisable for non-professionals to attempt to disassemble or manipulate the converter. Instead, it is strongly recommended that you consult a certified RV technician who can use their expertise to properly fix the problem.

Malfunction of resistors or diodes

Resistors and diodes play a crucial role in converting the electrical source from AC to DC voltage. However, they are prone to failure when exposed to high temperatures. A burned component on the circuit board is a visible sign of this. If you are not familiar with electrical systems, it is advisable to hire a qualified professional to replace these broken parts.

Interruption of shore power supply

Instead of hastily blaming the charging problem on your battery, be sure to inspect the integrity of the power station, especially if it is located in an RV park. Power columns can also burn out or become damaged, potentially hindering your battery from charging. If you have a problem with the power connection, you must inform the park management immediately so that they can take care of the problem and correct it.

Maintenance tips for your RV battery

If you are still using a traditional lead-acid battery, regular maintenance is paramount to ensure its optimal performance. Consider the following methods:

The voltage measurement of a fully charged 12V battery normally shows 12.6 volts. A 75% charge level typically shows 12.4 volts, while a 50% charged battery shows 12 volts. To extend the life of your lead-acid battery, it is strongly recommended that you do not discharge it below the 50% threshold. If your vehicle does not have a display panel that provides accurate voltage readings, we recommend purchasing a multimeter to measure the battery charge level.

Make a habit of inspecting the battery regularly and checking carefully for signs of corrosion. Maintain cleanliness and ensure cable connections are secure. If you have lead-acid batteries with functioning cells, you should closely monitor the water level in the battery's filling wells and top up with distilled water if necessary.

Remember that these batteries can experience self-discharge of up to 1 volt per month. Keeping the voltage indicator above the 50% threshold will greatly help extend battery life. Always keep the battery connected to an external power source and charge it periodically. In situations where this option is not available, or if you intend to store the battery, using a battery charger or a 12-volt solar charger may prove beneficial.

Consider upgrading your RV batteries with maintenance-free Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries.

These batteries offer several benefits including longer lifespan, faster charging times and higher energy density. They are also lighter and more compact, making them an excellent choice for RV owners looking to reduce weight and maximize storage space.

When using lithium batteries, it is important to follow the manufacturer's charging and maintenance guidelines. Unlike lead-acid batteries, lithium batteries do not require regular maintenance, such as: b by checking the water level or cleaning the poles. Still, it's important to keep them clean and dry to avoid potential problems. Learn more about how to charge LiFePO4 batteries and how to store them.

In addition, it is recommended to invest in a high-quality Battery Management System (BMS) that is specifically designed for lithium batteries. A BMS helps monitor and protect the battery from overcharging, over-discharging and temperature fluctuations to ensure its longevity and safety. All LiFePO4 batteries from Power Queen are equipped with a BMS, they are safe to use.

Conclusion

In summary, proper maintenance and responsible use of trolling motors and RV batteries are critical to minimizing our environmental footprint and protecting the environment.

By choosing energy-efficient engines, using rechargeable batteries and avoiding idle time, we can save energy and reduce emissions. Electric motors offer numerous advantages over gasoline engines, including lower emissions and noise pollution.

It is important to properly size the motor for efficient operation and to dispose of old batteries responsibly to avoid polluting the environment. Regular maintenance, such as: b Cleaning and securing connections, monitoring voltage levels, and considering switching to lithium batteries can extend the life and performance of RV batteries.