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Vector1952 View Drop Down
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Joined: 28 Sep 2016
Location: RI
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Posts: 64 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Battery/convertor
    Posted: 05 Jul 2020 at 4:10pm
Am having an issue with power on DC side of trailer
Batteries are topped off (12.6) When I use the pump the lights blink.
Feels like the batteries are very weak...Fusses look good...Could this be a converter issue? Has anyone had this problem? When charging the 4 red lights showing full are on after a 4 hour charge only 2 lights are on.
Any help would be appreciated
Xxxx7
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mcarter View Drop Down
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Joined: 07 Apr 2016
Location: Greenbrier, TN
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Posts: 3419 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Jul 2020 at 4:43pm
If you are on shore power. And the battery is working with converter in a somewhat discharged state, a normal battery reading is 13.6 volts. As battery charges and converter stabilizes I would expect to see 13.1 volts and held there. 12.6 is like no converter action and a battery reading in use. How are you hooked up to power?
Mike Carter
2015 178
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Vector1952 View Drop Down
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Joined: 28 Sep 2016
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Posts: 64 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Jul 2020 at 4:58pm
Hi, we are boondocking, no hookups...there was a strain on slide and electric jack
Xxxx7
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mcarter View Drop Down
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Joined: 07 Apr 2016
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Posts: 3419 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Jul 2020 at 5:17pm
Hey Vector, you are not using the converter. The battery is on its own. If you don't have solar or another means to charge batts, it will use its resource.
Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."
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Vector1952 View Drop Down
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Posts: 64 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Jul 2020 at 5:18pm
Hi Mike let me add that I bought my 179 in 2016, the same batt are on board...I'm thinking now that it may just be batteries, time for new one's
Xxxx7
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mcarter View Drop Down
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Joined: 07 Apr 2016
Location: Greenbrier, TN
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Posts: 3419 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Jul 2020 at 5:25pm
They do go bad. I have a 2015 with original batt. Not a big boondocker. Easy to test battery. No shore power eliminate converter.
Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."
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Colt View Drop Down
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Joined: 16 Nov 2019
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Posts: 383 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Jul 2020 at 5:27pm
Check to see that your acid level is full.  Top off with distilled water.  Expect 12 to 24 hours for a full change.  How old is your battery? 

See section II in this link.
https://www.trojanbattery.com/tech-support/battery-maintenance/
12.6V is no more than 90% State Of Charge (SOC), *IF* the battery has been sitting unused for 6 to 24 hours. 

Bulk charging voltage should be 14.6V until the current drops to 1% of 20-hr rated capacity.  
John
'16 R-Pod 180
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Vector1952 View Drop Down
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Joined: 28 Sep 2016
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Posts: 64 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Jul 2020 at 5:32pm
Hi I want to thank everyone...everything checked water levels, etc..I believe I will buy batteries...
Xxxx7
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mcarter View Drop Down
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Joined: 07 Apr 2016
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Posts: 3419 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Jul 2020 at 5:35pm
If you are going to be a serious boondocker you need to look at recharging methods. You can look at solar and TV methods on the cheap. Run your TV and hook up your 7 way. Let the tow charge the batt.
Mike Carter
2015 178
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StephenH View Drop Down
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Joined: 29 Nov 2015
Location: Wake Forest, NC
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Posts: 6329 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Jul 2020 at 6:12pm
Some tow vehicles do not charge well through the 7-way. In that case, you may wish to use a set of jumper cables to connect directly to the battery from the TV's battery to charge. That will be faster. Even a small generator like the Harbor Freight TailGator will work better for charging the battery although it would not be sufficient to run the air conditioner. If solar isn't a good option for your location, and if using the TV as a generator for charging isn't desired, then a generator is your only option. Some places only allow them for limited times such as a couple of hours in the morning and a couple of hours in the evening. The TailGator is fairly quiet for a non-inverter generator from what I recall when I heard one running. Otherwise, look for an inverter generator such as the ones from Honda, Yamaha, Champion, or like the Firman generator I just recently purchased from Costco which is dual-fuel (gasoline or propane) capable.
StephenH
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