R-Pod battery questions

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   We just bought an R-pod 175.  It sits in storage for a few weeks and then we take it out for a weekend.  The last time, the battery was low when I picked it up.  I drove it about 3 hours but left a dome light on by mistake.  During that weekend we had a low battery the whole time.  Despite a 3 hour trip back it was only charged to the 2nd light.  I hooked the electrical up to our house last night and this morning I got up to 3 lights.  The forth light says C next to it which I assume is "charged".  

My questions are:  Should it charge all the way to the 4th light?  Should a 3 hour drive charge the battery completely?  Have I wrecked the battery or is it defective?  Is there an electrical switch that would shut off a drainage to the battery?

Thanks, Nevin 

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Nevin W Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 07 Apr 2009 Location: Reno, Nevada Status: Offline Points: 3	Post Options Post Reply Quote Nevin W Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: R-Pod battery questions Posted: 03 Jun 2009 at 7:51am
	We just bought an R-pod 175. It sits in storage for a few weeks and then we take it out for a weekend. The last time, the battery was low when I picked it up. I drove it about 3 hours but left a dome light on by mistake. During that weekend we had a low battery the whole time. Despite a 3 hour trip back it was only charged to the 2nd light. I hooked the electrical up to our house last night and this morning I got up to 3 lights. The forth light says C next to it which I assume is "charged". My questions are: Should it charge all the way to the 4th light? Should a 3 hour drive charge the battery completely? Have I wrecked the battery or is it defective? Is there an electrical switch that would shut off a drainage to the battery? Thanks, Nevin

TerryM Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 05 Apr 2009 Status: Offline Points: 633	Post Options Post Reply Quote TerryM Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 03 Jun 2009 at 12:01pm
	I'm not sure but it would seem the battery isn't working correctly. Have it checked. There are phantom loads that can drain a battery also. Any electronic device that is plugged in can be one. Clocks, TV, ovens etc. They each have a small drawl will setting and waiting to be used. Have the battery checked and if that is okay it could be the charger isn't working correctly. I haven't checked mine yet but there should be a disconnect switch somewhere it seems. You could disconnect the battery or switch off your main breaker to stop the phantom loads. Terry

campyman1977 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 21 Apr 2009 Location: Wisconsin Status: Offline Points: 21	Post Options Post Reply Quote campyman1977 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 07 Jun 2009 at 4:31am
	You are correct. The 'phantom loads' are draws from the electrical panel itself, and the smoke and co2 detectors. You must disconnect the battery when not in use otherwise you will drain it. Also, some batteries require adding distilled water. You must check the levels regularly to insure they do not get below the rods. Many RV's have fuses by the battery but my 171 does not, so I simply disconnect the cables when it sits for any length of time. Best Regards, Mark
	Get out there.

TerryM Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 05 Apr 2009 Status: Offline Points: 633	Post Options Post Reply Quote TerryM Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 07 Jun 2009 at 9:25am
	Eventually I'm going to replace my batt. with either a 12v glass mat or 2 6v glass mats. The problem with dual 6v is going to be weight. They are heavy! But will last much longer. Plus glass mats are safer and no water to add. Terry

Mustard Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 04 Jun 2009 Location: Westland, MI Status: Offline Points: 37	Post Options Post Reply Quote Mustard Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 07 Jun 2009 at 5:19pm
	Don't forget to turn off the antenna booster. The propane detector would take over a year to drain a deep cycle battery. The smoke and CO detector are self powered (internal batteries). To answer the three hour drive question.. do you have a battery line hooked up to your vehicle side connector? It's not a standard install when adding a 7 pin trailer connector. If it does have a line, 3 hours assuming everything is off in the camper should be enough to at least be close to charged. It may or may not be fully charged. Remember the alternator is intended to keep you vehicle battery charged. Add another battery down stream on a long small gauge wire and it won't charge like your vehicle battery. Plug the camper in and make sure the converter breaker is on. Your battery should charge in a few hours that way. If not, I'd say to have the battery checked. Brand new or not, batteries are batteries. 12 volt off list - Antenna booster (most forgotten), refrigerator, water pump, water heater, furnace, thermostat to off, and lights. The propane detector only draws 75 mA (.075 amps) and is less drain than a typical vehicle computer and radio.
	:-) Mustard