Battery or Converter Issue

[hmy]

I have a 2019 Globetrotter that has been giving me worrisome battery levels the past few months.

We purchased in June from Out of Doors Mart and at the time the battery levels consistently displayed in the 12.x voltage range.

On our first trip out we boondocked and in the morning the voltage was reading in the 9.x (9.3 to 9.8) range. My issue is that the battery voltage level has never recovered from this point. We made it through the trip because all of our subsequent stops were on shore power but the batteries never charged.

My initial thought was a faulty converter and sure enough a few weeks later the converter failed. It was replaced with the same brand (WFCO 8855?). I hoped that this would solve my battery voltage issue but it did not.

I have checked the battery's water level and all were good (needed to add a little distilled water but no cells were exposed).

What I am wondering is what is going on and what my next step should be?

Thanks

[TG Twinkie]

Sounds like you killed the batteries the first time out.
Is there a "use/store" switch?
Do you have it in the "use" position?
What is the output voltage of the converter?
With the batteries connected and disconnected?

[ROBERT CROSS]

The 12.x range can go from 12.0 which is in dire need of charging to 12.8 fully charged.
More concise info needed.
Are they Interstate batt's?
They need to be charged, disconnected, rested for an hour and load tested.
The AS or Interstate dealer could do it. If they are bad Interstate should cover them.

Best guess...considering a lot of similar history.
New batteries are in order.

Everything above depends on a correctly functioning Converter. 😂
🇺🇸
Bob

[Bill M.]

The batteries are dead. Replace them. If the converter is working the voltage will go past 13 when plugged in.

[AirMiles]

Yes, it does sound like your batteries are dead. The first step is to replace the batteries and then figure out why they died. Were they sitting at the dealer in a low-charge state before your purchase? Did your usage cause them to die? What are you going to change so this does not happen again?

Don't feel bad. We all probably murdered the batteries in our first camper. I murdered the first set of batteries in every new camper (and boat) I've ever owned. You just need to learn how to manage the batteries in your Airstream.

I installed a battery cut-off switch after murdering the batteries in both of the campers (and multiple boats) I've owned and never had to replace any of the batteries again. I think a "real" battery cut-off switch is the easiest solution to most Airstream battery issues, followed closely by learning to keep the voltage levels above 12.0V when not connected to shore power. Going below 12.0V on a lead-acid battery results in much shorter battery life.

There is a learning curve to every new adventure. Enjoy the journey and don't beat yourself up!

Welcome to AirForums!

[xfish]

Thanks so much for everyone's input. I am going to get a battery shut off lever, and check the converter, I bet it is dead.

[ROBERT CROSS]

If it is "dead" check the AC circuit breakers before condemning the new converter. 👍

Bob
🇺🇸

[rwigley]

We had a similar problem.... tried everything. Even had it charged at Napa..... finally the dealer did a forced test and the battery was bad. It is the stock battery that came with our AS..... we are getting a new one.

[gypsydad]

RIP...your batteries...sorry, but not unusual at all in past several years. Many of us have had this happen in first few months of use after receiving new units...sad. Good news is both AS and Interstate will replace. What happened?? Could be your converter fried the batteries, could be they were not solid in the beginning due to length of time/use at dealers...bottom line, get to Interstate or AS, and discuss replacment or credit for more efficient model batteries,..AGM or 6V Golf Cart are popular...
Assuming your converter is a 4 stage converter...the WFCO is a 3 stage I believe starting in 2018 models; many of us have 4 stage converters...4 stage have additional benefits, but thats a whole different discussion also. Good luck!

[uncle_bob]

Hi

Before you go crazy with replacement converters and replacing batteries, figure out what happened with the stock parts. You have a 3 year warranty on most of the MH so there are a lot of months of replacing things available to you.

Bob

[68 Overlander]

Originally Posted by xfish

Thanks so much for everyone's input. I am going to get a battery shut off lever, and check the converter, I bet it is dead.

xfish
It appears you changed your handle shortly after posting from hmy in WA, DC to xfish in CO. Not a problem just help us know you are the same person.
There hasn't been a WFCO 8855 since 2006 but there has been an 8955 power center and 9855 deck mount since then. You have one or the other depending whether you have 30 or 50 amp service because Airstream changed to them in 2018.
It's not difficult to check the converter output if you have a multi meter. Let us know what you have. Way too many reports of bad batteries out of the dealer lots because they get shipped with batteries from the factory and neglected until the unit sells.

[Caffeinated]

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

Hi

Before you go crazy with replacement converters and replacing batteries, figure out what happened with the stock parts. You have a 3 year warranty on most of the MH so there are a lot of months of replacing things available to you.

Bob

The interestate batteries that come from AS have only a 12 month warranty.

Mike

[68 Overlander]

Originally Posted by Caffeinated

The interestate batteries that come from AS have only a 12 month warranty.

Mike

With dozens of posts lately that they fail within the first year because they are damaged by the dealers neglect and no education during delivery.

[xfish]

Hmmm, always been Xfish but we have 50 amp on our 2018 serenity since we have two AC units, if we had one, it would have come with a 30amp

[68 Overlander]

You likely have the 9855 deck mount converter and the 8930/50 distribution panel.

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by Caffeinated

The interestate batteries that come from AS have only a 12 month warranty.

Mike

Hi

Likely still covers the OP if that's his problem.

Bob

[Caffeinated]

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

Hi

Likely still covers the OP if that's his problem.

Bob

Yes, just wanted to point out he should not wait longer than 12 months to get the batteries checked out. Mine failed completely after 13 months, and I had to pay the full price of new batteries. The word from my AS dealer was, "bummer dude. Too bad they are out of warrenty." Well, maybe not exactly those words but the result was the same. And I think I have one of the better AS dealers. Sigh.

Mike

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by Caffeinated

Yes, just wanted to point out he should not wait longer than 12 months to get the batteries checked out. Mine failed completely after 13 months, and I had to pay the full price of new batteries. The word from my AS dealer was, "bummer dude. Too bad they are out of warrenty." Well, maybe not exactly those words but the result was the same. And I think I have one of the better AS dealers. Sigh.

Mike

Agreed...cept the last 2 new AS's I had (2014 25' and 2017 28') the Interstates date stamps, were not punched...I never had to show proof they were less then a year old after our conversation with Interstate; they replaced....your mileage may vary...but that's what happened to me.

[68 Overlander]

Originally Posted by Caffeinated

Yes, just wanted to point out he should not wait longer than 12 months to get the batteries checked out. Mine failed completely after 13 months, and I had to pay the full price of new batteries. The word from my AS dealer was, "bummer dude. Too bad they are out of warrenty." Well, maybe not exactly those words but the result was the same. And I think I have one of the better AS dealers. Sigh.

Mike

It failed because of the stock converter Mike. It really did. Leaving it abandoned for months before anybody bought the coach certainly didn't help either.

[Spinonedad]

Sounds like if you are serious about boondocking , you need to invest in a portable solar panel and or a small generator