12 volt question

[maxr]

In my 1989 345 motorhome the 12 volt system starts losing power when we use it for about 2 days with the inverter charging the system. If I wait about 3 days with the inverter unplugged recharge the batteries and the system works great for about another 48 hours then the same problem. My Question is should I replace the batteries or look for another problem first.
Thanks
Max

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by maxr

In my 1989 345 motorhome the 12 volt system starts losing power when we use it for about 2 days with the inverter charging the system. If I wait about 3 days with the inverter unplugged recharge the batteries and the system works great for about another 48 hours then the same problem. My Question is should I replace the batteries or look for another problem first.
Thanks
Max

If you are talking about the onboard house system, either the inverter power is not getting to the batteries, or the inverter is not functioning.

[thecatsandi]

Look for a bad connection. check all your grounds carefully.

[markdoane]

There are lots of things to check, like transfer switches, fuses, relays. If you want to start chasing down possible problems you'll need a good voltmeter and a schematic.

Otherwise take it to a dealer or Camping World. Don't start replacing stuff until you have a diagnosis, that's the most expensive method.

[jdalrymple]

I agree with Terry. Teh symptoms indicate either the invertor is not working, or the energy it is producing is not making it to the batteries. A multi-meter and a little time should lead you to the problem in short order.

[herrgirdner]

Originally Posted by maxr

In my 1989 345 motorhome the 12 volt system starts losing power when we use it for about 2 days with the inverter charging the system. If I wait about 3 days with the inverter unplugged recharge the batteries and the system works great for about another 48 hours then the same problem. My Question is should I replace the batteries or look for another problem first.
Thanks
Max

I'm not trying to be smart or anything, but, an inverter USES power from the batteries. A converter is the unit that CHARGES the batteries. From the description, I don't see where a problem exists; things appear normal to me.
Please explain further.
regards

[nangoff]

Put a digital voltmeter across the batteries when plugged in when you expect to be charging. You should see 13.5 to 14 volts or so. (I'm sure this is nothing new to you). If your batteries have gone through a number of big discharges the batteries can be "surface charging" only and not capable of holding a charge; ie, they are bad. You coulds also have a cell in one battery bad which will cause the battery to heat up abnormally, Id feel the batteries for a difference in heat. Just some thoughts. GG

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by herrgirdner

I'm not trying to be smart or anything, but, an inverter USES power from the batteries. A converter is the unit that CHARGES the batteries. From the description, I don't see where a problem exists; things appear normal to me.
Please explain further.
regards

In his post, he did say the inverter was hooked up to charge the system. Probably a typo, they do sound similar, even if they perform opposite functions.

[maxr]

the converter would be correct taking 120vac to 12 vdc sorry about the confusion
Max