No 12VDC Dry Camping

06-24-2014, 08:26 PM

For a couple of months, I had 12V to the house only when on shore power or the genset, or the ignition was on. This indicated that the converter is powering the house 12V and the batteries aren't. The usual suspect here is the relay, energized by the remote master switch by the door, so I replaced it.

No joy. After a weekend Good Sam GTG, I got a chance to troubleshoot today. Only 3.4v at the switch hot. Each battery registered 6.4+V, but across both, 3.4V. Checked the battery terminal connections, and discovered the connector that connected the 2 batts in series was completely deteriorated - meaning broken at the terminal. This also explains the unusually aggressive corrosion in the battery compartment - I've barely been able to keep ahead of it - too many stray currents.

I used the jumper cables across the gap, disconnected shore power, and voilá!, all is normal. Nine bucks for a soldered, shrink-tubed cable at NAPA, and it's go.

Rusty

MilSpec AMG 6.5L TD 230HP; built-to-order by Peninsular Engines: Hi-pop injectors, gear-driven camshaft, non-waste-gated, high-output turbo, 18:1 pistons. Fuel economy increased by 15-20%, power, WOW!

"StaRV II"

'94 28' Breakaway: MilSpec AMG 6.5L TD 230HP

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In either case the idea is quite staggering. - Arthur C. Clarke

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