My RV Batteries Won't Retain Charge For More Than 12 Hours

by Lynn Guyer
(Cottonwood, Idaho USA)

Question: I have a 2006 Keystone Cougar 28'. The last two times I have had it out the batteries would not hold a charge for more than 12 hours. Usually I could stay out 3 to 4 days before running the generator. This past weekend I went back to town and bought two new batteries. They were dead before morning. Any idea what would be causing the draw?

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Robbie: There is a simple test to see if you have a draw on the system. All you need is a 12V test light and needle nose pliers and a second person to hold the test light and yell when the light goes out.

NOTE: If you have push button battery disconnects, this test won't work. Let me know if you do and I'll explain the second test you can do.

Remove the positive connection from the battery. Put one end of the test light on the battery positive and the other on the wire you disconnected. If the light comes on you have a draw on the batteries...

If the light is ON do the following:

Take the needle nose plyers to your converter or main 12V fuse panel and remove one fuse at a time until the test light goes out. When the light goes out you've found the draw on the system, or at least have an idea if you know what the fuse you pulled goes to.

If the light remains on after pulling all the fuses, call a tech.

Good Luck...
Robbie