Posted 2015-10-07 6:40 AM (#164984) Subject: Need help with trailer batteries not lasting more than a couple of hours
New User
Posts: 1
Location: Pgh, PA
I have 2 12V batteries for running the lights and furnace in my horse trailer. They are connected in parallel, but the ground is grounded to the aluminum frame of the trailer (not to steel). There is a converter in the trailer also. This was all done by the previous owners of the trailer.The problem is that even with both 6 month old deep cycle marine batteries fully charged, the interior lights start to "brown out" within in about 1.5-2 hrs of use--never on constantly, just when i'm in and out of the trailer. The batteries die even quicker if i have to use the furnace at all (blower).I'm thinking there is a problem with the way the batteries are connected to each other and/or that grounding to aluminum is not correct.Any ideas? Any additional info that you need that would help?Thanks!
Posted 2015-10-07 11:14 AM (#164990 - in reply to #164984) Subject: RE: Need help with trailer batteries not lasting more than a couple of hours
Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA
As was mentioned, the age of your batteries can have an affect on their storage capacities. Have they been constantly serviced? How many times were they completely discharged? If your ground wire is bolted or screwed to the trailer's aluminum frame, it is sometimes beneficial to remove the terminal and wiring. While it is off, the frame location can be cleaned, and the ring terminal as well. Before reinstalling the parts, liberally coat them with dielectric grease. The same should be done with the batteries' terminals. This will prevent any further corrosion due to bi metallic differences. Most stores will test the condition of your batteries for free. The trailer's furnace can deplete two fully charged batteries in less than a day. Replacing your interior lights with LEDs can extend your battery usage. How often is your water pump used? There are many variables that can affect your batteries' longevity.
Posted 2015-10-10 10:20 PM (#165041 - in reply to #164984) Subject: RE: Need help with trailer batteries not lasting more than a couple of hours
Veteran
Posts: 233
Location: Pataskala, Ohio
To me it sounds like there is a short in the system. DISCONET THE BATTERIES NOW. This may be a FIRE HAZZARD. Any automotive repair shop or big box auto parts store can test for a drain on the batteries when everything is turned off.I usually don't say things this bluntly or in such strong manner but, until proven otherwise I would consider the trailer to be at an unexceptable risk of electric fire.Or the other thing that comes to mind is one battery has a dead cell and that is discharging the system. Also something an auto tech or big box store can check.Good luck
Posted 2015-10-11 12:09 PM (#165047 - in reply to #164984) Subject: RE: Need help with trailer batteries not lasting more than a couple of hours
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 448
Location: Los Angeles, Ca.
Missed the part that you had fairly new batteries......
Does your refrigerator operate on 12v? and are you forgetting to change over to propane? That would cause a rapid decline in battery performance.
Otherwise, start with the basics. Make sure all terminals are clean including the ground wire to the chassis.
The battery charge indicators are really not that accurate. Use a good one and check each battery separately. Fully charged batteries will easily get you through a weekend.. It also takes more than an hour to charge the batteries fully. Leave your trailer plugged in overnight before relying on your batteries.