How does a marine battery work??

[Nancy G.]

This is our first experience with a marine battery. A few weeks ago I checked the battery level on the buttons over the stove and it was 3/4 charged. We haven't used the TT, but now there's no charge showing. As far as I know the only thing using power would have been the clock light on the radio. Does the battery lose power on its own??

[Nancy G.]

Now I'm really confused!! I plugged the TT into our house electricity, thinking that this charges the battery--correct??? But as soon as it was plugged in, the buttons over the sink showed that the battery was fully charged!! How could that be?? Before I plugged it in, nothing worked. Anyway, we're going to leave it plugged in for awhile and then disconnect it till we go camping--I realize the LP detector and clock radio could have drained the battery. What is the proper care and use of the battery???

[Honda03842]

The reason your display showed a full charge is that the battery monitor is probably connected to the battery or something that connects directly to it like the converter. When you plug the trailer in the converter comes on and prodcues full voltage to charge the battery. If you unplug the trailer and wait a while you will see the actual charge of the battery on your monitor.

I generally leave my trailer plugged in all the time. The converter than provides a trickle charge to the battery.

In the bigger RVs there are all kinds of things that draw power, some one never thinks of. For example, the TV in our motor home has instant on and always draws power.

Norm Milliard

[dkasten39828]

Your single 12-volt battery is probably setup just like mine... my converter will charge the battery when the coach is connected to shore power (110-volt). This may be what you are seeing when you "test" the battery with the system panel button.

I have been told that the charging portion of my converter is OK, but it's not the best battery charger... it's the original and it does not provide true 3-stage charging OR the desirable desulfinating mode, which apparently helps the battery remain healthier longer.

I own a marine 3-stage battery charger from GUEST... it's a Charge Pro 6-amp model. I've used it for a number of years to charge 12-volt batteries in my lawn tractor, my motorcycle and my truck. It works with the deep cycle battery on the Sunline, too.

If your battery has removable caps, allowing you to check the electrolyte levels, you should do this regularly. Remember that you're only supposed to add distilled water to a battery, not tap water, if you have to add any at all.

There is a GREAT website on 12-volt power... http://www.ccis.com/home/mnemeth/12volt/12volt.htm

All sorts of info there.

[HappyCampers]

When all of the lights on your battery monitor are lit (plugged into shore power) it means that the battery is being charged. When you unplug the coach from shore power the monitor will show you your actual battery power level.

[264SRinPA]

As everyone already said, any time you're plugged in the monitor will show fully charged. The radio and LP detector will probably drain a single battery in a week. Since you have a 2006 you should have a good 3 stage charger and there should be a disconnect switch on the front of your trailer just behind the battery. Make sure the switch is on while you have the trailer plugged in, this will let the battery charge. After the battery is fully charged, turn the switch off, this will keep the battery from going dead.

[Nancy G.]

So---we unplugged the "shoreline" and turned the dial on the battery so that it says "off." Are we all set till we want to camp? The inside monitors show no battery power now. So much to learn....I assume if you bought a TT from a dealer they would tell you all this!!

[markbrit]

Where can I get a system panel cover. Mine was missing when I bought it used. I have the frame just not the cover. thanks!

[JohnB]

Originally Posted by Nancy G.

So much to learn....I assume if you bought a TT from a dealer they would tell you all this!!

Nancy, the folks here have given you good info. A dealer would be able to tell you this, however you would have to directly ask it. Your questions are not a normal part of every pre delivery inspection.

Welcome to the club and ask away at any time. Everyone is willing to help from their experiances. And soon you will be passing along to others as well.

Welcome

John

[JohnB]

Originally Posted by markbrit

Where can I get a system panel cover. Mine was missing when I bought it used. I have the frame just not the cover. thanks!

Markbrit

What make and model convertor do you have? Sunline used many different ones over the years.