Battery Charger Question

[Padgman]

Last year I had an issue with the batteries and thought they were old and just replaced them. The camper is always hooked to shore power when not on the road. Well the batteries went dead again. I removed the less than year old batteries, filled them with distilled water, and charged them back to 100%. When I hooked them back up I checked the voltage and I am getting 13.2 VDC using a Fluke Meter. The Positive lead from the trailer connected and the Negative lead disconnected, I checked for power from the Battery Charger and I am only getting 10.8 VDC. I am assuming this is a Battery Charger issue, but looking for advice. The rig is a 2012 Keystone Alpine. Any advice would be appreciated.

[wingnut60]

You should check out what type of converter your trailer is equipped with--that is how your batteries are charged. The shore power goes to the converter, where 120voltage is converted to 12 volts for the batteries. If the new batteries required a lot of water, then probably the converter is not the 3-stage type--just a continual charger when on shore power. Check this converter situation out--when you figure out the brand/model, go to mfg website for manual and explanation of operation/troubleshooting.

[Padgman]

Thanks Wingnut!

[wingnut60]

Two main mfgs:

https://wfcoelectronics.com/product-downloads/

https://www.progressivedyn.com/rv/power-converters/

[Padgman]

Much appreciated. I am going to tear into it tonight. The fuse panel is in the kitchen island cabinet and I am assuming it is somewhere close by the fuse panel. I will let you know what I find out. Again, thank you for the information.

[Padgman]

I found the Converter. It is a WFCO model WF-9875. I downloaded the manual and it is supposed to be putting out a minimum of 13.3VDC and I am only getting 10.8VDC. I just ordered a new one off of Ebay. The converter was in one of the worst places. I had to go through the storage compartment under the camper. Remove the panels. Remove some of the duct work for the furnace and then I could reach the convertor. Had to be somewhat of a contortionist to reach it. I could see it from the kitchen, but no way could I reach it. I am glad I had to go through all of that. I discovered a lot of cool things behind those panels in the storage compartment. Plus this gives me access to the furnace which I also need to work on. A problem with that as well. Thanks again for all the information you supplied Wingnut!!!!

[wingnut60]

Everyone should experience the joy of replacing something buried deep within their RV just once...glad you found the problem. And, yes, fix everything else while you're in there...