FTC Disclosure: I get commissions for purchases made through some of the links in this article for more information, visit our Advertising Disclosure Page.

You can subscribe to the Everything About RVing YouTube Channel for some great videos about RVing

Why Do The Chassis Batteries On My Diesel Motorhome Keep Going Dead?

by Charlie
(Palmyra, NJ)

My chassis batteries on my 2001 Monaco Knight drain within a day. The unit is plugged in to shore power, so I do not use the battery disconnect. Is this an indication of a dead short somewhere?

I have had it to a mechanic and he replaced the chassis batteries and the alternator, but this did not repair the problem.

Any suggestions?

ANSWER: Greetings Charlie thanks for submitting your question on our Ask An RV Question Page.

With two new Chassis Batteries and a new alternator you should not be experiencing this problem. The first thing I would check is if your RV's Electric Converter Charging System is designed to charge the Chassis Batteries as well as the House Batteries when plugged into electric or when the generator is running.

If the charging system is designed to charge the chassis batteries is it functioning properly? If not, that could be part or your entire problem. If the charging system is working properly then you have something in your Rig that is drawing an excessive amount of juice from your Chassis Batteries.

Leave your RV repair bills to us—Good Sam Extended Service Plan

With the limited information you have provided me I couldn't even guess what is drawing the juice from your batteries. I would suggest finding a mechanic that is experienced in tracking down these types of electrical problems. The more times you let your chassis batteries get fully discharged, the better chance you have of damaging them, so it is important to get this checked out ASAP.

Sorry I could not be of more help.

Do you have any suggestions or comments on this topic? You can add them to this page by clicking on the "Click Here To Post Comments" link located near the bottom of this page.

Are You Thinking About Buying Or Selling An RV? You Should Visit Our RV Sales Page.

Happy RVing

RVing Al

P.S. Did You Know that you can build your own Web Page on Everything About RVing? Just Tell Us Why You Love RVing, Tell Us About Your Favorite Camping Or RVing Destination or Share a Funny RVing Story With Us.

Comments for Why Do The Chassis Batteries On My Diesel Motorhome Keep Going Dead?

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
SAME CHASSIS BATTERY PROBLEM
by: DOUGLAS GREGORY

NEW BATTERY AND NEW ALTERNATOR OVER NIGHT WITH CHASSIS POWER TURNED OFF DEAD BATTERY

NEED AN A SUGGESTED ELECTRICAL MECHANIC TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM IT IS COSTLY AND FRUSTRATING

THIS IS ON A 206 COUNTRY COACH ALLURE HOOD RIVER
PROBLEM AS BEEN WITH COACH SINCE I BOUGHT IT NEW

dg0622@sbcglobal.net 209 535 3095 TURLOCK CA. 95382

Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Batteries discharging
by: Anonymous

We had the exact same problem with our HolidayRambler... Ended up replacing all batteries.. But the problem turned out to be that the terminals of the batteries were not tightened....wasn't getting the proper connection....

Simple solution cost us a lot of money. Terminals kept corroding

Click here to add your own comments

Return to Ask an RV Question.

LEARN HOW TO RUN 2 RV A/Cs ON A 30 AMP CONNECTION