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.

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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.

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RVing Al

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