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 > Low Battery Voltage

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opnspaces

San Diego Ca

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Joined: 12/22/2004

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Posted: 07/01/22 08:37am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator
I know you said you are buying a new battery but wanted to add my 2 cents. I once had a battery that would pass the tests and in the morning was dead. I asked the parts guy to charge it up and test it and then let it sit all night and test in the morning. It passed the test that night and failed the test in the morning. This sounds exactly like what you are reporting on your battery.

If you are mostly or always plugged in when camping then get a cheap 12 volt lead acid battery and go on with life.

If you dry camp often and have the room then put in two 6 volt batteries from Costco or Sams Club.

2001 Suburban 4x4. 6.0L, 4.10 3/4 ton
2005 Jayco Jay Flight 27BH
1986 Coleman Columbia Popup.

valhalla360

No paticular place.

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Joined: 08/19/2009

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Posted: 07/01/22 08:54am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator
Mr. C wrote:

valhalla360 wrote:

Mr. C wrote:

OK. Regardless of all of this, I'll be getting a new battery. Went to Harbor Freight and got a cheap load tester and a CenTech 30a Circuit Tester #67724. Also cheap. It replaces the fuse and reads the amperage. I could get the battery to read bad if I kept the load on for 10sec. Interstate RV/Deep Cycle. 405CCA, 505MCA.

Fridge circuit .8-1.3
Propane detector circuit .2
The TV antenna is on one of the circuits and can't be turned off like in our last camper.

Converter voltage 13.6

Voltage at the truck plug 12.6

So, is the AGM battery worth the extra $100 compared to a flooded battery?

When parked at home, the camper is always plugged in. Good or bad? Or should I just use a battery tender?

Thanks for the input and help...


The AGM offers nothing in your situation (one battery-rarely off grid). More importantly, until you are sure there isn't a systemic problem, no chance burning up a more expensive battery.


Can I assume that the amp readings on those 2 circuits are normal? All other circuits were 0...


Yeah, that sounds fairly normal. What was the amperage direct off the battery terminal (this should include everything)? If it's 1-2amps, there's no major hidden draw.

Overnight (say 14hrs), that should be 14-28amp-hrs, which shouldn't kill a fully charged battery in good condition. (It might be down to 60-70% by morning but certainly not 6v which is beyond dead).

Tammy & Mike
Ford F250 V10
2021 Gray Wolf
Gemini Catamaran 34'
Full Time spliting time between boat and RV


Mr. C

SW Virginia, USA

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Joined: 03/14/2007

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Posted: 07/02/22 12:06pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator
valhalla360 wrote:

Mr. C wrote:

valhalla360 wrote:

Mr. C wrote:

OK. Regardless of all of this, I'll be getting a new battery. Went to Harbor Freight and got a cheap load tester and a CenTech 30a Circuit Tester #67724. Also cheap. It replaces the fuse and reads the amperage. I could get the battery to read bad if I kept the load on for 10sec. Interstate RV/Deep Cycle. 405CCA, 505MCA.

Fridge circuit .8-1.3
Propane detector circuit .2
The TV antenna is on one of the circuits and can't be turned off like in our last camper.

Converter voltage 13.6

Voltage at the truck plug 12.6

So, is the AGM battery worth the extra $100 compared to a flooded battery?

When parked at home, the camper is always plugged in. Good or bad? Or should I just use a battery tender?

Thanks for the input and help...


The AGM offers nothing in your situation (one battery-rarely off grid). More importantly, until you are sure there isn't a systemic problem, no chance burning up a more expensive battery.


Can I assume that the amp readings on those 2 circuits are normal? All other circuits were 0...


Yeah, that sounds fairly normal. What was the amperage direct off the battery terminal (this should include everything)? If it's 1-2amps, there's no major hidden draw.

Overnight (say 14hrs), that should be 14-28amp-hrs, which shouldn't kill a fully charged battery in good condition. (It might be down to 60-70% by morning but certainly not 6v which is beyond dead).


1.1-1.2amps at the new battery, measured with my new DCa clamp-on meter. Also have a new battery tester and a new 12v circuit tester. All good things to have, and it took a simple problem for me to get them. I'm glad it was just the battery all along.

2020 Keystone Cougar 26RBS "Pressure Relief 4"
2017 Silverado LTZ 6.2 4x4

MM2 USN 1970-75
USS Canisteo AO-99
USS Miller DE-1091



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"Knowledge is good". Emil Faber


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