Owning an RV is all about the freedom to explore and roam, but a vital component of this nomadic lifestyle is a fully functional battery. When your RV battery isn't charging when plugged in, it can throw a wrench into your travel plans.

In this article, we'll delve into the common causes of this issue and provide practical solutions to ensure you get back on the road with a fully charged battery.

Diagnosing Issues with RV House Batteries Not Charging

When shore power fails to charge your RV's house batteries despite powering your vehicle, a methodical approach is crucial to identify the root cause, commencing with the following steps:

1. Assess Your RV Converter's Charging Design

Begin by confirming whether your camper's or travel trailer's battery charges while plugged in. Essentially, is your converter meant to automatically charge the house batteries when connected to shore power?

Generally, modern converters are designed for this purpose. However, in the case of older campers, their converters might not have been engineered with battery-charging capabilities. Given the distinct nature of each motorhome, consulting your owner's manual for model-specific information is paramount. It's possible that there's a separate document dedicated to your converter in addition to the owner's manual.

If you lack access to your owner's manual, reaching out to your RV dealership or visiting the manufacturer's website to procure a new copy is recommended.

It's essential to ascertain your RV converter's capacity to charge house batteries; without this confirmation, all troubleshooting efforts may be futile. Once you've confirmed the converter's suitability for this function, you can proceed with further diagnostics.

If your converter is not designed for this purpose, you can consider integrating an MPPT solar charge controller or a DC-DC charger to supplement your charging needs.

2. Inspecting Wiring and Fuses

Before proceeding, it is crucial to ensure that your RV is disconnected from the 120v power source. Once assured, follow these steps to inspect the wiring and fuses:

Survey all the wires emanating from your RV converter for any visible issues. Look for wires that are:

• Loose or damaged
• Melted or discolored
• Bare wires in contact with each other

If present, tighten any loose connections, replace damaged wires, and then check if your RV batteries begin charging.

While inspecting the wires, also search for any inline fuses that might have blown. If found, replace them with fuses of the same amp rating to prevent overheating and potential fire hazards in your RV.

Additionally, scrutinize the wiring and fuses connected to your RV batteries. Look for signs of fraying, looseness, discoloration, or wires in contact with each other. If blown inline fuses are detected, replace them as needed.

In complex RV electrical systems, a wiring diagram can be helpful. Check your owner's manual or the manufacturer's website to see if one is available.

Once the thorough inspection of wiring and fuses is complete, you can proceed.

3. Examining Battery Terminal Conditions

Next, inspect the battery terminals for visible corrosion and ensure that the battery cables are tightly fastened to the battery posts. Corroded battery connections are a common reason for house batteries not charging when plugged in.

If corrosion is evident:

• Create a thick paste by mixing two tablespoons of baking soda with two tablespoons of water.
• Disconnect the power and ground wires from the battery terminals.
• Use the paste and a wire brush to clean the terminals and wire connections, removing the corrosion.
• Wipe the terminals clean with a paper towel.
• Reconnect the power and ground wires to their respective battery terminals, ensuring a secure connection.

If the RV battery still doesn't charge, proceed to the next step.

Related reading: What Causes Battery Terminal Corrosion And How To Prevent?

4. Reviewing Breakers and Fuses

Locate your RV's fuse and breaker box, usually found in the same compartment as the power converter. Check for tripped breakers and blown fuses within these panels. Refer to the owner's manual or look for markings near the breakers and fuses to identify each one.

Ensure all breakers are in the "on" position and replace any blown fuses, if found.

5. Checking the Battery Disconnect Switch

Confirm that the battery disconnect switch in your RV or 5th wheel is in the "on" position as this can impact battery charging. Consult your owner's manual for the switch's location.

6. Assessing Battery Condition

To rule out battery issues, follow these steps:

• Charge the battery using a battery charger. If on the road, you may utilize the RV or tow vehicle alternator (if compatible).
• Use the battery disconnect switch to isolate the batteries from the electrical system.
• After a few hours, check the battery's charge using a digital multimeter or voltage meter.

If the battery's charge noticeably depletes in a short time, consider replacing the deep-cycle battery and retest your RV charging system.

Completing these steps should help isolate the cause of the uncharged house batteries, leading to effective troubleshooting.

7. Inspecting the Converter

To begin, verify if your power converter is generating 13+ DC volts. Perform this check by measuring the voltage at the battery while connected to shore power.

Using a voltage meter, you should observe approximately 13.5 volts at the battery.

Subsequently, disconnect your RV from shore power and re-measure the battery's voltage. This time, you should notice a voltage drop.

This brief test will ascertain the proper functioning of your converter.

If it fails this test, various issues could be at play, such as a cooling fan problem within the converter, a defective thermal sensor, or a malfunctioning circuit board.

However, it is strongly advised not to attempt to open or manipulate the converter unless you are an RV Technician. Instead, it is prudent to take your vehicle to a certified RV technician who can address and rectify the issue.

Why Lithium is the Best Deep Cycle Battery Type For RV

Lithium batteries are often considered the best deep cycle battery type for RVs for several reasons:

Energy Density: Lithium batteries have a significantly higher energy density compared to traditional lead-acid batteries. This means they can store more energy in a smaller and lighter package, which is particularly advantageous in the limited space of an RV.

LiTime Group 24 Deep Cycle Lithium Battery

Depth of Discharge: Lithium batteries can be discharged to a much lower level (typically 80-90%) without causing damage, while lead-acid batteries should generally not be discharged beyond 50% to prolong their lifespan. This extended depth of discharge allows for more usable energy from the battery bank.

Longevity: Lithium batteries have a longer lifespan compared to lead-acid batteries. They typically have a greater number of charge/discharge cycles, which means they can last significantly longer before needing replacement. This longevity can result in lower long-term costs despite the higher upfront investment.

Fast Charging: Lithium batteries can be charged at a much faster rate than lead-acid batteries. This can be advantageous when charging from solar panels, generators, or other charging sources commonly used in RVs. Suggest reading: Can I Charge LiFePO4 Lithium Batteries with a Normal Charger?

Weight: Lithium batteries are much lighter than lead-acid batteries for the same storage capacity. This reduces the overall weight of the RV, which can lead to better fuel efficiency and less strain on the vehicle's suspension and tires.

Maintenance: Compared to lead-acid batteries, lithium batteries require minimal maintenance. They don’t need periodic water refilling and are generally easier to manage.

Temperature Performance: Lithium batteries typically perform better than lead-acid in a wider range of temperatures, both in terms of charging and discharging. This can be particularly important for RVs that may experience varying climates. Related reading: LiFePO4 Battery Temperature Range

Compared to lead-acid batteries, lithium RV batteries offer numerous advantages. While the initial high cost may be a challenge for RVers, LiTime addresses this by providing high-quality grade A cells at an affordable price. Experience the benefits of lithium batteries in your RV without breaking the bank.

Conclusion

In conclusion, experiencing RV battery not charging when plugged in can be frustrating, but it is a common issue that can be resolved with proper troubleshooting. By checking the power source, fuses, connections, and the condition of the battery, you can often identify the cause of the problem. However, if the issue persists or if you suspect a faulty converter or inverter, it is advisable to consult a professional RV technician for further assistance.