Help please, New Class C owner, older Trailer/Camper.

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tat-2 - 01 Apr 2005 08:00 GMT

Hi,
I was wondering if this has ever happened to anyone? I have a "New" Class C
Tioga Montara 97' 26' that has an ONAN microlite 4000. It has about 15K in
2005. The Genset has/had 12.0 hrs on it...
It now has 13.4 (ok, give me a break I only had it legally less then
24-hours.)
Initially I was running it 1/2 to 1/4 load, it shut off after 15 minutes or
so (maybe 25 at most). It has a new carb. and it is about 50 degrees in NE
PA. About 2 hrs later I went to the RV, attempted to start the Genset, it
sputtered, I started the engine... cranked the Genset and it started within
seconds. I let it run for an hour or so almost 2hrs (as per Onans
statements). No problems, I'm thinking my house battery is a POS, Shot,
Ka-bluey).

Note: When I saw/test drove this MH, it started (after a jump) but I don't
know about the house battery.

From my experience from Solar power, I suspect the battery is 50-65% of what
it should be or maybe less....

I would rather spend $100 on 2 (6V real deep cycles) then on a replacement
12V. IF I have to I will buy a Optima, Deep cycle as these are the BEST I
know of for regular function/deep cycle. I have one that was rescued about
3-4 yrs ago (regular, AGM) and is going strong in a solar panel setup that
is not tracking or at the "optimal" angle according to geographic position.

How difficult would it be to relocate the House battery, mine is under the
hood and if the return would save other Batts in the future I would rather
do this regardless of cost initially.

Ed

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RAM^3 - 01 Apr 2005 19:43 GMT

> Hi,
> I was wondering if this has ever happened to anyone? I have a "New"
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
> Note: When I saw/test drove this MH, it started (after a jump) but I
> don't know about the house battery.

From the sound of it, BOTH batteries could stand replacement!

> From my experience from Solar power, I suspect the battery is 50-65%
> of what it should be or maybe less....
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
>
> Ed

You'll have to look (hard!) for a spot where you can place a vented
battery compartment.

The chances are that, due to lack of space, you'll have to stick with
your current battery locations.

You may wish to consider a 12V Deep Cycle [aka Trolling Motor] battery
for your house battery. (I'm using 2 of them in my fiver.)

Reply to this Message

RichA - 01 Apr 2005 23:24 GMT

>Hi,
>I was wondering if this has ever happened to anyone? I have a "New" Class C
[quoted text clipped - 27 lines]
>
>Ed

Hi,
Sounds like the generator just needs to be run. Probably a good idea
to change the oil, oil filter and fuel filter and air filter.
Generators work better when they are used. I've got 380 hours on my
03 Onan diesel.

The difficulty in relocating the house battery is finding another
place to put in/them. If you can find a space and can re-run or
relocate the wiring then it's just a matter of doing the wiring using
heavy enough wire and fuses. Only thing that will make it difficult
is running the wire from the new battery location to the converter or
inverter and/or to the fuse/circuit breaker panel.

If you are going to use regular lead/acid batteries then where ever
you put them has to be able to be vented to the outside. If you use
AGM batteries then you eliminate that problem, but make up for it with
the cost. If you decide on lead/acid batteries and want to stick with
12V then get a Series 31 deep discharge battery. Costs a little more
but will last better then the Marine type batteries which are a
compromise between a starting and deep discharge. Two 6 volt golf
cart batteries will give you good performance and are available at
Sam's Club for around $50. AGM batteries of course cost a lot more
but will provide good service as long as you have a charger that
doesn't abuse them.

Where about in NE Pa are you? We're up around Tunkhannock.

Take care and Happy Campin...

RichA
"We Get Too Soon Olde and Too Late Smart"

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tat-2 - 02 Apr 2005 02:23 GMT

Allentown area, I guess I should have stated east central.

Thanks.

Ed

>>Hi,
>>I was wondering if this has ever happened to anyone? I have a "New" Class
[quoted text clipped - 64 lines]
> RichA
> "We Get Too Soon Olde and Too Late Smart"

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