I have no battery power in my Scamp. Plugged in to shore power everything works. As soon as I unplug nothing works. I took out the battery and charged it so it reads 12.8 volts. Still nothing works. I replaced the fuse on the battery cables and checked the fuse under the front bunk. I did have a new inverter installed along with a new air conditioner this spring at Backus. I know enough about wiring to make me dangerous. Any suggestions of where I can look next would be greatly appreciated!
John
By checking the fuse under the front bunk, I presume you mean visually checking the fuse. A fuse can be blown or otherwise no good and not be visually apparent. The only foolproof way to check a fuse is a "continuity check" using the Ohm function on your volt/ohmeter. Also check the battery or 12 volt fuse in your converter. (Do you really have an inverter in your trailer?)
Don
2015 Scamp 16'
Tow Vehicle...2013 Lincoln MKX 3.7L V-6
SW Ohio
I did replace the fuse in the battery box and will check the next fuse inline as you suggest. I do have a converter which was changed out this spring at Scamp when they installed an air conditioner. I did notice that it appears to be just laying in the space behind the new panel, that makes me a little nervous and definitely needs further investigation. I sure appreciate your help Don......enjoy your new Scamp!!!!!!
John
One of the most valuable tools you can have in your toolbox is a Multi-Meter.
To track down your specific problem, you would start by testing the battery voltage, then follow the main battery cable backwards and check for voltage everywhere the main battery cable is exposed (has a connection). Eventually, you will find a connection that does not have any voltage (or has reduced voltage), between your last good voltage and the no/low voltage point is where your problem is (broken, damaged, or grounded wire).
The Multi-Meter is more useful than a continuity tester, because, you can find areas where the voltage has dropped vs. where the voltage has disappeared. You can test continuity with a Multi-Meter by using the Ohm function, additionally, you can test the quality of your ground wires based on the Ohms reading.
Multi-Meters are relatively inexpensive and are indispensable when working on any electric circuit in your Scamp (especially in fiberglass RVs due to the need for a ground wire in every circuit).
Good Luck and let us know what you find.
As Always,
Happy Scamping !!!
Thanks for your recommendation. I do have a multi-meter, I guess the next step is to learn how to use it to it's full value. I will try and back track. I am suspicious of my new converter as it is the latest addition to the system. I am learning with help that there are really no short cuts when it comes to wiring. I will follow up.
I've got somewhat the same problem. Shore power is OK, but no battery (new last fall); multimeter reads 12VDC, but hydrometer reads low. Won't take a charge. How long should a RV battery last, with minimal battery-only usage (one weekend since last hauling).
dr tom
RV Batteries can be killed in storage, unless, the battery is charged every couple of weeks the battery will be dead inside of a year. The best thing to do for your RV battery during storage is to take it out of the trailer and take it to your garage where you can occasionally charge it up.
This will allow you to get multiple seasons from your battery.
I just bought a "Battery Tender Plus" to keep my battery in Tip-Top shape while being stored. See Amazon Link:
Battery Tender Plus Charger - 12 Volt/Black
As Always,
Happy Scamping !!!
12 V is a very low reading for a battery, if it is is the "no load" reading. Is it 12.0 V? Mind the decimal Volts. Search Google about batteries to get a chart that will show % charge vs. no-load voltage. A full battery should read somewhere high 12.x Volts. If you do not get that reading after you have charged the battery, and turned off all appliances, there may be a short of some sort and you have to trace it down. Good luck.
-Paul
2004 Scamp 19 Deluxe,
2021 Tacoma, Double Cab, 6 cyl. 4WD
Colorado
My battery went dead (new one) but when we came home it was fully charged. Turns out to be the power converter. Got a new one, much improved to. 3 stage converter with fan and very quiet too. New breakers and fuse panel included with it. Works great now and for the life of the Scamp for as long as we own it!
<p>Doug Allen 2016 Ford F-150 2018 Lance 1575</p>
Notes on the Perversity of Inanimate Objects
I had visually checked all of my fuses (I had had some trouble with one a couple of weeks ago) after the trouble mentioned above. Yesterday, I rechecked them. Visually they looked ok., but I went ahead and changed the recharge line fuse in the box, and the main fuse on the battery line. Voyles: battery charged during the day. All if well on the home front. Which one was "bad" I don't know
dr tom
In answer to one of the queries, yes, It was a brand new battery last fall, stored in the garage over hte winter (cold) but fully charged this past spring. [Although I've got to admit, the battery that came with the Scamp (Spring 2014) didn't last the summer, that's why the present battery was new last fall).
dr tom
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