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Old 11-06-2019, 07:24 PM   #1
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Battery drains in about 3 weeks

Over the past 60 days I noticed my two 12v batteries (wired in parallel) drain dead in about three weeks when not connected to shore power. After reading a number of historical posts I've concluded this is normal. I pulled all the 12v fuses and still see a spark (drain) on the batteries when I disconnect the batteries. I'm satisfied with disconnecting the batteries over the winter so I'm don't intend to do any more diagnostics, but:
With the fuses pulled I'm wondering what non-fused circuits could be connected directly to the batteries (bypassing the fuse panel).
The emergency-break circuit comes to mind.
Possibly a direct connection feeding back into the battery charging circuit.
Anyone know of other circuits that don't go through the fuse panel?

Thanks
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Old 11-06-2019, 07:46 PM   #2
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LP gas detector is one and maybe the breakaway switch.
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Old 11-06-2019, 08:06 PM   #3
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The breakaway switch would not go thru the converter but should have a circuit breaker. Not sure about the gas detector but i thought it was on a fuse but could be wrong. You mentioned you have 2 batteries. Could they be at different voltages and when you connect the cables the spark is the batteries trying to equalize. A weak battery will pull voltage from the stronger battery that could be the spark.
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Old 11-06-2019, 08:29 PM   #4
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Sounds normal . Propane sniffer , co detector , radio memory all have draws. Put all fuses back in and leave them . Buy a 5$ battery disconnect or just un hook one battery wire... Simple ..
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Old 11-06-2019, 08:32 PM   #5
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I too use to have a very healthy spark reconnecting the battery, then added a kill switch. But this summer I also added a battery monitor with a shunt and that shows what going on with the battery and when I thought everything was off I still had a 1A draw which turned out to be the tv/radio antenna. It has a tiny toggle switch on its base on the roof.. I also still have a small draw which is the radio light which I can't turn off separately but I always use the kill switch. PLUS there is another SOMETHING of a mystery culprit that is also having a 0.06A of a draw which is tiny, and can't remember what fuse it was tied into, but at the time wondered if the slide controller might net be that draw as they do save memory and that would answer for some draw. So the radio light and if the controller has memory are a couple things always on. Wish I could be more help but that antenna was a real bear and surprised me as to it's draw considering how poorly it picks up radio signal compared to a vehicle.
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Old 11-06-2019, 09:03 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by harley View Post
sounds normal . Propane sniffer , co detector , radio memory all have draws. Put all fuses back in and leave them . Buy a 5$ battery disconnect or just un hook one battery wire... Simple ..
ditto!!!
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Old 11-06-2019, 09:28 PM   #7
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I also agree with a disconnect but the original question was what could be hooked directly to the battery bypassing the fuse panel.He stated he has all the fuses out and still has a draw. The front jack and the break away switch would be 2.
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Old 11-07-2019, 07:20 AM   #8
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Both batteries were installed at the same time, same brand and rating. I removed 1 and still get spark when I connect the power line to the RV. So, something(s) combine to draw quite a bit of current and bypass the fuse panel.
Since it's in storage (not at my house) this sleuth project will have to wait until next spring. I notice this past summer the roof top antenna has a bright blue light that remains lit 24x7 even when not connected to shore power.
I think I'll install an amp meter next spring so I can monitor current drain. Maybe even a battery cuttoff switch.
-> Thanks to everyone for the suggestions as places to start looking for power drains that bypass the fuse panel. The forum is a great place to gather lots of others experiences so we don't all have to start from ground zero each time.
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Old 11-07-2019, 09:14 AM   #9
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Slide motors, CO detector, radio memory, break away switch, illuminated switches plus who knows how many for what may or may not have a fuse in the panel, but possibly inline somewhere. Honestly I think you'll drive yourself nuts trying to find all of the phantom draws, doubt you can/will.
Disconnect the battery through a total disconnect or disconnect the battery cable & quit losing sleep over it.
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Old 11-07-2019, 04:34 PM   #10
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FYI
Modern batteries are put into a plastic case. They don't react to a concrete floor like battery cases of old. It is safe to store them on the concrete.
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Old 11-07-2019, 04:54 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 87_Fixer View Post
FYI
Modern batteries are put into a plastic case. They don't nreact to a concrete floor like battery cases of old. It is safe to store them on the concrete.
Doesnt matter what the case is made of... Cold floor is still a cold floor. Pieces of plywood, 2x8 , foam board or folded down beer case...it insulation and cannot hurt.
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Old 11-14-2019, 04:09 PM   #12
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smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are hard wired in some coaches.
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Old 11-14-2019, 04:28 PM   #13
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dalacc.

Everything in a camper has a breaker if 110 or a circuit breaker or a fuse if 12 volt. To meet code there has to be a way to break the power so as not to short and burn down the camper. If not in the power center then in line.
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Old 11-15-2019, 10:00 AM   #14
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Tiny toggle switch on base on roof? Outside or are you referring to the amplifier inside the trailer that the TV Coax connects to. Its a push button on my unit.

Before i look for this on the roof I thought I would clarify
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Old 11-15-2019, 07:00 PM   #15
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Nothing on the off.
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Wayne --Belle River (Windsor), Ontario
2013 Sunset Trail Reserve 25RB..(just sold it)
2015 White Chev Silverado 2500HD 4x4 (6.0 l gasser)
2003 Mountain Star 890SBRX Truck Camper
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