Automotive battery issue

[desertflame]

First of all I want to thank everyone who gave advice about my compressor issue (A/C). Since I'm running off a 20 W house line I ended up just getting a portable A/C unit. Here's my sad tale of woe currently: I had issues with no response in the leveler jack console. Called a mobile mechanic who had to come out 40 miles to get to me. He determined that the motor was sound, had electricity running to it, and on further inspection discovered a corroded ground strap which he replaced. The leveler jacks work now, although the left front one is leaking and the mechanic is working with HRH to try to get another one. My new-to-me RV is an Itasca Spirit, 1997 (per the last owner) or 1998 if you look at the stickers in the driver's door area. Shortly after this miracle leveler jack repair I discovered that the cab windows didn't work. And trying to turn the engine on got nada. Calling the mobile mechanic got me the advice of "it's probably a blown fuse". I have no idea where to find the fuse box to address this. Also there's a switch on the battery which is in the closed position. Can I use a battery charger on the automotive battery? It's only 2 years old, maintenance free. I'd hate to have to get a new battery if I can go this route. Many thanks to all of you kind knowledgeable souls out there-- I also care for someone with dementia so this whole scenario is a little overwhelming for a newbie like me.

 

[Kirk]

the mechanic is working with HRH

If he has a problem you can check this out if the system is from HWH who is one of the major leveling system suppliers.

I discovered that the cab windows didn't work. And trying to turn the engine on got nada.

If you have power windows and neither they nor starting the engine work, that would sound like the chassis battery is discharged. There should be no problem from using an automotive battery charger but use care to connect it positive to positive(+) and negative to negitive(-). If you let it charge for an hour or two the power windows will probably work. If they don't there is a possibility that it is just a fuse and that would be in the chassis fuse block but to help locate it we need to know what the chassis is that your coach is built on.

As a footnote, did you get the air conditioning to work?

 

[desertflame]

From what I understand it's a Ford chassis. The A/C issue has been tabled for now; doesn't help that I'm running a 20 A line right now from the house. I bought a portable A/C for the interim, but I'm hoping to get the issue tracked down sometime in the future after all these other things are taken care of. Thanks for your advice, Kirk!

 

[IBTripping]

I was able to run my 13,500 a/c on a 20 amp circuit as long as there wasn't anything else on the circuit. Of course, I couldn't run the microwave and the a/c at the same time.

 

[Kirk]

From what I understand it's a Ford chassis.

If you check the steering wheel there is nearly always an emblem for the chassis builder there. If a Ford it should look like this.

 

[desertflame]

Yup there's a Ford logo on the steering wheel just like you mentioned, Kirk. Soi, a Ford chassis it is!

 

[desertflame]

Finally got the battery charged with the help of my son's truck and a battery charger. Should have read the online owner's manual before turning the aux battery switch off-- lesson learned the hard way. Also, after the battery was charged up the power converter kicked on and I was not sure what it was-- the fan was running, etc. So read up on that puppy. The previous owner never said anything about these things and I should have asked (if I had known to). Rig never came with an owner's manual and the previous owner basically ran us through the cabin, the outside, took his money, and poof! kind of disappeared-- although I do have his phone number and he's local. So my advice, even as a newbie, is to get a copy of the owner's manual of the rig you want to buy and read the heck out of it! Many thanks to everyone who chipped in on my learning experience!

 

[Kirk]

So my advice, even as a newbie, is to get a copy of the owner's manual of the rig you want to buy and read the heck out of it!

RV owner's manuals are notoriously bad and most are nearly useless. What is needed is that a new RV comes with owner's manuals for all of the appliances and attached equipment that come from that equipment's manufacturer. Those manuals are very helpful and if you know the make and model of an appliance you can usually get a copy in .pdf format on the internet.

Also, after the battery was charged up the power converter kicked on and I was not sure what it was-- the fan was running, etc.

Some converters will not charge a battery that is too far discharged and it would appear that yours is one like that. If you can find the converter, let us know what make/model it is and we can help you and probably find a copy of the owner's manual for it.

 

[Matt_C1]

MTGrandma,
Please do what I regularly advise new RV and boat owners to do. Make your Own Manual.......
Get a nice ring binder and a new punch. Find every thing that has a maker's tag on it. Take a picture of the tag. Now go to your computer to locate and download everything you can find about that item. Print it, punch it and put it in the binder.
In that binder, leave a number of blank pages where you make notes about the things you discover. Take and print pictures of what you can.
Why not just collect the files in your phone or computer?
Simple, because when you really need this book, you may have to read it with a flashlight. (BTDT)
Leave a group of pages to collect information like tire dates and last services (both where and when).
This may sound like a lot, but it really is not and when you need this book, you will be glad to have it.
You should also have another book that is just your travel log. Trust me on this, if you do this right, in a very short time it will all be a blur.... (Where did I stop between Mt. Rushmore and Wall Drug?)
Most of all, take the time to enjoy the journey....
Matt_C