12v system not working, R-POD 180

Our battery, only one 12 V, newly replaced, seems to drain very quickly, like in a few hours.  Everything works on shore power, but even with the refrigerator using propane, we can't keep a charge overnight. The battery also seems to charge VERY slowly or not at all from the tow vehicle, which I have confirmed is delivering good voltage.  I have been told another battery will help, but I am reluctant to install one before identifying existing problems (if they in fact exist).  I replaced the power converter but that did not change things.  

There is also a large drain if the pin in the safety disconnect has been pulled. Check that to make sure the pin is fully inserted so the brakes are not fully energized.

Thanks StephenH,

Hello TariS. I might be asking the wrong questions, but here goes...what type of battery did you install? If it is a 12 volt it should be a dedicated deep cycle, not a deep cycle/starting battery which are used in boats. It should especially not be a normal vehicle starting battery as they are designed for large electrical demands for a very short period of time (like starting your vehicle demands). I would also imagine that if it is indeed a deep cycle battery that it at a minimum would be a size 24, possibly a size 27...this just denotes the outside dimensions of the battery and deep cycle batteries are far heavier due to their thicker plates, which are needed to allow deeper discharging of the battery than start batteries.

It is a new battery, but was it allowed to discharge and freeze? This will damage/kill a battery as well. They won't hold a charge.

You can have your battery tested at a local automotive store, sometimes for free. This would determine if you have a faulty battery.

Do not add a 2nd battery to your system as batteries, if tied together should be of identical age, size, manufacturer, capacity etc. One good and one weak or bad battery will ruin the good battery in short order.

A suggestion would be that once you have remedied your situation and you don't have a battery cut off switch to stop any battery drain that you at least disconnect your battery for short periods of no trailer use. For longer periods bring the battery home and either keep a trickle charger on it or charge it every month or 2 to maintain it.

If it is a wet battery (where you can open the caps to check and add distilled water) you can do exactly that if you are comfortable with and know how to do it safely.

You may have a bad battery, and it should be under warranty as it is very new. If you take it to a shop to get it load tested, you might have to get a new one and return the bad one when you get home.

Hope this helps, and good luck!

Andy

Campman,