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Topic ClosedR pod battery not charging while we drive - Event Date: 24 Jun 2019 - 27 Jun 2019

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troutpodder View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Calendar Event: R pod battery not charging while we drive
    Posted: 23 Jun 2019 at 11:58am
I am no expert on electrical stuff. Our fridge was giving me a fault signal for battery too low. We had been driving 3 hi hours and had selected battery for fridge power. Apparently this drew down the r pod batt. I have have used this 2016 179 for three years with many long trips and it always seemed like the charging system worked. I did see that I was able to add charge to the batt the other day while using our solar panel. Might a fuse somewhere be blown? The tow lights work so the trailer is getting power from our truck. I am not sure what's up..insights?
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offgrid View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 Jun 2019 at 2:02pm
The fridge uses a lot of current (about 10-11 amps) when set to 12V. So it could be that your charging system is ok but your battery is starting to get tired after 3-4 years. I suggest leaving the fridge on propane (or 120Vac if you have electric at your campsite(s) and see if the battery recharges and maintains charge.  


If you have a multimeter you can do some troubleshooting on the charge system from the tow vehicle if you are suspicious of that. The trailer lights are not on the same circuit as the battery charging circuit from your truck, so having trailer lights doesn't really tell you anything. You can check the voltage between the +12V charging pin and the ground pin at the connector on the truck.  The +12V pin is the one at 1 oclock on the truck and the ground pin is opposite it at 7 oclock. Check with the truck running to be sure you're getting power. 


.  




1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 Jun 2019 at 6:12am
If the charging has worked in the past but wouldn't work now

There is a circuit breaker under the front where the plug harness connections are likely it is bad and needs to be replaced
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GlueGuy View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 Jun 2019 at 9:38am
+1 Charging and lights are separate. If it has worked before, you most likely have a blown fuse or circuit breaker, depending on your tow vehicle.
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StephenH View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 Jun 2019 at 12:31pm
It could also be corroded or dirty terminals in the connector between the RPod and the TV. Use some good electrical contact cleaner to clean them and then use some dielectric grease to help keep them clean. It may be something else, but it wouldn't hurt to check this also.
StephenH
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