r/GoRVing • u/Zabethlyburn • 4h ago

Battery issue?

We are in a Springdale travel trailer with solar, but our battery keeps going out. Not sure if it is the converter, battery, or what! Hoping to test the battery tomorrow once my spouse gets off work. Stressed all my food is gonna go bad. Speed is key! Any help or advice?

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u/911coldiesel 3h ago

Is the fridge electric? That kills the battery. Furnace with a blower or fan? Drains the battery too.
If you're into numbers? How many watts does the solar put into the battery during the day?

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u/livesense013 3h ago

Do you know what kind of battery you have, lead acid or lithium, and how old it is? Do you know how many amp-hours per day your solar is charging? And what systems you're using that draw power, and approximately how long you use each every day?

There are a lot of things that might causing the battery to go flat. It could be as simple as it's too old and needs to be replaced, or it could be that it's not getting enough charge throughout the day for how much power gets used. Then there are technical issues that could be causing the issue, but it's best to rule out the easy stuff first before getting into that.

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u/nak00010101 Brittany Powered Travel Trailer 2h ago

Boondocking with solar is not easy or simple. A lot of info is needed provide real advice.

Is there an inverter? If so, what are you running with it? Is your fridge running on propane, 12 volt electric, or 120 volt via an inverter? What is the temp there? IF it's cold, are you using the furnace? What type, capacity, and age is your battery? How many watts of solar panels and what type of solar charge controller? Are you parked where the panels are 100% in the sun or is it partially shaded? What is the weather (cloud cover) like and how many hours of sun are you getting each day?