Engine Battery Doesn't Stay Charged

sonomaellen · Post by **sonomaellen** » Thu May 18, 2006 8:22 am

We finally figured out our house battery problems (understanding the Battery Disconnect switch position in the coach, making sure the GFI hadn't tripped, etc.) and they no longer lose charge. However, our engine battery continues to do so. It's getting a little frustrating. Rather than being able to leave on the spur of the moment (more or less), we now start the motorhome a couple of days before leaving and discover the battery is dead. I have a 1992 Ford Explorer that often sits for over a month and haven't had this happen. What are we doing wrong?

Steve W · Post by **Steve W** » Thu May 18, 2006 11:01 am

E&R. For no apparent reason, the vehicle battery in our 2004 BFT went dead. Up to the dealer who put it on the "machine", but was unable to locate a problem. They charged it and I now drive the BFT at least once every two weeks for at no less that 25 minutes. No further problems. The inference from the Ford Dealer was that I just was not using the vehicle enough in the off-season to keep the battery charged. I don't know if this info is any help, but at least you know you are not the only ones with battery blips.

Steve W
2004 BFT

bill crommett · Post by **bill crommett** » Thu May 18, 2006 8:45 pm

If you battery is still under a warrantee, take it to a dealer who sells the brand and tel him that you need a replacement. The general concensus is that an automotive battery should last about four to five years, but some have proclaimed on this forjum of having boat batteries last much longer if not used to the extent auto batteries are used or under the severe conditions of being next to a hot engine for days on end. Hold the phone -- some others are bound to chip in here.
Bill