Batteries not Charging on Shore Power

[RvDec]

Hi everyone, I am new to the forum. We have just bought a 2024 Avenue 32RLS. The unit has a Progressive Dynamics PD4560 converter.
The dealer installed 2 new interstate lead acid batteries before we picked it up a few days ago and they showed 12.4V. After running the jacks and the fridge, the batteries dropped to 11.4vdc.
The next day we noticed the batteries weren't charging on shore power.
The converter is pushing out 14.4vdc when disconnected from the batteries. Once I hook them up, it drops to 11.5vdc. I also noticed that with the fridge running and shore power hooked up, I only see 2 amps on the positive battery lead.
When I reset the AC power on the converter, the fan came on for a few seconds and then shut off. It seemed odd when the batteries were down to less than 11vdc.
If I run my truck I get ~12amps going into the batteries and they charge.
The progressive Dynamics troubleshooting says if I have 14.4vdc then it is good. However, I am pretty sure that the converter must be faulty since i've load tested the batteries and they are good. I am wondering if there is something I am missing?

If I have to replace it, Is there a better unit I should purchase?
Thanks in advance. Cheers.

 

[BryanValRox]

Hi everyone, I am new to the forum. We have just bought a 2024 Avenue 32RLS. The unit has a Progressive Dynamics PD4560 converter.
The dealer installed 2 new interstate lead acid batteries before we picked it up a few days ago and they showed 12.4V. After running the jacks and the fridge, the batteries dropped to 11.4vdc.
The next day we noticed the batteries weren't charging on shore power.
The converter is pushing out 14.4vdc when disconnected from the batteries. Once I hook them up, it drops to 11.5vdc. I also noticed that with the fridge running and shore power hooked up, I only see 2 amps on the positive battery lead.
When I reset the AC power on the converter, the fan came on for a few seconds and then shut off. It seemed odd when the batteries were down to less than 11vdc.
If I run my truck I get ~12amps going into the batteries and they charge.
The progressive Dynamics troubleshooting says if I have 14.4vdc then it is good. However, I am pretty sure that the converter must be faulty since i've load tested the batteries and they are good. I am wondering if there is something I am missing?

If I have to replace it, Is there a better unit I should purchase?
Thanks in advance. Cheers.

A couple of thoughts,
One, you indicated two batteries were installed. Hopefully in parallel to maintain 12 volts?
Two, have you checked the 3 25 amp reverse battery protection fuses to ensure they are not blown?

 

[RvDec]

A couple of thoughts,
One, you indicated two batteries were installed. Hopefully in parallel to maintain 12 volts?
Two, have you checked the 3 25 amp reverse battery protection fuses to ensure they are not blown?
View attachment 5202

Thanks.
Yes. They were in parallel and the 3 reverse battery protection fuses were still good.

 

[BryanValRox]

If you disconnect the converter wires at the battery will they support a load on their own? Say a 12 volt headlamp for example?

 

[BryanValRox]

The other suggestion I would offer would be to ensure all of your connections are tight.
The 120v supply to the converter and the 12 volt output terminals.

Also, you might try the same headlight load test directly at the converter as well.

 

[Jwtsg]

The other suggestion I would offer would be to ensure all of your connections are tight.
The 120v supply to the converter and the 12 volt output terminals.

Also, you might try the same headlight load test directly at the converter as well.

🍿,,, wondering,,,

 

[RvDec]

I'll adding a load to the converter and see what i've got when I get it on shore power.

 

[RvDec]

I guess I have it figured out. Probably pulled the trigger a bit early on posting this but hopefully this is helpful for others.
I put a generator on the trailer today for AC power and disconnected the batteries.
I put a portable inverter on the battery +ve line and attached the negative to the battery ground. The inverter would not run.
The batteries had previously been moved and the dealer (or whoever installed it) had grounded the batteries to the frame in the compartment (see picture). When I moved the inverter to the grounding point on the right side of the compartment (see attached), it ran fine.
I am assuming that the towing wire ground must be grounded well to the existing battery ground (since I got 12 amps on truck power) and the shore power must be grounded to the other ground which is not grounding well to the battery.
One of the grounds is not properly grounding to the battery (I suspect the shore power one).
Looks like I have a ground bus bar in my future.......
Thanks for the help.

 

[BryanValRox]

I guess I have it figured out. Probably pulled the trigger a bit early on posting this but hopefully this is helpful for others.
I put a generator on the trailer today for AC power and disconnected the batteries.
I put a portable inverter on the battery +ve line and attached the negative to the battery ground. The inverter would not run.
The batteries had previously been moved and the dealer (or whoever installed it) had grounded the batteries to the frame in the compartment (see picture). When I moved the inverter to the grounding point on the right side of the compartment (see attached), it ran fine.
I am assuming that the towing wire ground must be grounded well to the existing battery ground (since I got 12 amps on truck power) and the shore power must be grounded to the other ground which is not grounding well to the battery.
One of the grounds is not properly grounding to the battery (I suspect the shore power one).
Looks like I have a ground bus bar in my future.......
Thanks for the help.

Glad you got it figured out!

 

[George]

Also glad. 👍🏼
On aircraft they use a round wire brush with a smooth pilot to prepare bonding locations. I don't know why a pilot point makes them so expensive — aircraft? Just use a round wire brush carefully. IMHO running a self tapping screw into the chassis just ain't good 'nuff.

 

[RvDec]

Also glad. 👍🏼
On aircraft they use a round wire brush with a smooth pilot to prepare bonding locations. I don't know why a pilot point makes them so expensive — aircraft? Just use a round wire brush carefully. IMHO running a self tapping screw into the chassis just ain't good 'nuff.

I actually have a couple of aircraft ones (used to be avionics) so that is exactly what i'm going to use.