Should shore power be able to run jacks even with low batteries

[gwschunicht]

We just picked up a 2026 310RL. When we were looking at the unit, batteries were low, but it was plugged into shore power, the dealer tech couldn't get the jacks to work due to low power, they said the batteries need a full charge and replaced the batteries. I would have thought shore power would have enough amperage to run the hydrolic motor. A week later when we picked it up (in rain) the dealer had to replace batteries as they were well dead, supposedly battery was left on.
After bringing home, I first found the solar converter positive battery connection was not tight because its blue tooth wasn't working (not connected really) - quick fix for that.
The real question here, on shore power I would expect batteries to charge with ~13.7 volts shown at the terminals based on other readings, I get maybe 12.5. Further, if I shut off the battery switch, I'd expect the 12v lights to still work on shore power, they don't. Given this is new to us, are my expectations correct?

 

[BryanValRox]

From a fellow 310RL owner, welcome to the forum and congratulations on your purchase.

To answer your question, your expectations are incorrect 😂.

For your rig to operate normally, your 12 volt master disconnect needs to be on.

Your jacks and slides will not work properly or at all without the support of your battery.
The jacks and slides (same pump)pull high amperage and the battery is necessary to support the demand during the cycle.

The converter is capable of supporting smaller loads without the battery, but the reality is the battery is a key component of the electrical system and the converter and solar systems should be keeping it charged.

 

[2 Allies]

Congratulations and Welcome!
Enjoy your new rig and what Bryan said is the real deal.

 

[Jwtsg]

Congratulations & Welcome to the forum from Oregon! Wising you wonderful adventures, safe travels, & minor issues! Good forum, active, knowledgeable, members willing to help ! Enjoy 👍🌞🍀!!

 

[Lantley]

As mentioned the converter alone cannot supply ample 12 volt power to the jack and or slides.
You need a properly functioning battery to operate hi current 12 volt components

 

[gwschunicht]

Thanks all for the responses!
I did find that the dealer must have once installed the batteries in reverse as all 3 fuses were blown on the converter. While it was not simple to get to, once I replaced them and with batteries on, things are looking much better, I'm seeing a charging voltage while on shore power and the slides, jacks are much more responsive.
Looking forward to some adventures and glad to have the support here!

 

[Flyer32RLS]

The real question here, on shore power I would expect batteries to charge with ~13.7 volts shown at the terminals based on other readings, I get maybe 12.5. Further, if I shut off the battery switch, I'd expect the 12v lights to still work on shore power, they don't. Given this is new to us, are my expectations correct?

Just an FTI, for that reason and we have electric jacks, after arriving in camping site, insuring all is good, the first thing I do is connect to shore power. I know the batteries will take care of the slides and jacks but I prefer to have some support for the batteries when hitting them with the big loads. Found out the hard way that it does not take batteries to be discharged just a little to not be able to put out jacks.
Happy Glamping!!

 

[Lantley]

Just an FTI, for that reason and we have electric jacks, after arriving in camping site, insuring all is good, the first thing I do is connect to shore power. I know the batteries will take care of the slides and jacks but I prefer to have some support for the batteries when hitting them with the big loads. Found out the hard way that it does not take batteries to be discharged just a little to not be able to put out jacks.
Happy Glamping!!

Yes I also try not to operate jacks or slides without being plugged in. While its not absolutely necessary to be plugged in, I think its good practice in the long run.

 

[Oregon_Camper]

Just an FTI, for that reason and we have electric jacks, after arriving in camping site, insuring all is good, the first thing I do is connect to shore power. I know the batteries will take care of the slides and jacks but I prefer to have some support for the batteries when hitting them with the big loads. Found out the hard way that it does not take batteries to be discharged just a little to not be able to put out jacks.
Happy Glamping!!

I love the fact we all do things so differently...there is no right answer here. We get into a site...we chauk the tires and I put the front landing gear down. I then pull the pin to hitch and unplug 7-pin and ER brake. Wife drives truck away and parks it. While she does that, I hit auto level. While RV is doing this, I grab sewer hose (if we are at FH site) so I don't have to crawl under slide out later. RV levels itself and wife lowers stairs and sets up inside, while I finish outside setup. Depending on what the site has, will do power, water, sewer, starlink....in that order.

 

[Midnight Rider]

Thanks all for the responses!
I did find that the dealer must have once installed the batteries in reverse as all 3 fuses were blown on the converter. While it was not simple to get to, once I replaced them and with batteries on, things are looking much better, I'm seeing a charging voltage while on shore power and the slides, jacks are much more responsive.
Looking forward to some adventures and glad to have the support here!

That dealership sounds like a bunch of clowns? Larry, Moe And Currly?

 

[Flyer32RLS]

I love the fact we all do things so differently...there is no right answer here. We get into a site...we chauk the tires and I put the front landing gear down. I then pull the pin to hitch and unplug 7-pin and ER brake. Wife drives truck away and parks it. While she does that, I hit auto level. While RV is doing this, I grab sewer hose (if we are at FH site) so I don't have to crawl under slide out later. RV levels itself and wife lowers stairs and sets up inside, while I finish outside setup. Depending on what the site has, will do power, water, sewer, starlink....in that order.

Yep, nothing wrong with that technique. Everyone has THEIR way of setting up. I just prefer to not put a load on batteries if there is a better way, in my opinion, of hooking up and leveling and extending slides.
different ways with the same result!! Yahoo!!
Happy Glamping!!

 

[BryanValRox]

Yep, nothing wrong with that technique. Everyone has THEIR way of setting up. I just prefer to not put a load on batteries if there is a better way, in my opinion, of hooking up and leveling and extending slides.
different ways with the same result!! Yahoo!!
Happy Glamping!!

Agree that everyone has their way and that is what makes us different while the world goes round.

Respectfully, I would like to understand your comment of “ I just prefer to not put a load on batteries if there is a better way, in my opinion, of hooking up and leveling and extending slides.”

Like you , I like to be hooked up to shore power whenever possible to support the battery some while setting up.

I think you indicated that you had electric jacks, not sure on your slides, so I guess my question is how are you not placing a load on your battery or batteries while setting up?