Last night while driving the truck (Ford F550), we noticed the battery light flash on momentarily. There are 2 batteries and both were replaced 6 months ago. We plugged in the charger this morning and one was at 95% and the other 65%
The truck has not been hooked up to the RV. What could be the cause of losing power and how concerned should we be? We have a 300 mile trip in heavy rain planned for tomorrow and don't want to get stuck on the highway. Could this be an alternator problem and how can we test that?
For now, we're charging the battery and will look at it again in a few hours to see if it's still losing power. We did disconnect everything that could be causing a drain when the engine is off, such as the GPS and tire monitor.
Thanks!
TRAILERKING said
12:25 PM Jan 11, 2015
Just because they are only six months old don't mean anything. A one week old battery can go bad. Have them charged and load tested properly to make sure.
Alie and Jims Carrilite said
09:27 PM Jan 11, 2015
Short trips to a store or around the corner will drain the batteries as well. If you start the truck and only drive 5 minutes, the alternator hasn't replaced the current you took out to start the engine. Multiple trips like that over a period of days or weeks can hurt the batteries.
The Junkman said
02:39 AM Jan 12, 2015
Check the alternator too.. might be the alternator is not charging right. .. If the batteries charge up.. and hold a charge.. It might be that.
A alternator overcharging will kill batteries as well...
bjoyce said
07:03 AM Jan 12, 2015
I would also make sure all the battery connections are tight and clean, and maybe check the cables themselves. Since one battery is getting charged and the other not, the alternator is probably working.
rv-vagabond said
08:02 AM Jan 12, 2015
Can you access the cells of your batteries. If so, Check the each cell with a hydrometer to see if you have a bad cell. Auto zone has an easy read hydrometer for batteries that is similar to a antifreeze tester.
injunear said
08:19 PM Jan 12, 2015
Sounds like you have a dead cell in one battery.
Wayne
rv-vagabond said
08:41 AM Jan 14, 2015
Now that we know that it was the alternator, I would have the batteries thoroughly checked out being you went all that way running just on batteries. I wish you guys well with getting all the problems you had on your last change of venue fixed. Alfred
Glenn West said
10:38 AM Jan 14, 2015
Does your radio work? Sounds like a stupid question but my wifes car drove me, shops nuts. It would kill a battery in a few weeks. The radio was the culprit.
LandYachty said
07:23 AM Jan 18, 2015
The major auto stores will test the batteries and alternator for free.
Last night while driving the truck (Ford F550), we noticed the battery light flash on momentarily. There are 2 batteries and both were replaced 6 months ago. We plugged in the charger this morning and one was at 95% and the other 65%
The truck has not been hooked up to the RV. What could be the cause of losing power and how concerned should we be? We have a 300 mile trip in heavy rain planned for tomorrow and don't want to get stuck on the highway. Could this be an alternator problem and how can we test that?
For now, we're charging the battery and will look at it again in a few hours to see if it's still losing power. We did disconnect everything that could be causing a drain when the engine is off, such as the GPS and tire monitor.
Thanks!
A alternator overcharging will kill batteries as well...
Sounds like you have a dead cell in one battery.
Wayne