He had a problem with his batteries. They didn't last long if they weren't plugged in. During his walkabout after the big storm Art went by to say hello and they asked him if he could have a look at the rig. One concern was that if they weren't plugged in, such as at a rest area, they had no water.
Art looked at the various switches in the rig and found one marked "Pump". And turned it on. Further investigation showed that there was no water in the water tank!
While Art went back to the rig for his multimeter and hydrometer to check his batteries the owner began filling his tank. Then, disconnecting the power cord, he found he had water at the tap.
Problem 1 solved.
Battery. Art had a look and found a group 24 marine/deep cycle battery connected. Minimal, but since they were almost always connected to AC power, not a problem. Maybe. Then he said "There is a second battery in the front compartment. Here it is. Notice something?
ITS NOT CONNECTED TO ANYTHING!
The volt meter read 7.5 volts. A fully charged 12 volt battery should read 12.6 or 12.7 Volts. A really dead one. under 11.0, 7.5? DEAD, DEAD, DEAD
Art took it out to check the specific gravity. No measurable electrolyte. Tilted the battery to about 45 degrees--still couldn't see any liquid. No point in pouring distilled water into that!
Why was it there anyway???
Back to the "working" battery. NO electrolyte above the plates. More than a liter of distilled water added. He was advised that this battery too was likely toast. He is leaving it here in Texas and flying home to Canada for Christmas and New Year and will have words with the dealer there. Then on his return he will replace the battery.
Art pointed him to some good resources on the internet. A day later he pulled out heading south. Wish him luck.
Can't believe that a dealer would let someone off the lot without a better introduction. They knew he was a novice.
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