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Topic: Multiple Issues - most important first [coach batteries] (Read 424 times) previous topic - next topic
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Multiple Issues - most important first [coach batteries]
Just retrieved my 2003 RB from storage for away-from-home Summer...it appears my HPV22 solar controller has died or is in its final throes -- nothing responding to various pokes.  Would appreciate some help for where to start trouble shooting.  The only access to the net is if I drive her long enough to get about 50% charge.  Saving my "volts", so will check in tomorrow -- thanksabunch for any help.

Lorna
2003 RB
Re: Multiple Issues - most important first
Reply #1 –
Hi Lorna! It sounds like you and I are the last two fossils still using the HPV22 solar charge controller. (Though I am *thinking* about changing to the Blue Sky Larry has been recommending)

As for troubleshooting your issue, I think step one would be to pull the fuse in the electrical panel and insert a new one. I am referring to the fuse the factory had as an auxiliary fuse; it has a "solar" attached to the fuse holder. When I have worked on any circuits in the Lazy Daze, I do pull that fuse and the HPV does some weird things. So maybe your fuse has blown?

One other possibility is the wire connecting the two 6 volt batteries together may have become loose or if you have the battery disconnect switch between batteries, it may have failed.

Good luck!
Steve K
Steve K

2003 Mid-bath
Re: Multiple Issues - most important first
Reply #2 –
For the controller itself to die is an overvoltage of some sort.  I'd check the connections for the controller out.   I'm not well-versed with your controller but they all basically do the same thing.  They 'take' power from the solar panels and push it to the batteries.    So I'd check the voltage from the solar panels to the controller.   If the solar panels are producing power then the amount is important.   The panels produce a voltage that must be under what the controller can handle.  If all is well here then move to the batteries.   The age and condition of the batteries are important.   I can give your troubleshooting help but I'd need to know the type of battery i.e. lead acid or lithium.  I'm amusing lead acid.   The battery must be 'still' i.e. no voltage moving thru it for at least 24 hours for a voltage check to be accurate.  If your batteries are 'dead' then the controller can not push power to them.

I agree with others check all connections first then move from there.

glen

personal fine art photo stuff
TF Mack | Flickr
It's all good .......
2014 Twin King
Re: Multiple Issues - most important first
Reply #3 –
Bet your coach battery has dried out from overcharging and the battery has dried out from lack :of added water.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Multiple Issues - most important first
Reply #4 –
Yes, batteries may have dried out from lack of added water while in storage.  Batteries were 6 months old and now have water.  Is there any hope or should I just slink off into the sunset?

Thanks Larry,
Lorna
2003 RB
Re: Multiple Issues - most important first
Reply #5 –
All may not be lost, your solar controller may have died, you need to plug the rig in and try using the converter to charge the battery.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Multiple Issues - most important first
Reply #6 –
That would be sad if Larry is right about your battery... but if the solar power was turned off and the battery disconnected while the LD was in storage, that doesn't seem likely assuming it had water in it before parking.  It's likely my problem was completely different... but I couldn't tell if your solar controller screen was blank or shows readings.

Mine for the Blue Sky was completely blank... If the remote screen is blank then the most common issue is it has lost communication with the controller.   Here was the solution for the simplest reconnect which actually worked for me since the phone cable connection was bad.  Remove the screws holding remote on the wall. Unplug phone cable on back. Wait 2 minutes. Plug back in.

If that does not work the solar controller must be de powered completely, as noted in the other messages.
Turn solar off.  Pull or trip fuse for the controller.  Wait 2 minutes.  Re power.
This is a hard reboot of the solar controller.   

Good luck!  Our old stuff (or not even so old) often needs replacing, batteries and tires at the top of the list.
Kristin


1997 MB
Re: Multiple Issues - most important first
Reply #7 –
KRISTIN -- your work-around is waaaay beyond my skill set (and patience!).

LARRY, I'm  running the generator to access this forum.  Just picked up Cam; we're leaving Thursday to Sierras for two weeks.  Might get a hook up site at New Brighton when we return.

The second issue is wipers only work intermittently....Battery? Fuse? Rodent?!! Hoping for walk-in help in Santa Cruz Ford.

Thanks both of you,
Lorna
2003 RB
Re: Multiple Issues - most important first
Reply #8 –
Kristin,
I re-read your message -- pulled fuse, re-set...all is well.  You are a lifesaver, and I'm wondering if I should still be on the road!!!  Thank you all.

Now to Ford to figure out wiper issue...sigh!

Lorna
2003 RB
Re: Multiple Issues - most important first
Reply #9 –
Nice!  Very nice!  I'm so glad you're good again.  Hope to see you down the road somewhere, keep smiling!
 --k
1997 MB
Re: Multiple Issues - most important first
Reply #10 –
Quote from: Lorna Dunham  - 
Yes, batteries may have dried out from lack of added water while in storage.  Batteries were 6 months old and now have water.  Is there any hope or should I just slink off into the sunset?

Keep an eye on flooded batteries when you add water to them if they aren't fully charged when you do so.  If they have indeed discharged excessively as a result of losing water level, you want to "sneak up" on refilling them.  Topping off a low battery all the way then charging can cause boilover.

From our experience - add a little water then charge.  When fully charged, add a little more water and let fully charge.  Repeat until the plates are fully covered and batteries show a full charge after the last addition of water.
Re: Multiple Issues - most important first [coach batteries]
Reply #11 –
Thank you Michelle.  Unfortunately, I had already topped them off before finding your message.  This is great information though, and I will definitely follow your recommendations next time I pull her out of storage.

Lorna
2003 RB