Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Shore power not charging batteries
| Shore power not charging batteries [message #256802] |
Mon, 28 July 2014 00:47  |
ciscoytara
Messages: 34
Registered: June 2014
Location: Marysville, CA
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Hello forum! My husband and I are new to this forum. I recently was gifted a motorhome by my grandma. It is a 1975 Roll-A-Long, 26'. We have been doing a lot of work on it with lots of help from an awesome local GMC motorhome owner.
We recently ran into a new problem and I'm hoping there might be some ideas that might help us out. The motorhome is plugged in to the house, but for some reason this isn't charging the batteries. We are thinking that perhaps there might be a fuse inside the converter...? We haven't been able to find specific schematics on this.... However we can't really test this theory because we aren't sure where the converter is located. Any thoughts?
Thanks in advance for the help!
Tara Bonesio-Ortiz & Francisco "Cisco" Ortiz
Marysville, CA
1975 26' Roll-A-Long
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| Re: Shore power not charging batteries [message #256804 is a reply to message #256802] |
Mon, 28 July 2014 01:16  |
Bullitthead
Messages: 1411
Registered: November 2013
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My converter was located in the cabinet where the circuit breaker box is mounted, under the 3 drawers. It's nearly as large as a car battery, and almost as heavy.
Terry Kelpien
ASE Master Technician
73 Glacier 260
Smithfield, Va.
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| Re: Shore power not charging batteries [message #256821 is a reply to message #256805] |
Mon, 28 July 2014 07:34 |
midlf
Messages: 2212
Registered: July 2007
Location: SE Wisc. (Palmyra)
Karma: 1
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ciscoytara wrote on Mon, 28 July 2014 01:34Bullitthead - Thank you for that information. Does yours have a fuse in it or a resettable button?
That is the location of the converter in a GMC upfitted coach. Your's may be different being upfitted by someone else. As stated it is not small even if it is a newer electronic style. When you find it it will have fuses or resetable circuit breaker. One possibility, in the many years these have been out the PO's (Previous Owners) could have done just about anything, good or bad, quality or crap. So maybe for some reason your PO removed the converter for some reason, such as failure, and never replaced it.
In any event look in cabinets, behind drawers, under panels, way in the back of compartments and in any cavity it might fit in. It wil be where there is both 120vac and 12vdc wiring.
Unfortunately Roll a long is a rare beast and info may be hard to find. I didn't see any roll a long info on Bdub's website. Hopefully there is someone here that is familiar with rolla long and can provide some info.
Steve Southworth
1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
Palmyra WI
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| Re: [GMCnet] Shore power not charging batteries [message #256827 is a reply to message #256824] |
Mon, 28 July 2014 08:04 |
Mr ERFisher
Messages: 7117
Registered: August 2005
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behind and over the reefer
has a reset and is big and ugly :>)
change it out
write to frank rose, he has a coach like yours
erf
On Mon, Jul 28, 2014 at 5:57 AM, gene Fisher wrote:
> did you see this?
> http://www.bdub.net/publications/rollalong/rollalong1.htm
> erf
>
>
> On Sun, Jul 27, 2014 at 10:47 PM, Cisco & Tara
> wrote:
>
>> Hello forum! My husband and I are new to this forum. I recently was
>> gifted a motorhome by my grandma. It is a 1975 Roll-A-Long, 26'. We have
>> been
>> doing a lot of work on it with lots of help from an awesome local GMC
>> motorhome owner.
>>
>> We recently ran into a new problem and I'm hoping there might be some
>> ideas that might help us out. The motorhome is plugged in to the house,
>> but for
>> some reason this isn't charging the batteries. We are thinking that
>> perhaps there might be a fuse inside the converter...? We haven't been
>> able to
>> find specific schematics on this.... However we can't really test this
>> theory because we aren't sure where the converter is located. Any thoughts?
>>
>> Thanks in advance for the help!
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>>
>
>
>
> --
> Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
> “Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
> -------
> http://gmcmotorhome.info/
> Alternator Protection Cable
> http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
>
--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
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| Re: [GMCnet] Shore power not charging batteries [message #256830 is a reply to message #256824] |
Mon, 28 July 2014 08:11 |
midlf
Messages: 2212
Registered: July 2007
Location: SE Wisc. (Palmyra)
Karma: 1
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Mr ERFisher wrote on Mon, 28 July 2014 07:57did you see this?
http://www.bdub.net/publications/rollalong/rollalong1.htm
erf
Good catch Gene. Standard features notes the converter/charger, as expected. In thinking about this a bit more I would start looking from the battery towards the 12v fuse panels and from the 120v breaker box towards the loads. The converter has/had to be somewhere in between these two. No grin here, just basic observation.
The GM converters were always where Bullithead stated. Perhaps those with coaches up fitted by others can comment on where theirs are located as a hint as to the various places they have been found.
Steve Southworth
1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
Palmyra WI
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| Re: [GMCnet] Shore power not charging batteries [message #256838 is a reply to message #256824] |
Mon, 28 July 2014 09:17 |
powerjon
Messages: 2446
Registered: January 2004
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The Coach appears to have been sitting for a period of time and your batteries need to be checked if your haven’t already. Do they have a liquid level to the top? Have you check the specific gravity of the electrolyte.
They are available from most auto part stores.
How old are they? Are they a single 12 vdc deep cycle or do you have 2 6 volt golf cart batteries. They may have died from sulfation which is a build up on the lead plates from overcharging. If you have the original Buzz Box, now would be a good time to remove it as it can destroy batteries by overcharging. The newer converters that most use today can be left on all the time as they are smart chargers that maintain the batteries after reaching full charge and don’t burn up batteries. Also be sure and check and clean all connections and apply a dielectric grease for corrosion protection.
You can also get this as most auto parts store too.
[/color]
>> Hello forum! My husband and I are new to this forum. I recently was
>> gifted a motorhome by my grandma. It is a 1975 Roll-A-Long, 26'. We have
>> been
>> doing a lot of work on it with lots of help from an awesome local GMC
>> motorhome owner.
>>
>> We recently ran into a new problem and I'm hoping there might be some
>> ideas that might help us out. The motorhome is plugged in to the house,
>> but for
>> some reason this isn't charging the batteries. We are thinking that
>> perhaps there might be a fuse inside the converter...? We haven't been
>> able to
>> find specific schematics on this.... However we can't really test this
>> theory because we aren't sure where the converter is located. Any thoughts?
>>
>> Thanks in advance for the help!
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J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
GMC Eastern States
GMCMI
78 30' Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion Under Reconstruction
Michigan
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| Re: [GMCnet] Shore power not charging batteries [message #256853 is a reply to message #256849] |
Mon, 28 July 2014 10:34 |
Otterwan
Messages: 946
Registered: July 2013
Location: Lynnwood (north of Seattl...
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If it is the original, just follow the horrendous buzzing noise. If it is the original and there is no horrendous buzzing noise, well there's your problem. FYI in the 76 Royale the buzz box was under the passenger side couch, just inside the wheel well.
1977 Birchaven, Lynnwood WA - "We may not be able to stop all evil in the world, but I know that how we treat one another is entirely up to us."
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| Re: [GMCnet] Shore power not charging batteries [message #256871 is a reply to message #256853] |
Mon, 28 July 2014 12:33 |
Daniel DeLuca
Messages: 120
Registered: June 2014
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Sorry hijack this thread, but when plugged in the coach, I should automatically hear the terrible buzzing noise correct?
Seems that $140 is worth the upgrade to keep from overcharging.
Dan
On Jul 28, 2014, at 11:34 AM, David Orders wrote:
> If it is the original, just follow the horrendous buzzing noise. If it is the original and there is no horrendous buzzing noise, well there's your
> problem. FYI in the 76 Royale the buzz box was under the passenger side couch, just inside the wheel well.
> --
> 1976 Royale "Twinkie II", 1978 Palm Beach with front end fire. Lynnwood WA - "We may not be able to stop all evil in the world, but I know that how we
> treat one another is entirely up to us."
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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| Re: [GMCnet] Shore power not charging batteries [message #256896 is a reply to message #256871] |
Mon, 28 July 2014 14:59 |
A Hamilto
Messages: 4508
Registered: April 2011
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Daniel DeLuca wrote on Mon, 28 July 2014 12:33Sorry hijack this thread, but when plugged in the coach, I should automatically hear the terrible buzzing noise correct?
Seems that $140 is worth the upgrade to keep from overcharging.
Dan Would only buzz that loud if it is working and has not been replaced with something else. The one on my Sequoia was dead and silent.
Look around the inside cabinets where the shore power comes in. The original is this size and shape
[Updated on: Mon, 28 July 2014 15:03] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Shore power not charging batteries [message #256995 is a reply to message #256802] |
Tue, 29 July 2014 00:51 |
bwevers
Messages: 597
Registered: October 2010
Location: San Jose
Karma: 5
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Hello,
For my $0.02, I would start by checking the systems monitor.
It should indicate the battery voltage (red, amber, green).
Or if it's the original systems monitor, the analog needle should indicate good or bad.
I would also invest in a digital multimeter, Radio Shack or Harbor Freight.
The voltage when charging should be at least 13.8 volts. But you need ~14.4V from
a good battery charger to charge it quickly.
If you measure the battery voltage with it disconnected, it should be ~12.6V when charged.
Also, check to see if you have AC power on the interior wall plugs. You may have
a circuit breaker box behind the cabinet. It needs to be switched on. The
Progressive Dynamics battery maintainer is a good investment. It's small and
light compared to the old buzz box.
Regards,
Bill
Bill Wevers GMC49ers, GMC Western States
1975 Glenbrook - Manny Powerdrive, OneTon
455 F Block, G heads
San Jose
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| Re: [GMCnet] Shore power not charging batteries [message #256997 is a reply to message #256995] |
Tue, 29 July 2014 01:09 |
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ljdavick
Messages: 3548
Registered: March 2007
Location: Fremont, CA
Karma: -3
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When I bought my coach it had a replacement converter (Charger) by IOTA. These were the cat’s pajamas at one point but mine was completely dead, therefore my batteries did not charge when plugged in. The house bank charged when the engine was running, but not when plugged in to shore power. I bought the Intellipower from ebay, but Jim K sells them too .
Works great. The pendant “wizard” is just a flashing nuisance to me, but I understand that having it makes the thing better, so of course, I have it.
Didn’t the Roll Along’s have a vinyl top on the rear sides? The height of ’70’s elegance!
Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, CA
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Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, Ca
Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Dizzy
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| Re: Shore power not charging batteries [message #257000 is a reply to message #256995] |
Tue, 29 July 2014 01:34 |
ciscoytara
Messages: 34
Registered: June 2014
Location: Marysville, CA
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bwevers wrote on Mon, 28 July 2014 22:51Hello,
For my $0.02, I would start by checking the systems monitor.
It should indicate the battery voltage (red, amber, green).
Or if it's the original systems monitor, the analog needle should indicate good or bad.
I would also invest in a digital multimeter, Radio Shack or Harbor Freight.
The voltage when charging should be at least 13.8 volts. But you need ~14.4V from
a good battery charger to charge it quickly.
If you measure the battery voltage with it disconnected, it should be ~12.6V when charged.
Also, check to see if you have AC power on the interior wall plugs. You may have
a circuit breaker box behind the cabinet. It needs to be switched on. The
Progressive Dynamics battery maintainer is a good investment. It's small and
light compared to the old buzz box.
Regards,
Bill
We checked the voltage on the batteries with it plugged in and all that we are measuring is approximately 8 volts. So, definitely not charging from shore power. We looked behind the breaker box today but didn't find the converter there. Saw an earlier post in this thread that mentioned that it might be in a cabinet near where the cord plugs in. So we will take a look around that area tomorrow. Sounds like we should get ourselves a battery maintainer; I keep seeing this suggested multiple times in this forum.
We haven't seen any 'systems monitor' anywhere for battery voltage.... There are several monitors that measure the different tank levels (water, gray, black, etc)...
Tara Bonesio-Ortiz & Francisco "Cisco" Ortiz
Marysville, CA
1975 26' Roll-A-Long
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| Re: [GMCnet] Shore power not charging batteries [message #257001 is a reply to message #256997] |
Tue, 29 July 2014 01:42 |
ciscoytara
Messages: 34
Registered: June 2014
Location: Marysville, CA
Karma: 0
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ljdavick wrote on Mon, 28 July 2014 23:09When I bought my coach it had a replacement converter (Charger) by IOTA. These were the cat's pajamas at one point but mine was completely dead, therefore my batteries did not charge when plugged in. The house bank charged when the engine was running, but not when plugged in to shore power. I bought the Intellipower from ebay, but Jim K sells them too .
Works great. The pendant "wizard" is just a flashing nuisance to me, but I understand that having it makes the thing better, so of course, I have it.
Didn't the Roll Along's have a vinyl top on the rear sides? The height of '70's elegance!
Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, CA
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Larry,
I'm thinking that you might be right; that a replacement converter may be required (after we find it.... haha!) Yes, this coach has landau vinyl on both side on the rear half. I see that you are in Fremont. We made an appointment at Applied GMC to have some of these issues looked at by them and we will be there next Saturday, August 2nd. You're welcome to swing by since Applied is right there in Newark. We are planning to get there between 10am and 11am. If interested, private message me and I can give you our phone numbers. We'd love to see your 1976-ish coach.. 
Tara Bonesio-Ortiz & Francisco "Cisco" Ortiz
Marysville, CA
1975 26' Roll-A-Long
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| Re: [GMCnet] Shore power not charging batteries [message #257002 is a reply to message #256838] |
Tue, 29 July 2014 01:52 |
ciscoytara
Messages: 34
Registered: June 2014
Location: Marysville, CA
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Powerjon,
My cousin had actually borrowed the coach's batteries and re-purposed them for something else. So, we actually had to buy fresh batteries in order to start it up at all. We bought Die Hard 12V Deep Cycle batteries (2 of them). I do recall my grandma and my cousin both mentioning something about not being able to leave it plugged in and that it would cause overcharging. So, either replacing the converter or swapping out the 'buzz box' for a converter sounds like a direction we need to consider. We are in the process of installing Maxxair Fans and, are nearly finished installing one of them. Given the heat wave we seem to be in the middle of, thought we would set the temperature on this one fan and thought that the power that this would draw from the battery would be enough to prevent overcharging.... However, when we got home, the fan wasn't working and found the batteries were dead.
Tara Bonesio-Ortiz & Francisco "Cisco" Ortiz
Marysville, CA
1975 26' Roll-A-Long
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| Re: Shore power not charging batteries [message #257004 is a reply to message #257000] |
Tue, 29 July 2014 02:29 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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ciscoytara wrote on Tue, 29 July 2014 01:34
We checked the voltage on the batteries with it plugged in and all that we are measuring is approximately 8 volts. So, definitely not charging from shore power. We looked behind the breaker box today but didn't find the converter there. Saw an earlier post in this thread that mentioned that it might be in a cabinet near where the cord plugs in. So we will take a look around that area tomorrow. Sounds like we should get ourselves a battery maintainer; I keep seeing this suggested multiple times in this forum.
We haven't seen any 'systems monitor' anywhere for battery voltage.... There are several monitors that measure the different tank levels (water, gray, black, etc)...
The Progressive Dynamics Converter previously recommend here is a converter (12 volt supply to you coach), a battery charger, and battery maintainer all in one.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: [GMCnet] Shore power not charging batteries [message #257126 is a reply to message #257004] |
Tue, 29 July 2014 22:11 |
Mr ERFisher
Messages: 7117
Registered: August 2005
Karma: 2
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Read here
http://gmc49ers.blogspot.com/2014/03/check-your-battery-system-through-your.html
Erf
On Tuesday, July 29, 2014, Ken Burton wrote:
> ciscoytara wrote on Tue, 29 July 2014 01:34
>> We checked the voltage on the batteries with it plugged in and all that
> we are measuring is approximately 8 volts. So, definitely not charging
>> from shore power. We looked behind the breaker box today but didn't
> find the converter there. Saw an earlier post in this thread that mentioned
>> that it might be in a cabinet near where the cord plugs in. So we will
> take a look around that area tomorrow. Sounds like we should get ourselves
>> a battery maintainer; I keep seeing this suggested multiple times in
> this forum.
>>
>> We haven't seen any 'systems monitor' anywhere for battery voltage....
> There are several monitors that measure the different tank levels (water,
>> gray, black, etc)...
>
>
> The Progressive Dynamics Converter previously recommend here is a
> converter (12 volt supply to you coach), a battery charger, and battery
> maintainer
> all in one.
>
> --
> Ken Burton - N9KB
> 76 Palm Beach
> Hebron, Indiana
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
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