Two batteries?

[farmall130]

Sometimes I have issues with my level up system not wanting to retract when trying to hook up. My dealer has suggested installing a 2nd battery so it will have more reserve power after sitting. I use a charger but it never seems to get the battery charged completely. I don't think it really puts out enough amperage, I think it's .75. Anybody had better luck with two batteries?

[bncinwv]

I went to two batteries (12V since we do not boondock), with a isolator switch. This lets me use one or the other or both. We needed the extra since we have to turn rig on the day before to cool fridge, then when it draws the battery down, I have a reserve battery to start our built-in generator to charge the batteries. I always have a full battery this way to operate the Level-up, slides, etc. Our solution may be overkill for your application but it works well for us!
Bingo

[bethandkevin]

To date I have not had a problem. Does plugging into the truck make a difference?

[1retired06]

We also have done fine with one battery with the caveat that we do not dry camp.

[Tom S.]

If it keeps stopping because the circuit breaker keeps popping out, I would start by replacing that.

[H. John Kohl]

I agree with [s]Dick[/s]Tom, Check and see what size breaker they put on your Positive lead. I think mine is 80 Amps. I have enough batteries since I boon dock.

[Tom S.]

quote:Originally posted by H. John Kohl

I agree with Dick, Check and see what size breaker they put on your Positive lead. I think mine is 80 Amps. I have enough batteries since I boon dock.

With Dick?

[H. John Kohl]

Sorry TOM, Dick or Harry.

[DQDick]

Tom has my proxy When we had the problem Keystone replaced our breaker with and 80amp under warranty. Some older rigs shouldn't have that big a breaker, but the newer ones are wired for it. We just called Keystone Customer service and they approved the replacement under warranty. On the battery side, we started with one and then, when we started to stay in lots overnight while traveling went to two 12v and now that we've gone solar have six 6v.

[Jimmer]

I always stay plugged into Electric until after I get the 5th wheel back onto the truck. Raise or lower the jacks and then unplug.

[rich2118]

When I put the Monty in storage, usually for a few weeks at a time, I turn off the battery disconnect. Generally, when I return to take it out of storage, the batteries are strong enough to operate the level up system. I always hook to my truck before using the level up system, just to give the batteries a bit of help. I don't know if this is doing any good, but I haven't had any problems with the system working.

[Artemus Gordon]

We have always had two deep cycle batteries. I just went to two 6 volt like many others. Always have lots of power for Auto level. I also turn battery switch off, as a back up, to insure we have enough power. Lots of vampires in an RV!

[DonandBonnie]

Might be overkill, but we had room in the battery compartment for two additional batteries. We now have three and have not had a low voltage problem since. Usually when we arrive at a site the first chore is to plug in, even before unhooking. When we leave the last thing after hooking up and raising all jacks is to unplug.

[Joe in Texas]

if you go with 2 - batteries (currently have one - group 24 deep seal)- do you need to change the converter out something stronger?


Thanks

[dieselguy]

No ... just be sure you wire them in correctly depending on whether you go 2 six volt or 2 twelve volt.

[Bill.vannuys]

Perhaps the current battery is old with a low AH rating? Perhaps a bad cell?

My Montana came new with a 75AH 12 Volt battery that frequently gave me low voltage warnings on level up. I recently replaced within 7 months of my purchase with Two 260 AH 6 Volt batteries giving me 260 AH at 12 Volts. Big improvement; no more problems with low voltage. I also built a Volt meter into the battery box, so I have an actual voltage reading. I'm still above 90% after auto-leveling now.

My upgrade pictures are at this location on page 2 & 3 if interested.

http://www.montanaowners.com/forums/...84&whichpage=2

Good luck. I'm very happy with my upgrade.

[Mudchief]

On the newer units they started putting in 50 AMP breakers. I had to change mine out to 80 AMP to fix the problem.

[bigskyjimmy]

I thought all Monty's came with 2 batteries my 2012 did and my 2015 so that is news to me that some of your's came with just 1

[jcurtis934]

Our 2013 came with one puny 12vdc battery as well as with the two 50amp automotive auto reset breakers. Go figure.... john

[Art-n-Marge]

My 2006 rig works fine with a single 12v battery. I did change the 40 amp circuit breaker to dual 40 amp breakers in parallel so that the start/stop process would go away. It is said, the factory does not use this because the specs state that only a single 40 or 50 amp circuit breaker should be suitable. There are too many factors that imply this is not enough, whereby the dual circuit breakeers were the way to go.

If you want details PM or email me. I have a feeling this fix might solve your problem. It's an old problem with an equally effective old solution.