Roadtrek batteries are popular in the RV industry because they’re reliable and compatible with most RVs. However, even though most people have positive experiences with these batteries, people encounter some problems.
The most common problem people face with Roadtrek batteries is them not charging while driving. Unfortunately, determining the reason why your Roadtrek battery is not charging can be a difficult task.
Please continue reading to learn everything you need about fixing your Roadtrek battery when it doesn’t charge. In addition, walking through our troubleshooting guide will assist you with any common problems with these RV batteries.
When Do Roadtrek Batteries Charge?
Your Roadtrek RV battery is supposed to charge while you drive. Unfortunately, if you don’t drive your RV for an extended time, you might need help turning your vehicle on. It’s common practice for RV drivers to only use their vehicles seasonally. However, they must turn their vehicles on and drive them to maintain their battery life.
Some people falsely assume they don’t have to worry about the battery draining if they don’t use their RV. If you go all season without driving your RV anywhere, you’re more likely to encounter a dead battery. Even when you’re not using your RV, you need to charge the batteries, or else they will die.
Charging your battery while you drive isn’t exclusive to Roadtrek RV batteries. Anytime you drive a battery-operated vehicle, you need to turn it on and drive it around to keep your battery life active. Understanding basic battery maintenance will take a long way when using Roadtrek batteries.
How To Fix Roadtrek Battery Not Charging?
Unfortunately, even if you drive your RV around like you’re supposed to, there’s a chance your Roadtrek batteries won’t charge properly. Determining the cause of your battery malfunction is the most important aspect of finding a resolution. If you never find the cause of your non-charging battery, it’ll be difficult to fix this problem.
Below, we will discuss the most common reasons your Roadtrek battery isn’t charging and what you can do to fix these problems. Some of these issues require a professional for assistance, but most of them you can resolve independently. In addition, you’ll save plenty of money on service fees when you fix battery problems without a mechanic.
1. Separator Malfunction
If you have a faulty battery separator, it’s impossible to run the Roadtrek like you’re supposed to. So instead, follow the steps below to identify if there’s anything wrong with your battery separator.
- Use a voltmeter to check your power supply.
- Consult your user manual for a replacement separator
- Purchase a replacement and have a professional install it
Replacing your separator will be a more affordable option than replacing the entire battery. Unfortunately, RV batteries are more expensive than other vehicle batteries because they offer more power supply.
2. Poor Battery Connections
A poor battery connection is one of the most common reasons your Roadtrek battery stops charging while you drive. If you drive your RV over bumpy terrain, you’ve likely jostled your connections loose, and you need to reconnect them. Follow the steps below to check and resolve any of your battery connection issues.
- Check your Roadtrek battery for any faulty or damaged wires
- Gently tug on the wires to ensure they are secure in their connection points
- Remove any debris that gets in the way of your wiring
- Pushing the wires to their connection points further
- Replaced any damaged parts throughout your wiring
Another reason you can experience poor battery connection is that the weather conditions on the road have eroded your materials. RV batteries are built to withstand several weather conditions, but some situations make it difficult for your battery connections to remain. Fortunately, you can replace the wires for a low price.
3. Alternator Problems
If your Roadtrek battery doesn’t charge, it could be due to a faulty alternator. Your battery relies on your alternator for all its charging needs, so when something goes wrong in this area, it’s important to resolve it. Follow the steps below to diagnose and resolve your alternator problems in your RV.
- Use a multimeter to check for any problems
- Ensure that the multimeter reads 12 volts
- Turn on your RV engine
- Reapply the multimeter with the engine on
- Ensure that the voltage now reads14 or 15 volts
- Purchase a new alternator if the reading is anything else
Many RV enthusiasts own a generator or a solar panel system for their RVs. Even though it’s common practice to use this system to power appliances, you can also use this system to charge your battery.
A generator charging system is not a permanent resolution to a malfunctioning alternator, but it can temporarily resolve your problem when you’re in a pinch. Unfortunately, people usually encounter battery problems at the worst times during their travels. You might not have access to a mechanic or a new battery immediately.
4. Expired Battery
Your Roadtrek battery should last around ten years even if you drive your RV full time. However, this time span can vary based on how well you maintain your RV.
For example, if you leave it to set too long, you will kill your batteries sooner rather than later. Therefore, it’s vital to your battery life that you drive your RV even during the offseason.
Taking your RV around the block for a spin once every month for at least 10 minutes should help you maintain your battery life. However, the more often you drive your RV, and the better off your battery life will remain. RV batteries are built to last as long as you take great care of them and use your RV often.
If your RV battery is at the end of its lifespan, you’ll need to replace it, and there’s no way around this situation. Your battery replacement can be expensive, but there’s no way to repair a battery that doesn’t charge. So your battery not charging strongly indicates that you need a replacement.
If you wait too long to replace your RV battery, you could end up in a situation where you’re stranded. It would be best to always keep jumper cables in your RV to prevent yourself from getting stuck in a tricky situation.
These jumper cables can provide enough electricity to your battery to get you to a mechanic.
When To Purchase New Materials
The hardware inside your RV is not built to last forever; your battery is included in this. Therefore, if your battery is not charging, you may need to purchase new materials to resolve this issue. Pay attention to the following situation to know when to purchase new materials for your RV.
- You notice the wires that connect your battery to your RV are worn out
- Your RV battery is over ten years old
- Your voltmeter indicates that your alternator isn’t working anymore
You can purchase new material from any automobile shop that accommodates RV batteries. You should purchase these materials online if you don’t have any in your area. Consult your RV manual before purchasing to ensure you purchase the correct size.
If you purchase the wrong materials for your RV, it could lead to further battery charging complications. Pay close attention to your user manual, so you buy the right alternator, battery replacement, and wires for your engine.
When To Visit a Mechanic
Sometimes resolving your battery charging issues independently can be a difficult task. If you walk through our guide and still experience issues with your Roadtrek battery, it would be best to visit a mechanic for further assistance. The following are signs that you should visit a mechanic to help you with your battery charging problems.
- You have a harder time maintaining your battery life, depending on the season. This is the first sign that you’re wearing your Roadtrek RV battery out.
- You can’t turn your RV on after you leave it alone during the offseason. You may need to tell your vehicle to a nearby mechanic for help.
- You have multiple things wrong with your RV, and you need assistance with all of them. Visiting a mechanic can help you knock these problems out of the way so that you can enjoy your next road trip.
Whenever you have concerns about your RV battery performance, it would be best to visit a mechanic for help. Unfortunately, when multiple things go wrong with the RV simultaneously, it can be difficult to find a resolution.
Final Thoughts
If your Roadtrek battery isn’t charging, it would be best to check your battery connections before following any other maintenance suggestions. It’s common for battery connections to become loose while you drive, especially if you’re on bumpy terrain. RV’s must encounter several situations that can cause connections to loosen.
If you continue to experience problems with your RV battery after checking our resolutions, you may need to replace it. Most RV batteries last ten years, but this time can fluctuate depending on how well you maintain your vehicle. You should drive your vehicle at least once a month, even if you don’t plan a road trip.
My Battery Disconnect is not coming on. Even though one of my EkoTreks is lit, I thought maybe there was not enough of a charge so I drove it around for an hour. Battery Disconnect still not coming on. I plugged the van into shore power and still nothing from the inverter (or battery disconnect). It doesn’t appear that the battery management system is doing anything. (no blinking lights). Everything worked a month ago. I just don’t know where to start right now.