cgallamore Posted April 25, 2012 Share Posted April 25, 2012 Third set of batteries in a yearThis set is less than 2 month, at least one bad maybe more Quote http://www.bigmacktrucks.com/uploads/1272400769/gallery_4852_794_314995.jpg Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/24724-batteries-r-killing-me/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
slpwlker Posted April 25, 2012 Share Posted April 25, 2012 What do you run? Are you leaving something on? Something running you might not realise or think nothing about? with all I run mine average 1.5 to 2 years after that it is only a matter of time before it won't start. How long do you sit with the truck off inverter on? is your alternator good? Idk just throwing questions out there. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/24724-batteries-r-killing-me/#findComment-116054 Share on other sites More sharing options...
cgallamore Posted April 25, 2012 Author Share Posted April 25, 2012 Inverter, tv, printer, laptop, fridge, coffee pot, dome lights, phone charger,I usually start it every 12hrs or so. But went about 30hrs this time. Quote http://www.bigmacktrucks.com/uploads/1272400769/gallery_4852_794_314995.jpg Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/24724-batteries-r-killing-me/#findComment-116063 Share on other sites More sharing options...
slpwlker Posted April 25, 2012 Share Posted April 25, 2012 probably just ran them to far down. I start mine every 10 to 12 hours let it run for an hour or so. fridge,dome light if needed,printer if needed,was cooking but the inverter doesn't like the big skillet and the generator is off the truck. 2 computers. probably more but can't remember. usually start the truck in the morning to charge and make coffee. they draw alot Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/24724-batteries-r-killing-me/#findComment-116064 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lmackattack Posted April 25, 2012 Share Posted April 25, 2012 1997 IH 380,000 miles on the 3rd set and this last set has lasted about 6 years and still going. they are mfg by "workhorse" amazing! truck has no fridge or T.V. etc... just start and drive it Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/24724-batteries-r-killing-me/#findComment-116065 Share on other sites More sharing options...
MACKS Posted April 25, 2012 Share Posted April 25, 2012 I don't know anything about long haul trucks,just wondering if you guys can plug into ac power when the truck is parked for a day or so? Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/24724-batteries-r-killing-me/#findComment-116090 Share on other sites More sharing options...
umodelnut Posted April 26, 2012 Share Posted April 26, 2012 Ye ol' U of mine almost didnt start. We crancked it, cold start like 2 days in a row. Then I shut it down and the low air buzzer was still on. I thought that was weird. Then I started it a few minutes later and it turned over for a few seconds then started. So Papa told me to let him get in there. I was jealous cause he got to rev it up. I like reving it with the hand throttle!!!! The belt squeaks and I hear my Ol' 237 Maxidyne Bark Like A Bulldog!!! Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/24724-batteries-r-killing-me/#findComment-116114 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olivetroad Posted April 26, 2012 Share Posted April 26, 2012 Third set of batteries in a yearThis set is less than 2 month, at least one bad maybe moreIs there any warranty on them at all? Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/24724-batteries-r-killing-me/#findComment-116115 Share on other sites More sharing options...
DCR Posted April 26, 2012 Share Posted April 26, 2012 Chassis batteries are not designed for the prolonged use they are getting. Their purpose is to provide a sudden burst of power to turn the engine and then be recharged. You are using them as a recreation vehicle battery and they will not perform. My Prevost bus, which is a motorhome, has four group 31 batteries just for chassis use. For the house batteries, there are six huge 8D batteries. Most motorhomes are set up this way - batteries for the chassis and a separate set for the house. You are using the chassis batteries for house use, tv, coffee pot, printer, chargers, inverters, etc and they will not last. You might try reducing the charge intervals from 12 hours to 3 to 4 hours. Just my 2 cents worth. Quote Denny330-550-6020A "Mack Pack" Charter Member Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/24724-batteries-r-killing-me/#findComment-116134 Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Posted April 26, 2012 Share Posted April 26, 2012 Didn't we have this discussion about two months ago? Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/24724-batteries-r-killing-me/#findComment-116150 Share on other sites More sharing options...
theakerstwo Posted April 26, 2012 Share Posted April 26, 2012 You need a deep cycle battery when you are letting it discharge that much and then charge at a fast rate.Anormal battery will not last long at the rate your talking about. Quote glenn akers Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/24724-batteries-r-killing-me/#findComment-116154 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mack 3P Posted April 26, 2012 Share Posted April 26, 2012 I assume you have dual boxes, four batteries. Nearly all CHU's with a sleeper are 4 battery. -If you have a single L/S box you could have too much voltage drop. Consider adding another positive cable from the starter to batt box. We do that on GU's when the box is back on the left side.-Do you have a disconnect switch? Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/24724-batteries-r-killing-me/#findComment-116158 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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