T@B400 Dead Battery

Juszczak

I took delivery of a TAB 400 in August, 2017.  We have taken it out for a total of about 12 weeks, including a two week stretch of dry camping in March with 200 watt solar assist, and another six day stretch in August (with limited solar due to shade).   The 30 amp fuse at the battery blew upon return from the later trip with no other symptoms of trouble.  Things seemed to be working normally after the fuse was replaced, and the battery appeared to take a full charge.  Now the battery is completely discharged after being connected to shore power for several weeks.  The converter seems to be working normally (+13V output).  Has anyone else had a similar problem?

ColoradoJon

I would be concerned about what caused the 30 amp fuse to blow.  You may have another underlying issue that is causing this.  Unfortunately it may be difficult to track down.

Take the battery in and have it tested, and then test your converter to make sure it is providing the correct output voltage.

It's possible that the battery shorted out internally, caused the fuse to blow, and is now just dead.  It happens sometimes

Sharon_is_SAM

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/7259/t-b-400-battery-not-charging-while-on-shore-power

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/5878/400-is-not-operating-at-all-on-battery-power/p1

Please read the attached threads as others have reported this problem.  The first thread refers to the second thread.

Juszczak

I am concerned about the blown fuse.  The battery did not seem to be drawn down enough to cause a charging problem.  I think you may be right about battery failure.  I was going to try charging it with another battery in parallel, but was hoping to hear from Nucamp before getting too far into it.  Removing the battery is a bit of project in itself.

Sharon_is_SAM

I think the answer is to change to a 40 amp fuse and charge the battery via a smart charger.

ColoradoJon

I would never override the manufacturer's safety device without a very good reason.  Increasing to a 40 amp fuse could cause overheating.  Before changing out the fuse definitely check the battery and other systems first.  You don't want to melt any wiring or cause any fires...

Sharon_is_SAM

@ColoradoJon, please read “400 is not operating at all on battery power” above and you will see that a 40 amp fuse is the manufacturer recommendation.  @Juszczak, please call nuCamp for your replacement fuse and wiring.

ColoradoJon

Well that is just crazy.  30 amps from a 12V system is a lot.  You would be hard pressed to find breakers larger than 30 amps in your house!  But with the onboard inverter... I suppose

Ratkity

I have double 20's in my house. That's for the AC and dryer and sump pumps. Before my heavy-up, I had old 15's and a split-box. It was a mess! Now back to the dead battery dilemma....@Juszczak any updates?

atlasb

Nu Camp switched the 30 A fuse to a 40 a circuit breaker for the early 400's.  I contacted Elsie in parts and she sent the new Circuit breaker and  Proper wire.  I moved the sub floor to get to the wire loom for the replacements.  The battery is around 138 pounds just a little under my 140 lbs.  Found it was time to install the door and upper brace for battery removal under the bed.