T@B400 Dead Battery

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?

Comments

  • ColoradoJon
    ColoradoJon Posts: 415
    edited October 2018
    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 :)
    Jon & Angela | Florissant Colorado | 2017 Outback S
  • Sharon_is_SAM
    Sharon_is_SAM Posts: 10,035
    edited October 2018
    Sharon / 2017 T@B CSS / 2015 Toyota Sienna Minivan / Westlake, Ohio
  • 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
    Sharon_is_SAM Posts: 10,035
    I think the answer is to change to a 40 amp fuse and charge the battery via a smart charger.
    Sharon / 2017 T@B CSS / 2015 Toyota Sienna Minivan / Westlake, Ohio
  • 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...
    Jon & Angela | Florissant Colorado | 2017 Outback S
  • Sharon_is_SAM
    Sharon_is_SAM Posts: 10,035
    @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.
    Sharon / 2017 T@B CSS / 2015 Toyota Sienna Minivan / Westlake, Ohio
  • ColoradoJon
    ColoradoJon Posts: 415
    edited October 2018
    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 :)


    Jon & Angela | Florissant Colorado | 2017 Outback S
  • Ratkity
    Ratkity Posts: 3,770
    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?
    2017 820R Retro Toy Hauler from 2015 Tabitha T@B from 2009 Reverse LG Teardrop (but a T@Bluver at heart)
  • atlasb
    atlasb Posts: 584
    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.
    2018 T@B 400, 2017 Nissan Titan Crew cab