Dead Batteries

[@jennyjones2729]

i like learning from you because of how humble you are. I appreciate no sarcasm and not patronizing us. You're not an arrogant know it all, and that is a lovely quality in a teacher. TY again!

[@paulontheroad]

Thank you, Jenny ❤️ I just try to remember that no one is born knowing this stuff, or pretty much Any Stuff for that matter.

[@melissaturner4157]

I cannot say how valuable your repair and maintenance videos are…Especially going through your diagnostics!! Thank you, Paul!

[@paulontheroad]

Thank you, Melissa ❤️

[@marilynpewe9608]

Thank you Paul. We like the way you explain things.

[@paulontheroad]

That you, Marilyn ❤️

[@MatthewHowellForrester]

Hope you’re doing well, Paul. Looking forward to the next video and update. 👍

[@jimg2885]

Paul always like your videos and all your knowledge. You being a car guy really helps. Also you are very good at explaining things. I did not know what the minus sign in front of the numbers meant. Now I do. Thanks for explaining that. As the saying goes you learn something everyday. So to me this was a positive day and you were the reason. Thanks again and looks like you are doing well which makes me happy. Take care and be good.

[@paulontheroad]

Thank you, Jim 👍

[@markwoods7237]

Great and educational video Paul, you are a down to earth guy with a lot of educational knowledge. Thanks 👍

[@paulontheroad]

Thank you, Mark 👍

[@madcratebuilder]

I had a rude wakening this week, I've been under the weather for the past month and my truck AGM went flat, in fact down to 3 volts. My so called smart charger thought it was a 6V battery. I had to find my old charger and run that for a few hours to get it to 8V before the smart charger would get smart. Good video, thanks.

[@paulontheroad]

Glad you were able to recover the battery Steven! and I hope you're feeling better 👍

[@timzbel6389]

Thanks Paul! This was a very helpful tutorial and reminded me of why I need to relearn how to use a multimeter properly.

[@paulontheroad]

Thank you, Tim 👍

[@newsigmundfreud3023]

*Very very informative* . Thank you very much. *..Plus your humble attitude naturally.* All is greatly appreciated.

[@michaelbeattie8106]

Love it. All the attitude is gone and the real Paul shines through!!!

[@mikebrooks6126]

Good video Paul, very methodical approach to the issue. I'd make sure and followup on why that switch melted, just to be safe. I'm sure you already know but make sure any component between your battery bank and inverter is rated for the maximum short duration current draw. I like to add an additional 25% just as a safety factor. Stay safe and happy travels.

[@paulontheroad]

Thanks, Mike! Yes, I've been monitoring it daily with a voltage drop test and so far have not seen any rise. My belief is that the switch was the problem. Excessive clearance > High resistance > ultimately ending with a melted switch.

[@paulontheroad]

@@AnX8765 I'm actually looking for a different switch because I no longer trust the one I have. Thank you, Bill

[@robindunn8433]

Thanks

[@bobsmith5533]

I’m guessing the inverter was powered because you were plugged into a 110 source? And it is suppose to keep the batteries charged if the panels do not?

[@paulontheroad]

@@bobsmith5533 Correct, the battery disconnect switch turned out to be the problem. It had internally melted.

[@10lauset]

T-shirt weather, how nice. Here in Edmonton Alberta, it's a little FRIGID. A T-shirt is just the base, then the layers. Winter started very early this year. Have fun in Arizona. Cheers to you.

[@paulontheroad]

Had to look up your weather -7 to 29⁰ Yikes, that is definitely FRIGID 🥶 Stay warm, Laurie

[@matsulli2086]

I can fix things, but I get lost at diagnostics. So keep them coming Paul.

[@paulontheroad]

Thank you, Mat

[@betsybolan8495]

You are one patient guy...and brilliant!

[@paulontheroad]

Thank you, Betsy ❤️

[@markholmes1346]

Hey Paul 👋 and thanks for the information! Glad your up and running and hope your doing well Sir! Keep on rolling! ✌🏼❤️🙏🏼

[@paulontheroad]

Thank you, Mark ❤️

[@holdmybeer2955]

You are most definitely the most technically qualified RV You Tuber I watch. Awesome and thx.

[@Scubaken2022]

Great Video, I learned something I didn’t realize about lithium battery’s. I didn’t know that you could recover them like that :)). Thanks for explaining that.

[@brianmcclure8012]

Great you're up and running again Paul and thanks for the diagnostic tutorial!!

[@paulontheroad]

You're welcome, and thank you! Brian 👍

[@maggie8339]

Great information and explanation! Thank you😊

[@sharoncones5215]

Paul keep up the excellant work. You are appreciated. Thank you!

[@paulontheroad]

Thank you, Sharon ❤️

[@omavicmcmurray2893]

I always wanted you to teach your craft! Thanks Paul! Please keep them coming!

[@harold-miller]

Glad you got it figured out, Paul! With the amount of current that those disconnect switches handle, I decided to go with quality disconnects from Blue Sea Systems for my LiFePO4 battery system. I had those exact Amazon disconnects with my old single lead acid setup but I just didn’t feel comfortable pumping 200+ amps through them, even when they were rated for it on their paper.

[@vpelleri1]

Great troubleshooting video. Thank you, Paul.

[@katherineb.3140]

Paul I like how you explain things. Sorry that this happened to you but am glad you found out the issue. Thank you for another helpful video. 👍👍

[@ataglance556]

Hey Paul another informative and easy to understand video, thanks for the upload, and I agree with Mark, you look well today, keep it up and until the next one stay safe, stay awesome out there Paul 😊👋

[@paulontheroad]

Thank you, Ata Glance 👍

[@ataglance556]

@@paulontheroad You are very welcome bud 🙂👋

[@theturnersontheroad4537]

Paul, your learning curve on Videography is expanding in leaps and bounds... I hope to soon fumble my way on my channel in the near future as elegantly as you do.

[@paulontheroad]

If I can do it then you surely can. Thank you, The Turners ❤️

[@theturnersontheroad4537]

@@paulontheroad I've uploaded some sample videos just practicing how to get them on here. I'll let you know when we upload our first official video. Thank for the encouragement 🙏 ☺️ 😜

[@StepvanDan]

Thank you Paul,big hugs from MN

[@paulontheroad]

Thank you, Dan 👍

[@King-hl9vp]

Thank you so much Paul for teaching us. Take care!

[@daleperry5645]

Nice video and so much more useful information than sitting there holding the old hags hand agreeing with her and forcing yourself to smile. I have an old Simpson Electric meter and the thing is nuts on accurate with the needle and the glass viewing window. I have used it many times through the years!

[@paulontheroad]

We used Simpson Multimeters in the engineering lab at work. They're one of, if not The best meters out there for accuracy Thank you, Dale

[@damarissanchez9040]

Thank you for sharing. Very helpful for someone like me…who nontechnical.

[@paulontheroad]

You're welcome, Damaris. Thank you for watching.

[@knutblaise9437]

So great to see you again. Consider asking Liz to include a link to your channel in the video description when you left. I think the one where she said things didn't work out was October 14. Anyway I've subscribed and look forward to your continued content.

[@vtjmproductionsusa2390]

Real good video Paul, 👍 a lot of good information that can really help the novice. Keep up the great work. 👍

[@brianchisnell1548]

Ohm my gosh Paul. A positive result from a negative problem. 'Got a charge from this! Stay grounded buddy!

[@paulontheroad]

Good one Brian, I can hardly wait for your response to the video on lug nuts I'm about to do 😛

[@brianchisnell1548]

@@paulontheroad Aahhaahhaa

[@flaxjimdiaz9989]

Another great video Paul, I love your videos. You are an excellent communicator. I'm not smart like you, so I use a portable bluetti system for my teardrop trailer. As always, looking forward to your next video...........safe travels.

[@HolyGuacamole2173]

Paul is THE MAN

[@paulontheroad]

Thanks, Holy Guacamole

[@bcb912]

Interesting Thanksgiving! You are very knowledgeable and I am learning from you all the time. Thank you for that! Keep on truckin Paul! (I think I just aged myself!)

[@ritameek3353]

Wow, your right at home fixing things. Thanks for sharing this with us. 👍🏼😁

[@paulontheroad]

Thank you, Rita ❤️

[@craigkim5995]

Appreciate the video Paul! I'm also a DIY'er and this looks to be faulty equipment - from the video is looked beefy enough to handle the load (of course I don't know the details of your power system). I guess this goes to show that you shouldn't take anything for granted and to inspect your equipment often. Thanks again.

[@Sarah-zv9ug]

If I were living and traveling in an RV I would want to follow you. Not only because you are such a nice guy but you are smart too 😉

[@paulontheroad]

You're Too Nice! Thank you, Sarah ❤️

[@meaself]

Wow, your subscribers have multiplied like bunny rabbits! That's wonderful. You woke up to a different kind of turkey, but it surely has helped a lot of people with your tutorial, and you got a happy ending. You do have a wonderful manner about you with your explanations and with helping people. I hope you did get some edible turkey on Thanksgiving as well. I cannot be helped with it as I have only a car and it goes to the mechanic when something happens...another way of saying I have no knowledge in this area and will never have a van. i do enjoy the videos of those who travel the van life! Best wishes!

[@paulontheroad]

Thank you, Mea Self I have been truly blessed by viewers like you ❤️

[@delanomiller]

Thank you Paul for another great video. Hope your doing well. God bless.

[@meseahunt]

i guess for me the biggest part that was missing was; what led you to take the cap off of the disconnect to check it for ???, and what was the cause of the power surge to blow it??? thanks for the video and hope you are enjoying the warmth out west 🤠

[@paulontheroad]

Hey Devil Dog, I was looking for the reason the batteries weren't getting charged and as soon as I saw the excessive voltage drop at that switch I knew it had to be melted internally. Sadly that part of the diagnostics was lost due to an SD card malfunction in the camera. Semper Fi 🇺🇸👍

[@harleygrit5358]

Very informative video Paul. Thanks ! Keep them coming!

[@paulontheroad]

Thank you, Harley Grit 👍

[@cuorips]

Hi, great job! My dishwasher's motherboard will not operate, and I have been YouTubing it all morning. I wish I had your patience and know-how right now. But I will get it done!

[@paulontheroad]

You can do it, Catherine just be methodical about it.

[@tonyafromgeorgia3519]

Ohhhh, go information for week end Rvers!! Thank u

[@paulontheroad]

Thank you, Tonya 👍

[@Eagle10300]

You da Man Paul ! Informative and look forward to your videos! Keep ‘em coming!👍👍👍

[@paulontheroad]

Thank you, Dale 👍

[@merryanitagreen]

Sorry to hear your Thanksgiving got off to a challenging start. It surely comes across you have a good brain and have the ability to be patient!! I have enjoyed all your videos and look forward to another food one. You strike me as a man that could make a nice Italian meal?!?

[@TG-ss4he]

Good work Paul !

[@paulontheroad]

Thank you, T G 👍

[@pennyhinders339]

I Also love listening to and watching the videos. Thank you best of life going forward

[@paulontheroad]

Thank you, Penny ❤️

[@erod6214]

Glad you’re back.

[@paulontheroad]

Thank you, E Rod 👍

[@michaeldonker4656]

Thanks Paul for the battery testing advice hope u had a awesome thanksgiving 😊

[@gailresources3970]

Great video, Paul!

[@paulontheroad]

Thank You, Gail

[@annietaylorsmith3876]

Glad you're up and running again. Happy Thanksgiving Paul. Hope you're doing well.

[@scottyshields9876]

Thanks Paul. I have a to start making of list of things to bring with me I can see this happening to me.

[@andrewzenn1719]

After buying a lot of those harbor freight voltmeters, I would get them again. The leads on them are really thin, and often break. Get a $20 voltmeter from Amazon or Lowe's or anywhere else. Get one that had a buzz for continuity, and possibly backlit.

[@paulontheroad]

Thank you, Andrew. You're right about the small wire gauge on that cheap HF multimeter. But I used to give those away to the techs when I would visit a dealership for some easily diagnosed electrical problem. Often I would find the Fluke in their toolbox to be inoperable for various reasons and I would leave one of the $6 DVOMs with them and tell them, 'until you get yours fixed or replaced, use this'.

[@paulparadis916]

Hi Paul, The switch is the results of what failed. Try hooking up the DVM in series with the Positive line so you can read the current. I think you had a current spike which could have fried the switch. Watch the meter under a max load and see if there is too much current for the switch. Use a safety margin of 20%. Best of luck.

[@jofrazier-hansen4097]

👍good to know. I, myself am hopeless with electrical engineering concepts. All I know is voltage is how fast the electricity moves, and that resistance stops the movement.

[@r_keeferjr]

Very good info. Just in case this happens to my camper thanks Paul 😊

[@paulontheroad]

Thank you, Rodney 👍

[@edwardcleveringa6842]

Hey Paul, I have a 2014 GMC Acadia with 76500 miles, I say to myself everyday I need a new battery and serpentine belt! Thanks for the video! Take care buddy

[@paulontheroad]

What are you waiting for Edward 😉👍

[@edwardcleveringa6842]

My mom has Alzheimer's, it makes the simplest things very hard. We went together for an oil change/ tire rotation and it wasn't easy! I will be getting the battery, your video was a great eye opener. When your car doesn't start, it's the worst! Thanks again for your videos. Stay safe

[@paulontheroad]

@@edwardcleveringa6842 Yep, even I get a little stressed when this stuff happens. 👍 And my condolences for your mom, I had a few people in my family with Alzheimer's and it's a horrible disease. 🙏❤️

[@martyvanduzer9263]

Happy holidays Paul.

[@paulontheroad]

Thank you and Happy Holidays to you Marty!

[@rayduke7433]

Great explanation, Thank You

[@nonaloeffler308]

Good job explaining that I glade you got it all worked out. happy travels..

[@williamboyer8861]

Thanks, Paul!!! Excellent video!😊

[@paulontheroad]

Thank you, William 👍

[@rickblanchette]

Thanks Paul. I would be verifying the amperage rating of the switch. To fail it had to have gotten overloaded.

[@paulontheroad]

Yes, a very important spec that I should have mentioned; it's rated to 275A Thanks, Rick

[@cherjohnson5807]

Thank you Paul👍

[@paulontheroad]

You're welcome and thank you, Cher

[@tuvia4082]

Great video Paul, keep up the good work.

[@paulontheroad]

Thank you, Tuvia 👍

[@davelauraphillips8814]

The voltage drop method only works if current is passing through the device (switch in this case). Higher current results in higher voltage drop. If there is little or no current flow, then there will be little or no voltage drop. Measuring resistance is a better test for a degraded switch. Remember - NEVER connect a meter set to measure resistance (ohms) in a live circuit. The meter sources a DC voltage when the resistance function is selected. You will not get a proper resistance reading and you may damage your meter if connected to a live circuit. So, disconnect the switch from the circuit, measure the voltage to verify there is no power at the switch, then measure the resistance. While measuring the resistance, cycle the switch from on to off a few times. The restance for switch OFF should be "OL". The resistance for switch "ON" should be very low, much less than 1 ohm. EDIT - if the "ON" resistance changes, especially if it goes down, after a few cycles of the switch, then the switch should be replaced. OBTW - I (Dave) have used the voltage drop method as part of my job (calibration lab technician). Hope this helps.

[@paulontheroad]

Thanks Dave. Yes I explained that the circuit needs to be under load for the test to be valid. I also talked about only using the Ohm test with the switch disconnected but then proceeded to do it with the switch in the circuit, albeit unloaded. Thanks for the critique, I really appreciate it. 👍

[@davelauraphillips8814]

@@paulontheroad I intend it as constructive feedback. I simply wanted to add emphasis and clarifying information to your points. IMHO there are technical aspects of electrical troubleshooting that are easy to miss for novices. OBTW - glad to hear that you are getting help from the VA. My dad had great help from them for several years before he passed away recently at 89.

[@paulontheroad]

@@davelauraphillips8814 Yes you make very valid points and I truly appreciate it 👍

[@debbieseitz5979]

Thanks Paul great Video could be what is wrong with my solar battery's. Hope your enjoying your trip stay safe.

[@robertahinde9656]

Thanks Paul for the informative video, your looking good.

[@phototristan]

Thanks Paul! I learned some stuff.

[@paulontheroad]

Thank you, Phototristan!

[@donaldlajeunesse1455]

Thanks Paul good video.

[@davidgutwirth5053]

Thanks Paul!

[@paulontheroad]

You're welcome and thank you, David 👍

[@jackieschneider7354]

This is way over my head, but I do watch over my sons shoulder when he helps me so basically I was hanging over your shoulder watching😂.

[@Julian-do7bv]

I got a great deal on a really nice volt meter from a local auction it was in a box lot was brand new but missing the leads I paid $4 for the lot and bought a seat of leads for $10 and from what ive found on line its about $175 new so I was so happy to notice it in the box lol but a cheap meter will work just fine for this kind of stuff

[@MylilgirlC]

Good to see you Paul.👍

[@Markpatrickrich]

I like those predator generators in your storage

[@paulontheroad]

They sure come in handy! Thank you, Mark

[@Markpatrickrich]

@@paulontheroadI’m praying for you hope you’re feeling better finding some peace and some happiness and fun 🙏🏼❤️🤙🏼 safe travels

[@paulontheroad]

@@Markpatrickrich Thank you, Mark Life is Good 🙏❤️

[@craigroberson8757]

I saw that lithium setup and was completely surprised, because you don't see failure of that degree with lithium batteries. The switch should never have failed in that fashion. The amount of energy going through it should never have been that high. Thanks for the video, fascinating, I have seen a bunch of this kind of set up and it is very interesting.

[@bryanblack7828]

Thank you! That information is valuable.appreciate you sharing this information.

[@vtmkb]

Great information. Thanks Paul.

[@paulontheroad]

Thank you, Michael 👍

[@RamTrucks590]

I had a similar thing happen to me while camping this summer. The inverter went bad. Luckily I carry a battery charger and was able to connect it to keep the batteries charged until I could replace the inverter.

[@wanderingstar5673]

Enjoyed the video.

[@paulontheroad]

Thank you, WanderingStar 👍

[@mgv00]

Sorry that this happened. That generator is pretty quiet.

[@paulontheroad]

Yes, I was shocked the first time I fired up the Gen. The 3500 I have (this one is a 2k) is just as quiet. Thanks Mark 👍

[@cmcavoy100]

Good instructional video. On a different note. How do you view your cameras when away from the rv?

[@paulontheroad]

Thank you! I view my cameras via an app on my phone.

[@cmcavoy100]

@Paul On The Road Do you have a router involved? I installed the Super Circuits system and at home at least I can see the cameras on Guard Live. Not sure it will work once we shove off

[@paulontheroad]

@@cmcavoy100 That's the app I use and it depends on how good the WiFi is when traveling. We only had one place where it wasn't fast enough to see the cameras remotely. And whether you can look at them or not, they're always recording on the interface.

[@cmcavoy100]

@@paulontheroad Do you have a router used in conjunction with the dvr? I had to use the WPS button at home to marry my eternity adapter, which isn't a router.

[@greginemerald]

Great stuff Paul, Thanks !

[@paulontheroad]

Thank you, Greg 👍

[@deb6061]

Another interesting video to watch. I think you broke my brain on this one. LOL Stay safe out there. 😀

[@jeannealex2560]

Hi paul..good info..thanks....stay safe...J&A

[@paulontheroad]

Thank you, Jeanne & Alex 👍

[@LateBrake54]

Paul, informative and understandable. But the one question I would still have is why the switch melted in the first place?

[@paulontheroad]

I think it was just a bad switch. Excessive clearance >. High resistance > heat > melt. I'm monitoring it daily with the voltage drop test just to make sure it's not happening again. I'm also looking for a Better switch because I don't trust this one anymore. Thank you, LateBrake 👍

[@valleyc]

@@paulontheroad My exact question also, Paul, Thanks for the concise, informative videos!

[@kimkrebs451]

Thanks for sharing.

[@coreymerritt7742]

Great video Paul you have probably checked the disconnect switch for maximum amp pass thru I’m not sure what it is rated for thanks 😊

[@paulontheroad]

The switch is rated for 275 Amps and there's no way the inverter could be passing more than 80 Amps, (probably less) so I'm looking for an alternative switch. Thank you, Corey 👍

[@leoahearn7382]

Go Paul Go!

[@paulontheroad]

Thank you, Leo 👍

[@juliefisher3927]

Great video. What do you set on meter on.

[@paulontheroad]

DC 200mv scale, except when I tested the batteries, then it was DC 20v Scale. Great question, Thank you, Julie

[@memawnethers14]

Thanks Paul for this video !!

[@stancole5833]

Thanks for sharing Paul. Sorry this problem interrupted your Thanksgiving.

[@haalgaard3604]

lol @ 4:56! Thanks Paul! Great teacher!

[@paulontheroad]

Thank you, Haalgaard 🤪

[@cathyhann7957]

Thanks for sharing

[@johndavid9633]

Hi Paul Great clip and info 👍

[@dorothytokarczyk2644]

Thanks for the great lesson

[@kittykat999a]

I just purchased a Black Friday deal on a Lithium Iron Phosphate 100 amp hour battery, and a lithium charger, it should be here in a few days. I’m going to get some solar panels and the other components after January. Could you do a video explaining the components of your solar system and battery bank? That’d be awesome. Thank you.

[@opheliabee143]

You are so helpful! Thank you!

[@kc8aro66]

Walker short bread cookies, yummy….I’m still collecting my parts for expanding solar. I need new batteries, but mine are still working, but new are on the horizon for sure

[@paulontheroad]

Cookies 😋 I need to get additional panels and batteries if I ever want to do more dry camping. Currently have 800 w on the roof and 500 Ah in the battery bank. Good luck with your setup, KC8ARO 👍

[@stevendunn264]

To trickle charge from the inverter do you have to switch off the solar or will it charge from both at the same time.

[@paulontheroad]

My understanding is they work in concert with each other, however if I'm dry camping w/ no 120v input then just the solar panels are providing the charge. Great question, Thank you Steven 👍