Timberleaf Trailer Battery Troubleshooting & Maintenance Guide

All models, 2016–present

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Which Battery Do I Have?

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A. AGM Battery Maintenance & Common Issues (2016–2022 and some 2021–2022)

1. AGM Battery Basics

• AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) batteries are sealed, spill-proof lead-acid batteries with moderate weight and no maintenance required.

• Expected lifespan: 3–5 years with proper use.

2. Troubleshooting AGM Batteries

Symptom: No power, weak power, or rapid voltage drop.

• Check connections:
  Ensure terminals are tight and corrosion-free.

• Inspect fuse panel:
  Look for blown fuses between battery and power center.

• Measure voltage:

  • Full: 12.6–12.8V

  • 50%: 12.2V

  • Below 12.0V: Needs recharge

• Worn-out battery:
  If your battery drops below 12.0V quickly after a full charge, replacement is likely needed.

• Long-term storage drain:
  Parasitic draws (like CO/LP detectors, voltmeters) will slowly discharge an AGM if left unused.

3. AGM Maintenance Tips

• Keep charged: Avoid dropping below 12.0V for long periods.

• Use a trickle charger: AGM batteries can be safely maintained with a simple automotive trickle charger during storage. Never use a trickle charger on lithium batteries.

• No water needed: Do not open or add water.

• Winter storage: Disconnect battery, store in a cool dry place, and top up charge every 1–2 months if not in use.

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B. Lithium (LiFePO4) Batteries: Troubleshooting & Care (2021–present)

1. Lithium Battery Brands & Models

• 2021–2022: Battleborn 100Ah

• Q2 2022–Q2 2023: Dakota 60Ah, 105Ah (Dakota only for 105Ah)

• Q1/Q2 2024–Q4 2024: Epoch 60Ah, 100Ah, 300Ah (no more Dakota)

• Q2 2025–present: Interstate 60Ah/100Ah (base), Epoch 300Ah (upgrade), both 100Ah, no 105Ah

2. Troubleshooting Lithium Batteries

Symptom: No power, won’t charge, or charging cuts off.

• Check all connections for tightness and cleanliness.

• Monitor for error codes:
  Many modern lithiums (Epoch, Dakota) offer Bluetooth apps to read battery status or errors.

• Measure voltage:

  • Full: 13.3–13.4V

  • Below 12.5V: Needs charging soon

  • If battery reads 0V, the BMS may have protected the battery. Disconnect loads/chargers for 5–10 min and reconnect a charger to reset.

• BMS (Battery Management System) trips:
  Lithium batteries will disconnect internally if over-discharged, charged in freezing temps, or if high current/voltage faults are detected.

• Charging in cold:

  • Do not charge most lithium batteries below 32°F (0°C). Some batteries (Epoch 300) have built-in heaters, but most will not accept a charge and may be damaged.

  • Warm the battery to above freezing before charging.

• Lithium battery appears “dead”:
  Internal BMS has shut down for protection. Disconnect all loads and briefly connect a charger to reactivate.

3. Lithium Maintenance Tips

• No trickle charger: Never use a lead-acid trickle charger for lithium batteries. Only use chargers designed for LiFePO4.

• Charging/storage: Store lithium batteries at about 50–70% charge if unused for months; check every 6 months.

• Long life: With proper care, lithium batteries should last 8–10 years or longer.

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C. Charger Settings, Modes, and Correct Charging Voltage

1. Progressive Dynamics Power Centers: LI/LA Switch

• Timberleaf trailers use Progressive Dynamics PD4000/4100 series power centers.

• LI/LA switch:

  • LI: Use for lithium (LiFePO4) batteries.

  • LA: Use for AGM or other lead-acid batteries.

• Setting the correct mode ensures your batteries charge at the safest, most effective voltage.

2. Recommended Charging Voltages

• Trickle chargers:

  • Can be used for AGMs (maintains charge at low voltage).

  • Never use on lithium batteries—can cause damage or unsafe conditions.

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D. Universal Battery Troubleshooting

• Check all main fuses and breakers between battery and power center.

• Inspect wiring for chafing, loose connections, or corrosion.

• Look for signs of corrosion on battery terminals; clean as needed.

• Watch for parasitic draw: Even when parked, devices like detectors or voltmeters may slowly discharge your battery.

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E. Battery Glossary (Plain English)

• AGM:
  Absorbed Glass Mat—a sealed, maintenance-free lead-acid battery.

• Lithium (LiFePO4):
  Lithium Iron Phosphate—a lightweight, deep-cycle, long-life battery chemistry; must be charged above freezing unless stated otherwise.

• BMS (Battery Management System):
  The electronics inside lithium batteries that protect from overcharge, over-discharge, or charging in unsafe temperatures.

• SoC (State of Charge):
  Battery’s “fuel gauge” expressed as a percentage (%).

• Current (Amps, A):
  The amount of electrical flow (how much power is moving).

• Voltage (Volts, V):
  The system’s “pressure.” Full AGM is 12.6–12.8V; full lithium is 13.3–13.4V.

• Amp-hour (Ah):
  Measurement of capacity—how much energy the battery holds.

• Float/Boost/Trickle:

  • Float: Holding/maintenance voltage (13.6V for AGM).

  • Boost: Higher voltage to quickly bring battery up to full (14.4–14.6V).

  • Trickle: Very low, continuous charge for storage (safe for AGM, not for lithium).

• LI/LA Switch:
  Selector on Progressive Dynamics chargers: LI = lithium; LA = lead-acid (including AGM).

• Parasitic Draw:
  Tiny electrical loads that drain your battery slowly, even when you’re not using anything on purpose.

• BMS Lockout:
  When the battery’s protection circuit disconnects power, often due to over-discharge, freezing, or a fault.

• Charger Profile:
  The programmed charging settings that match your battery’s chemistry and needs.

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F. Quick Reference Table

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Need More Help?

• Note your battery brand, model, and size.

• Take photos of your battery and charger panel.

• Contact Timberleaf support for help—we’re happy to walk you through troubleshooting, upgrades, or replacement.