Battery help

[Luckyc1423]

I am going to be purchasing a used 5th wheel from an individual.

It is a 2016 dutchmen denali 316res.

This will be my first rv, so definitely my first 5th wheel so I apologize for the stupid question.

We have been looking for almost a year and finally found a good deal. Most of the ones we have looked at in the past have a battery tray in the front compartment with an inverted so you can open slides and power the refrigerator when you are not hooked up to shore power.

Well when I was going through this rv there was no battery tray and I didn't see any batteries anywhere. Do 5th wheels sometimes come without batteries? If so, how do you open slides and keep the refrigerator on while towing the fifth wheel so your "cold goods" don't go bad when not hooked up to shore power?

The fifth wheel is in great shape and we love it. The previous owners used it full time for two months so they never had a need for batteries (always hooked to shore power) and when I mentioned it they told me they didn't think it had batteries.

[wahoonc]

Welcome to the forums!

It should have batteries (or at least one) somewhere. For 12 volt items to work they really need a battery in the system along with the converter. Unless the unit has a residential style fridge it should run on gas when you switch off power. It will still need the 12 volts from the battery to power the control board.

Hopefully someone on here has a similar model and can clue you in as to where the battery is. On most fifth wheels it is in one of the front storage compartments, typically the one at the very front.

Aaron

[Tanman]

you might try looking for a small vent. usually the battery is mounted in a case and the case cover is vented to the outside. If thats a no go like others stated its usually in the front. Open the front cover and look up inside for wiring and / or electronics. see if you see battery terminal connections. That 5th wheel came with a battery somewhere.
I did a little research and found the owners manual.. it clearly talks about the batteries but i didnt see where they are located. A closer read may reveal it..I just scanned it..

http://www.dutchmen.com/media/5759/2...ers-manual.pdf

[DesertRat]

As others have said should be in the front compartment. I've owned six 5th wheels & all but my Teton have had the batteries in the front compartment.

[toes in the water]

I have the 335RLK which is exactly the same except for the floor plan. My battery (1 only) is located in the bay. Open up the FRONT door and it should be there on the right. If it is not there, then someone removed it...Good luck

[joebedford]

Most fridges run on electric 120V or propane. In either case they need 12V to function.

Slide outs are 12V. Needs battery or converter.

Usually the battery is in the front compartment right behind your truck tailgate.

[azdryheat]

I thought I already responded to this question. Guess it was on another forum.

[LorieM]

I bought a 2010 Denali 320 RL (mint condition, older couple who had it stored in their machine shed and only used 6 months) I’m still looking for my batteries too. (And the owners manual doesn’t tell u anything about anything). Let me know if u ever find ur’s.

[joebedford]

Battery will be in front compartment.

OP: you probably don't have an inverter. Also, your CONVERTER doesn't come into play unless you're plugged in. Your 12V appliances just run off the battery. Your microwave, for example, needs to be plugged in or run on a big battery bank with inverter.

[franktafl]

Originally Posted by azdryheat

I thought I already responded to this question. Guess it was on another forum.

LOL, getting old?