Charging Question (dumb)

[Izzyblueye]

I should know the answer to this, but I am not sure of my expertise. I want to start and drive my motor home, which is in storage. I have all the batteries out of it on maintainers.
I would like to start the motor home and drive it a bit to exercise the drive line etc. Can I just install the Chassis battery and leave all of the coach batteries out. Will this cause any problems. I don't want to install all of the batteries, as it is going back in storage for the winter. All response will be appreciated.

[royinflorida]

Personally I would install just one of each as long as one will start the engine. It is not that cold yet.

[Shellback1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Izzyblueye I should know the answer to this, but I am not sure of my expertise. I want to start and drive my motor home, which is in storage. I have all the batteries out of it on maintainers. I would like to start the motor home and drive it a bit to exercise the drive line etc. Can I just install the Chassis battery and leave all of the coach batteries out. Will this cause any problems. I don't want to install all of the batteries, as it is going back in storage for the winter. All response will be appreciated.

Just putting in the chassis battery should be fine. Make sure you have the + terminal/s on the coach insulated good. The alternator will try to charge the coach batteries while you drive.

[FIRE UP]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shellback1 Just putting in the chassis battery should be fine. Make sure you have the + terminal/s on the coach insulated good. The alternator will try to charge the coach batteries while you drive.

Correct. However, if there's no load such as a low state of charge set of house batts, then the alternator will only see the single chassis battery and charge it. No load would be the same as a fully charged set of batteries. The alternator simply shuts down the major effort and does a trickle charge as well as help maintain vehicle functions along with the chassis batt.
Scott

[Izzyblueye]

Thanks for the input on the charge situation. I think I will just make sure coach battery positive cables are isolated and just run the chassis batt. Appreciate everyone's help.