Coach batteries charging from main engine?

[Dave from MN]

With the coach engine running shouldn't I see around 14.5 volts on the coach batteries. I do see 14.5 on the engine battery. I am talking about the read out on the power panel. If I should, what controls this, a relay?

[Dave from MN]

With the coach engine running shouldn't I see around 14.5 volts on the coach batteries. I do see 14.5 on the engine battery. I am talking about the read out on the power panel. If I should, what controls this, a relay?

[tomsm]

Yep, you should. Here's a recent discussion on the same topic. Apparently, it's a fairly common failure although it hasn't hit me yet...

[mark293]

How do you guys get 14.5 volts w/ the engine running? Ive never seen over 13.6 and thats with new batteries.

[John Hilley]

Temperature makes a difference. 13.6 in warm weather is normal, as it gets colder the charging voltage will go up.

[Dave from MN]

" How do you guys get 14.5 volts w/ the engine running? Ive never seen over 13.6 and thats with new batteries. "
13.6 volts is the voltage of the output of the converter or charger. If you do not see 14.5 on your coach batteries with engine ( not generator) running (voltage from alternator), you have the same problem as I do. This has nothing to do with the temperature.
I found my solenoid & it does sound like it operates. But to get at it I would have remove my coach batteries. I think I will wait until next summer. I am living in it for the next 5 & 1/2 months.

[Petro]

Dave;

I am not familiar with your coach model but on mine the charge solenoid is under the entry steps. On my previous Winnebagos I never had to remove the batteries to get at the charging solenoid.

Also, would you like some Winnebago Karma?

Don

[Dave from MN]

Yes, it under my steps but it is behind the battery rack. It could be removed with the batteries in but it would be a lot easier with them out.
"Also, would you like some Winnebago Karma?"
What is Winnebago Karma? Is it like bad mouthing. More things that could go wrong with the coach?

[cbeierl]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Dave from MN:
...
"Also, would you like some Winnebago Karma?"
What is Winnebago Karma? Is it like bad mouthing. More things that could go wrong with the coach? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
It's the line under your name in the left-hand window that says "Winnebago Coach Forum Member"

[hdvectra]

Add me to those having this problem. Just changed the house batteries a month ago and the first trip I've made (since changing batteries) noticed that the house batteries are not charging. They charge fine on shore or generator power but nothing when the engine is running. The chassis batteries are charging normally when traveling.

Anyone know where the solenoid is for my 2004 Vectra 40AD?

[Petro]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Dave from MN:
"Also, would you like some Winnebago Karma?"
What is Winnebago Karma? Is it like bad mouthing. More things that could go wrong with the coach? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Dave; We add a little touch of class under your name identifying you as a member of the Winnebago Forum. Good thing is it doesn't cost anything and never breaks down.

Don

[Dave from MN]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by hdvectra:

Anyone know where the solenoid is for my 2004 Vectra 40AD? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
I found this in an old post.
The contactor on a Vectra and Horizon is located in the electrical compartment at the rear of the coach where the inverter is normally placed. It's behind a black painted L shaped panel above the inverter, held in with at least a half dozen screws and may have three circuit breakers and a 120 Volt outlet for the engine heater mounted on it. I believe this is the same setup on the Journey and Meridian.
Petro I finally get it! Do I add my own or do you? I would like Winnebago & Workhorse.

[hdvectra]

Thanks Dave for the information on where the solenoid (contactor ?) is located. I'll check it out if ever it stops raining here in Oregon.

Have to make a 500 mile trip next week and may not have a chance to get this fixed until I get back and put the MH in the garage. I understand this solenoid engages when the engine is running and connects the house and chassis batteries together. Has anyone tried to use a jumper as a temp. solution until the part can be changed?