General Battery Charging Questions

[LK23]

I need better understanding of the following questions. I have a 2005 Itasca Horizon 40AD.

1. Do the chassis batteries charge by the solar charger?

2. Do the chassis batteries charge when the generator is on?

3. When the main coach switch near the entry door is turned off is the solar charger charging the coach batteries?

[LK23]

I need better understanding of the following questions. I have a 2005 Itasca Horizon 40AD.

1. Do the chassis batteries charge by the solar charger?

2. Do the chassis batteries charge when the generator is on?

3. When the main coach switch near the entry door is turned off is the solar charger charging the coach batteries?

[BradandJanee]

Do you have an inverter? That will charge your house batteries when connected to shore power.

[tomsm]

LK23,

I THINK all the Winnie DPs are the same in this. The chassis batteries are only charged by the engine alternator. That's why most owners are using a BatteryMinder or some other charger to keep the chassis batteries charged.

Not sure about #3.

[John_Canfield]

Rex - let's define house and chassis... I call the engine starting batteries "starting batteries" (makes sense!) and the house batteries (non-engine starting batteries) "house batteries." Okay...

As far as I know, the starting battteries are only charged by the engine's alternator.

The house batteries (I think) are only charged by the inverter (converter) and/or
solar panel. I didn't think the engine alternator charged the house batteries although Jim (itchn2go) was alluding otherwise.

I'd have to look at the wiring diagram to see where the solar panel is connected. My guess is that it is charging the house batteries regardless.

--John

[LK23]

Wouldn't you think that something as important as this would be covered in your Winnebago manual?

[Fred B.]

The house & starting batteries are connected together when the engine is running & are both charged by the alternator. That useless solar panel usually will not keep up with the normal drain on batteries.

[Thudman]

I agree with Fred B. At least that's how it work's in my lowly gas rig.

Thudman

[bflem]

Engine alternater charges all batteries, shore power charges house batteries only, and solar panel is to maintain house batteries with switch in storage mode. There are exceptions, the Freeedom and Advantage charges all batteries when plugged in and possibly some of the newer high end coaches. At GNR electrical seminar a couple years ago the engineer said you could wedge something under the emergency start switch while plugged in and charge all batteries.

[Rick Buddrus]

LK23

1. No they do not.

2. No they do not

3. Yes it is.

If you would like both sets of batteries to charge given all situations, pick up a TRIK-L-START from these folks. It works
http://www.lslproducts.com/TLSPage.html

[John_Canfield]

Good answers - I always learn something here. I just ordered a Xantrex Echo~Charge to keep the starting batteries up.

--John

[BucknJeff]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Rick Buddrus:
LK23

1. No they do not.

2. No they do not

3. Yes it is.

If you would like both sets of batteries to charge given all situations, pick up a TRIK-L-START from these folks. It works
http://www.lslproducts.com/TLSPage.html </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Correct.

So, in review:

The solar charger on your unit charges the house batteries. I'd also add that, as was said, the solar charger is mostly useless.

In the "delivered"� configuration, the starting batteries are only charged while the engine is running. Only the house batteries are charged while the generator is running UNLESS you are running the generator while the engine is running. In this case, both the inverter and the engine alternator are charging both battery banks, which are tied together by the isolator relay. While not ideal, the charging device that puts out the highest voltage controls the charging of the batteries in this configuration.

There is another method for keeping the starting batteries charged while parked, as well as regulating the above situation. Intellitec makes a module called the B.I.R.D. (Bi-directional Isolator Relay Delay) which uses the existing chassis/starting battery isolator solenoid (the same one that energizes to charge the house batteries while the engine is running). This device charges both battery banks whenever either is being charged. It is also "smart" and adds some better control of that isolator solenoid you already have installed. Its easy to install, and offers much better control. Find some more information at http://www.intellitec.com/pdfs/BATTE...300366.000.pdf . A similiar device is made for gas chassis as well. It's easy to install, and works great.

You might also read this post, as it has some good information about this topic. Not Charging House batteries

[Tom N]

You can tell if the coach and/or chassis batteries are being charged by looking at your One Place panel. When either the coach or chassis batteries are being charged you will see a voltage &gt;13 volts. When they are not being charged the voltage will be &lt;13 volts.

[LK23]

Thanks to everyone who replied. I think I have a pretty good understanding now.

Since the chassis battery is only charged when the engine is running, I need to find a way to keep my two chassis batteries charged while in storage. I am not interested in taking a charge from the coach batteries. Has anyone tried the solar chargers? Camping World has the Solar Battery Saver SE in 2, 6 and 18 watts.