Community Forums

kejy · 04-10-2014, 08:55 AM

I have a 2004 mountain aire gas and was wondering if the coach batteries are being charged while i am driving. Plan on running a charge wire from these batteries to the tow vechical any suggestions?

vsheetz · 04-10-2014, 09:03 AM

should be a yes. Easy way to tell for sure is to check voltage of the batteries with and without engine running. you should see a noticeable half volt or more increase with the engine running.

Luv2go · 04-10-2014, 10:22 AM

The BIRD should allow them to charge while the engine is running. Also, at least on our 2008 coach Newmar provides two extra wires that are routed from the dash area to the trailer connector. Don't need it for the current toad, but when I need it I plan on using one of those to keep it's battery charged.

slabman · 04-10-2014, 10:29 AM

This is easy to do. Run a 12 ga wire from the house battery pack (or the chassis batts) through a 20 amp fuse and down to the 7pin connector. Find an unused 12ga wire in your umbelical cord and link to that. On the toad side run another wire to the positive side of the battery, passing through another fuse. Be sure you have a solid ground between both vehicles.

GaryKD · 04-10-2014, 11:19 AM

Hi kejy,
The answer is yes, you should have the BIRD system installed in your coach. To double check, look in the compartment where the shore power cord enters the coach. There should be a black box labeled Bi-Directional Isolator Relay Delay (or something close to this). It may be located behind a panel and not readily visible.

Do not follow the instructions in post #2. The BIRD decides when and which (chassis or coach) batteries to charge. The engine may be running and the batteries might not be taking a charge because the BIRD says they do not need a charge.

"007" · 04-10-2014, 02:07 PM

The Bird as said will charge all the batteries from alternator when driving and from the shore power cord when plugged in.
In my signature below are three links that will relate to your coach for added information.
Picture of Bird System

brobox · 04-10-2014, 02:23 PM

If you have a factory installed 7 pin connector at the hitch, the center pin should already be hot from the charging system. Check that with a volt meter or test light. If it's hot go right from there to your toad battery. I used a 6 pin toad connector using the center pin for my hot lead to the toad battery.