Chassis battery charging

[rrodda1]

In my 2003 KSDP I have an inverter, converter/charger, and small solar panel.

I believe the solar panel trickle charges the chassis battery.

When on shore power, are my chassis batteries receiving any charge besides solar panel?

Would any solar panel charge offset having a power converter plugged into the cigarette lighter to power a Carryout G2?

Ron

[BFlinn181]

It would be a good exercise to answer your own question. With the RV unplugged for a few hours in the dark, take voltage readings at the house and chassis batteries.(to eliminate the solar panel charging voltage) A full battery should read 12.7v. Then plug in your shore cord and take readings again. To overcome internal resistance, a 12v battery needs at least 13.4v or more to charge it.

Waiting a few hours removes any surface charge that hasn't been absorbed by the battery plates. You could also turn on a light or device that will draw from the battery to get rid of the surface charge.

During the day, with the sun out, you could again take voltage readings with the shore cord unplugged. You'll then know if your solar panel is charging chassis or house batteries.

["007"]

All your batteries are charged by your BIRD System when shore line plugged in to at least 110 volts or while driving your coach with your BCO, battery cut off switch on.
The small Solar panel is just for the chassis battery with no power to the BIRD System.
Small loads that effect the chassis batteries, LP Detector should have a switch in overhead display to cut off LP Detector, radio, ECM,TCM, some other control boards.
Something plugged into dash 12 volt outlet will effect the chassis batteries only but if shore line plugged in no effect.
Same thing if Gen running it supplies the 119 for converter.
Have you checked your TSB's in sticky top of forum?
All the links below in my signature have info for your Newmar Technical and Mod'S.

[BFlinn181]

While I'm sure "007" is correct about how your RV is equipped and meant to work, exploring by doing the tests I suggested would verify that it's working as it was designed. At a later time, if something fails, you'll have the knowledge to test and be able to compare how it isn't acting up to snuff.

I'm a retired teacher, I don't believe in just telling, I like to let folks learn by doing.

["007"]

Yes I agree Bob meant to put that info of yours in my post, must be that age thing again.