Chasis Batteries

[Jim & Mikki]

Our chasis batteries continue to go dead even when plugged into external power. Even usuing the chassis batter disconnect switch the batteries will still go dead in about a week with no power on the coach. I had a second disconnect switch installed and now the only way to keep the chasis batteries charged is to go back and disconnect every time we stay in a campground. I thought the power system was supposed to charge both house and chassis batteries any time we are plugged into shore power. Is that true?

[Jim & Mikki]

Our chasis batteries continue to go dead even when plugged into external power. Even usuing the chassis batter disconnect switch the batteries will still go dead in about a week with no power on the coach. I had a second disconnect switch installed and now the only way to keep the chasis batteries charged is to go back and disconnect every time we stay in a campground. I thought the power system was supposed to charge both house and chassis batteries any time we are plugged into shore power. Is that true?

[Barbaraok]

Ours does - but we have an echo charger. Not sure what the '05s have.

It would help to have the year/model in a 'signature line' so that one can quickly see what year and model you have as things changed on the Alpines every year (or 6 months) while they were building them.

Barb

[EngineerMike]

J&M- look on the Vansco multiplexer module on the front right side of batt compartment. Is #19 LED lit on the right hand bank of lights? If it is, the charging solenoid on the batt compartment back wall is probably bad and not connecting the chassis batt's for charging as it should. If no #19, there is a problem reaching full charge on the house batt's (#19 & the solenoid connection to charge chassis batt's require about 80% charge on the house batt's before energizing the solenoid to charge the chassis'). The short answer to your ?? is yes, shore power is supposed to charge both batt banks if all is working.

Here is an illuminating discussion of electrical problems with some good insights on charging, and one on Chassis Batteries w/similar issues and a link to process for testing the charging solenoid.

[jerry davis]

EMike,

My #19 light is almost always lit and the solenoid is hot to the touch but the chassis batteries don't charge. I have changed the solenoid three times, each time going with a beefier unit. The solenoid seems to last only a couple of weeks before not allowing the chassis batteries to charge.

I do have the optional 100watt solar panel installed. Normally I store the coach covered and plugged into shore power.

Any suggestions as to where to start checking to find out why the solenoid keeps failing?

[Wayne R]

Bad batteries? Mine is a late 05 and my batteries are showing sign of going bad.

[jerry davis]

I have replaced the chassis batteries. The house are original. Purchased the coach in February of 05.

[Rick Coleman]

Jerry- It is very possible your '05 was built late summer or fall of '04. Mine was. Given that the production of the house batteries could hav been early '04 they could be nearly 5 years old, and ready for replacement.