Generator discharging batteries

[Tov]

Have a 2003 Dolphin 6320LX parked next to my house plugged into shore power. I start the RV engine weekly and frequently start the generator. When I run the generator it is discharging my batteries. I shut off the generator and restart the RV and my batteries will shortly go back to full charge. Dolphin has a Xantrex Freedom 458 invertor charger with a Freedom Remote Conrol Panel inside the coach. I have checked the cells in the batteries, 4 sixes, and they all check OK. Help!!

Tov
Albuquerque, NM

[JJH3rd]

Do you by any chance have the inverter on when you exercise the generator?

[94-Newmar]

Discharging the house or chassis batteries? What is your indication that they're discharging? Did you check them while plugged into shore and/or when on Gen or when Coach is running?

[tropical36]

Originally Posted by Tov

Have a 2003 Dolphin 6320LX parked next to my house plugged into shore power. I start the RV engine weekly and frequently start the generator. When I run the generator it is discharging my batteries. I shut off the generator and restart the RV and my batteries will shortly go back to full charge. Dolphin has a Xantrex Freedom 458 invertor charger with a Freedom Remote Conrol Panel inside the coach. I have checked the cells in the batteries, 4 sixes, and they all check OK. Help!!

Tov
Albuquerque, NM

So, you're saying that the voltage actually drops at both your charging station and the batteries, which I take it to mean your house batteries? If so, is there something off that should be on and wouldn't think so if the voltage readings are deemed normal when on shore power.

[Dr4Film]

It is quite easy to TEST whether your batteries are being charged or not. This can be verified when using shore power, engine power or generator power.

You must have a VOM meter or a DVOM meter.

With the power system turned off, measure across the battery bank you want to test. it should read 12.6 or so. Then start the power source you want to test, shore, generator or engine. Measure across the same battery bank and you should read 13.3 - 14.3 or so if that power source is supplying voltage to the battery bank.

12 VDC batteries should read about 12.6 or so when fully charged with no load.
12 VDC batteries should read anywhere from 13.3 - 14.3 or so when they are being charged.
12 VDC batteries should read about 13.6 or so when they are in Float SOC.

Read Attached.

Dr4Film ----- Richard

[Tov]

Originally Posted by JJH3rd

Do you by any chance have the inverter on when you exercise the generator?

The inverter is in idle mode.... Xantrex control panel indicates inverter in idle position and charger is working.

[Tov]

Originally Posted by 94-Newmar

Discharging the house or chassis batteries? What is your indication that they're discharging? Did you check them while plugged into shore and/or when on Gen or when Coach is running?

The house batteries are discharging. The Xantrex control center shows battery bank condition. After running the generator for a short while the batteries condition drops down into the low battery indicator. Thanks Tov

[Tov]

Originally Posted by tropical36

So, you're saying that the voltage actually drops at both your charging station and the batteries, which I take it to mean your house batteries? If so, is there something off that should be on and wouldn't think so if the voltage readings are deemed normal when on shore power.

there is nothing on in the coach. I have a small electric heater in the coach but I disconnect before I start the generator...Thanks Tov

[Tov]

Originally Posted by Tov

The house batteries are discharging. The Xantrex control center shows battery bank condition. After running the generator for a short while the batteries condition drops down into the low battery indicator. Thanks Tov

When I shut the generator down and start the MH engine the Battery condition indicator on the control panel will go back to normal charge state in a relative short time - maybe 5 minutes...Thanks Tov

[Tov]

Originally Posted by Dr4Film

It is quite easy to TEST whether your batteries are being charged or not. This can be verified when using shore power, engine power or generator power.

You must have a VOM meter or a DVOM meter.

With the power system turned off, measure across the battery bank you want to test. it should read 12.6 or so. Then start the power source you want to test, shore, generator or engine. Measure across the same battery bank and you should read 13.3 - 14.3 or so if that power source is supplying voltage to the battery bank.

12 VDC batteries should read about 12.6 or so when fully charged with no load.
12 VDC batteries should read anywhere from 13.3 - 14.3 or so when they are being charged.
12 VDC batteries should read about 13.6 or so when they are in Float SOC.

Read Attached.

Dr4Film ----- Richard

I have a volt meter. I will check it next week.....Thanks Tov

[Tov]

Originally Posted by JJH3rd

Do you by any chance have the inverter on when you exercise the generator?

No, the invertor is in standby mode...Thanks Tov

[JJH3rd]

After a lighting-induced power surge, I had problems with the Xantrex Fredom 458 inverter/charger not charging the house batteries. The end result was I extracted the inverter/charger and shipped it to an authoruzed repair center to fix. They did and now all is well. In the process I called Xantrex support and one of thier techs helped me diagnose the problem. Here's thier telephone number: 800-670-070.

I've attached a couple of document that may be of help.

[Tov]

Thanks to all for taking the time to help....The problem is an interior fuse in the Inverter/Charger.......Tov

[Tov]

Thanks for the info.....I have 4 - 6s in my coach bank. They measure 13.7 volts with no charger when I test across the bank .Does this sound right?...Tov