Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
RV Trip Planning Discussions

Go Back   iRV2 Forums > THE OWNER'S CORNER FORUMS > Tiffin Owner's Forum
Click Here to Login
Join iRV2 Today

Mission Statement: Supporting thoughtful exchange of knowledge, values and experience among RV enthusiasts.
Reply
  This discussion is proudly sponsored by:
Please support our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on iRV2
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 08-17-2018, 08:02 PM   #1
Senior Member
 
Tahoejeep's Avatar
 
Tiffin Owners Club
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Grand Rapids, MN
Posts: 181
Are chassis batteries charged when coach plugged in to 120V?

Been keeping an eye out for the answer, but have never seen anything. On my 2003 Bus, I am wondering if the chassis batteries are charged/maintained when the unit is plugged in. I've never had an issue with undercharged batteries and the rig has always started, but I would like to know.
Thanks in advance.
__________________
2003 Allegro Bus 35'
330 hp, Cat 2136E
2012 Jeep JKU Rubicon
Tahoejeep is offline   Reply With Quote
Join the #1 RV Forum Today - It's Totally Free!

iRV2.com RV Community - Are you about to start a new improvement on your RV or need some help with some maintenance? Do you need advice on what products to buy? Or maybe you can give others some advice? No matter where you fit in you'll find that iRV2 is a great community to join. Best of all it's totally FREE!

You are currently viewing our boards as a guest so you have limited access to our community. Please take the time to register and you will gain a lot of great new features including; the ability to participate in discussions, network with other RV owners, see fewer ads, upload photographs, create an RV blog, send private messages and so much, much more!

Old 08-17-2018, 09:23 PM   #2
Senior Member
 
Skip426's Avatar


 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Powell River, B.C.
Posts: 31,269
Easy enough to check for your self ; with a volt meter .

After the coach is plugged in to shore power ( wait a couple of mins.) then check the voltage at both sets of batteries . If the voltage is between 13.2 and 14.1 and equal at both sets ; your coach is equipped with a system to charge the chassis batteries, AND it's working.

A volt meter or multi meter , is an essential tool for anyone with an RV.
It doesn't have to be expensive , those available for under $20 work just fine and most come with instructions. If not; there's always U Tube.
__________________
99DSDP 3884, Freightliner, XC, CAT 3126B, 300 HP /ALLISON 3060
2000 Caravan toad, Remco & Blue Ox.
Skip426 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-17-2018, 10:10 PM   #3
Senior Member
 
NormD's Avatar
 
Winnebago Owners Club
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Beaverton, Oregon
Posts: 100
In the case of my Winnebago, no, the battery is not charged from shore power. It is charged only when the engine is running. I use a trickle charger, but some have added diode banks to keep both sets charged when on shore power.
__________________
2001 Winnebago Brave SE 26P
Workhorse, P32, 7.4L
2000 chassis, SuperSteer springs
NormD is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-17-2018, 10:24 PM   #4
Senior Member
 
Gulf Streamers Club
Ford Super Duty Owner
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Memphis, TN
Posts: 4,291
On my Class-C, my ESS is a lit toggle next to the battery/ step; I verified that turning ON put trickle charge to the chassis just the other day, so I let it trickle for about 4-hours that day just to top off charge (had been 80%- 12.46v) but chassis battery is 8yo :-) Made it easier than burning gas..
__________________
(TerryH.) 2000-GS Conquest Limited 6266 Class-C 99-E450SD V10
THenne1713 is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 08-17-2018, 11:22 PM   #5
Senior Member
 
2 Stroker's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Warren, Oregon
Posts: 2,559
My daughter has this one on there 05 Monaco

https://www.rvupgradestore.com/15-Am...mp-l-start.htm
My coach came with an echo charger and when it went out I installed the Magnum Combiner, works great.
https://www.invertersupply.com/index...0Listing%20Ads
2 stroker
__________________
2006 Country Coach Inspire 360 40ft Genoa Designer Series, Samsung 197 RR
Cat C9--STEEL & COPPER Bolt Together Radiator w/ updated rubber mounting
SilverLeaf 330 Magnum 2812 PSW 2011 Ford Edge Sport-Air Force One
2 Stroker is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-18-2018, 08:12 AM   #6
Senior Member
 
Bill2's Avatar
 
Tiffin Owners Club
Freightliner Owners Club
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Somewhere on the road
Posts: 615
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tahoejeep View Post
Been keeping an eye out for the answer, but have never seen anything. On my 2003 Bus, I am wondering if the chassis batteries are charged/maintained when the unit is plugged in. I've never had an issue with undercharged batteries and the rig has always started, but I would like to know.
Thanks in advance.
It depends on your particular coach I have a Tiffin Phaeton, 2014 model and it has a trickle charger built-in for the chassis batteries .
Bill2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-18-2018, 09:12 AM   #7
Senior Member
 
Tiffin Owners Club
Winnebago Owners Club
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Las Cruces, NM
Posts: 4,040
If you have a trickle charger, it would be mounted in a 120v outlet in one of the passenger side compartments. I remember that Tiffin used to use one that would actually discharge the batteries if the coach wasn't plugged into shore power.

I think the preferred way to go would be to add an Amp-L-Start which will keep your chassis batteries charged anytime the coach is on shore power and charging the house batteries.
__________________
Roger & Mary
2017 Winnebago Navion 24V (Sold)
2014 Tiffin Phaeton 36GH (Sold)
luvlabs is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-19-2018, 09:07 AM   #8
Senior Member
 
deaton's Avatar
 
Monaco Owners Club
Newmar Owners Club
Texas Boomers Club
Spartan Chassis
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: New Braunfels, Texas
Posts: 1,308
Are chassis batteries charged when coach plugged in to 120v?

Any large DP built in the past 8-10 years is likely set up for the inverter/charger to keep all the batteries charged while the coach is plugged in to shore power. Even you 2003 Bus at 15 years old is likely set up this way since it’s one of Tiffins leading brands.

Skip426 has the right advice to be sure.
__________________
Dan & Linda
FMCA 399045 NKK 22240
2020 Dutch Star 4081 - Spartan K2
2017 Dutch Star 4018 - Sold - Towing Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk
deaton is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-19-2018, 09:30 AM   #9
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: So Cal
Posts: 168
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tahoejeep View Post
Been keeping an eye out for the answer, but have never seen anything. On my 2003 Bus, I am wondering if the chassis batteries are charged/maintained when the unit is plugged in. I've never had an issue with undercharged batteries and the rig has always started, but I would like to know.
Thanks in advance.
My 2004 Tiffin Open Road does not charge the chassis battery while plugged in to shore power.
I have a 100W solar panel that kept the house batteries charged. I replaced the single output solar controller with a dual output solar controller and connected the second output to the chassis battery. Have not had a dead chassis battery since.
__________________
Kevin
2004 Tiffen Allegro 31DA, 2015 JKUR toad, Ready Brute Elite tow bar/brake
u04601 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-19-2018, 01:05 PM   #10
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Phoenix, Oregon
Posts: 2,207
I'm thinking that the aftermarket connectors (Amp-L-Start, Magnum Energy) mentioned would also provide a charge to the starting battery with the gen. running as well as when plugged in to shore power, correct?

Thanks,

Steve
dix39 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-19-2018, 11:51 PM   #11
Senior Member
 
Gulf Streamers Club
Ford Super Duty Owner
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Memphis, TN
Posts: 4,291
Quote:
Originally Posted by dix39 View Post
I'm thinking that the aftermarket connectors (Amp-L-Start, Magnum Energy) mentioned would also provide a charge to the starting battery with the gen. running as well as when plugged in to shore power, correct?

Thanks,

Steve
(On my GS Class-C) NORMALLY NO CHARGE to chassis battery while on shoreline/ GEN; BUT shoreline/ GEN CAN charge chassis IF ESS Toggle Switch is turned ON; You can verify this w/ a voltmeter on your unit. Further Engine will charge COACH battery while traveling, and this is thru the relay activated by the IGN SWITCH in RUN position. Do NOT leave it ON normally, as this can then accidently allow coach to kill the chassis battery, e.g. storage
__________________
(TerryH.) 2000-GS Conquest Limited 6266 Class-C 99-E450SD V10
THenne1713 is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 08-20-2018, 06:45 AM   #12
Senior Member
 
traveler of california's Avatar
 
Freightliner Owners Club
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,576
I have a related question: is the dash radio operated off the house or chassis batteries?
__________________
Nick
Allegro Red 34QFA 2014
traveler of california is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-20-2018, 08:57 AM   #13
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: So Cal
Posts: 168
Quote:
Originally Posted by traveler of california View Post
I have a related question: is the dash radio operated off the house or chassis batteries?
My 2004 was originally wired to the House batteries. I could never turn it off so that the LEDs would not shine all night. I have since wired it with a two way switch that allows me to choose the house or the chassis battery to provide the main power. The memory wire is connected to the chassis battery.
Now I can have it off when the engine is not running or turn it on when we are parked without turnig the ignition switch on.
__________________
Kevin
2004 Tiffen Allegro 31DA, 2015 JKUR toad, Ready Brute Elite tow bar/brake
u04601 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-20-2018, 01:24 PM   #14
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Lake Havasu City, AZ & Plover, WI
Posts: 6,403
My 2003 Phaeton came with a trickle charger so that when on shore power, the chassis batteries were being charged. The problem was that when in storage with no power, the trickle charger would discharge the chassis batteries enless you unplugged it. As mentioned, the best fix is to throw the trickle charger as far as you can and install the Amp-L-Start.

AMP-L-START Starting Battery Charger/Maintainer - Overview Page
__________________
2006 Monaco Executive 44 Denali
2013 43 QGP Allegro Bus ( SOLD )
2013 Avalanche
Crasher is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
batteries, chassis



Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Chassis Battery not being charged while plugged in or on the generator BPoland Newmar Owner's Forum 13 10-14-2016 05:45 PM
Battery panel show charged, not charged, charged ?? Oregon Class C Motorhome Discussions 1 06-06-2016 12:13 PM
Keeping stuff charged but not over-charged? CrimeCrunchr Thor Industries Owner's Forum 4 03-18-2016 06:51 AM
gas charged shocks vs non gas charged??? LVRVLUVR Ford Motorhome Chassis Forum 10 09-01-2015 02:45 PM
charged or not charged batteries dccdfw Fleetwood Owner's Forum 5 04-23-2010 09:20 AM

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 11:25 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.