What Charges What?

[Cat320]

I'm trying to determine exactly what gets charged by what system.

- Does shore power charge the truck batteries, or just the house batteries?

- When the engine is running, does the alternator charge the house batteries or just the truck batteries?

Thanks.

[DRosedale]

Most newer coaches charge all batteries on shore power and again while the engine is running. Your owners may be able to tell you or one of the nice folks on this forum can help. I know my coach charges all batteries no matter what.

Good luck.

[FormerBoater]

I think it works something like this on an American Coach:

-Alternator charges the Chassis batteries until they are fully charged, then the relay
directs the charging current to the House batteries

-Generator charges the House batteries until fully charged, then the relay switches
charging current to the Chassis batteries.

- Shore power charges all battery banks, but I do not know if the process is the same as outlined above.

The bottom line is that on an American Coach all of your batteries are being charged by the alternator, generator and shore power. Ditto for you solar panel trickle charge.

Dave
1998 American Eagle 40EVS

[Gary RVRoamer]

No worries. Fleetwood coaches have battery charge control systems that make sure both house and chassis batteries are both charged, whether on shore power, generator or via the engine alternator.