Generator Starting Battery

[loranimal]

I got tired being in the boonies running on batteries then having the generator auto start and drag the house batteries down. So I installed a separate battery just for the generator. I mounted it right next to the generator. I installed a 120 volt relay, powered a circuit that is only hot when on shore/gen power. When it closes it allows the generator battery to be charged. This allows me to start the generator even is house or chassis batteries are low.

[Pusherpilot]

I learned that catch 22 the hard way when my house bats failed and I COULDN'T start the genny. Very annoying, I couldn't zap my burritos in the microwave!!!
Ron

[loranimal]

I also learned that the generator needs 12VDC to keep running not just for starting. At first I didn't have a charge wire connected and the generator died after a day of running, battery voltage was down below 11 VDC.

[zman62]

interesting....I have the same coach and I always have to use the boost switch to get the gen started. I don't see much of a voltage drop at the house batteries but I do see one at the gen. I have checked and cleaned all connections etc. I have thought about doing just this.

[powerboatr]

interesting solution
but i have to ask, if the genny auto starts, doesn't it provide a/c power to the convertor and the battery charging system so the batteries are brought back up


or does the genny not run long enough on autostart to recharge the batteries, which is what i thought auto start would do, by sensing low batt voltage conditions and then doing an auto start and re build the charge
now also when the genny runs does it provide a/c power to the rest of the coach or just the new dedicated outlet
might need to look at my system then.
thanks

[loranimal]

Quote:

Originally Posted by powerboatr interesting solution but i have to ask, if the genny auto starts, doesn't it provide a/c power to the convertor and the battery charging system so the batteries are brought back up Yes it does. I have mine set to auto start at 12.2 VDC. At that point when the gen tries to start, it bogs down the house batts enough to trip the inverter offline. Casusing to TV's etc to shut off. or does the genny not run long enough on autostart to recharge the batteries, which is what i thought auto start would do, by sensing low batt voltage conditions and then doing an auto start and re build the charge I have it set to run 4 hours. now also when the genny runs does it provide a/c power to the rest of the coach or just the new dedicated outlet might need to look at my system then. thanks

The gen still powers everything just like before. I tapped into a 120 VAC line that is not powered by the inverter to control my relay. That way the gen battery is only connected/being charged when on shore/gen power.

Carl