charging question.

[KSDP]

When traveling the engine alternator doesn't charge the coach batteries. isn't it supposed to? Charges fine when plugged in or on generator. I didn't know where to post this but knew this was a good place to start. thanks.

[TrekPR]

You should have a battery isolator that allows the house batteries to be charged by the alternator but opens the system when the engine is not running so it isolates the house from chassis batteries. Would be installed by the house maker.

[edgray]

You should have a Bi Directional relay, aka BIRD, that allows charging to flow to either house or chassis. HOWEVER, I think the BIRD "normally" sends the charge from shore or Genset to house FIRST, and then on to the chassis batty AFTER the house reaches a preset charge level. Likewise, the BIRD allows the engine alternator's output to feed the coach batty's only after the chassis batty has attained a sufficient charge. If your "running load" from the chassis batty is high enough, or the chassis batty is too weak, then the coach battys may never see any juice from the alternator.

The BIRD is located outside on the firewall, directly in front of driver. It is an Intelletec brand device and is inside an enclosure. Hope this helps. Ed