Best 12V source

[leesdx1]

Originally Posted by zman-az

For the toad and fog lights use the chassis batteries as you will most likely have the engine running and the alternator will be doing the 12v load, have it set up with the ignition switch as mentioned earlier. For the others I would use the 4 house batteries.

But isn't the converter battery bank being charge too when the engine is running. My point is, everyone is pointing to the engine battery for 12 volt switch or unswitch (toad charge, fog lights) when the engine battery already has its workload.

[TQ60]

Engine battery should only support things that operate when engine is operating or normal vehicle operation.

It is required to start the engine first and everything else second.

Coach batteries and as some of us with additional batteries have accessories connected to those.

Even momentary loads should not be connected to starting battery if it can be avoided.

[leesdx1]

Originally Posted by Ed_G

Ah... an after market non-stock addition / modification? Given what you have stated, I would consider the "Charger bank" to be the normal stock House battery bank, and that is what I would hook up House related equipment such as the macerator pump or alarm. Other items you mentioned such as toad charge line and fog lights should be drawing their 12V from the chassis battery, in my opinion. ... or as other here have previously indicated, use the chassis battery for chassis stuff and the house battery bank for house stuff.

ED, I agree with your first sentence, but why not go ahead and hook the toad charge and fogs to the "charger bank" (converter) as it is also charging when the engine is running and not to put more load on the chassis battery? If it's because the chassis is a easy switch 12V, I can easily install a solenoid for 12V switch. I also like to keep my inverter battery bank free cause that runs everything while boondocking and the converter bank is basically my back up.

Having said that, do I stand correct and ALL 12Volts regardless if switch or unswitch should go to my converter banks and not to the inverter bank or the chassis battery?? Thx

[Ed_G]

Originally Posted by leesdx1

ED, I agree with your first sentence, but why not go ahead and hook the toad charge and fogs to the "charger bank" (converter) as it is also charging when the engine is running and not to put more load on the chassis battery? If it's because the chassis is a easy switch 12V, I can easily install a solenoid for 12V switch. I also like to keep my inverter battery bank free cause that runs everything while boondocking and the converter bank is basically my back up.

Having said that, do I stand correct and ALL 12Volts regardless if switch or unswitch should go to my converter banks and not to the inverter bank or the chassis battery?? Thx

Well, my suggestion is pretty much just general practice .... chassis battery runs things on the chassis and house battery runs things on the house. However per your needs I don't think it really matters... if it is easier for you to charge your toad and hook up fog lights with house battery connection, do so. One more thing, though; there really is no "LOAD" on your batteries when you are driving. The engine alternator has way more capacity to power all those accessories than is needed.. nothing is being drawn out of the batteries because the Alternator can more than keep up with that drain.