Charging question... Possible issue...

[Speedjester]

Well moved the Coach( 2005 newmar Mountain aire) in preparation of a little vacation... It started fine ( parked for 3 month)but noticed that the alternator didn't seem to be charging like I had noticed in the past... I usually scan the gauges..and the alternator stays around 13.1 and 13.9.. But today it was a steady 12 volts.. Turned everything electrical on to create a draw.. Would drop to 11.9 then back up to 12.0.. After about 10 minutes decided to check the belt.. Opened the hatch everything looked good.. Went back to the gauges everything was back to normal 13.9... Never noticed this happen before..I keep the rig plugged in but keep the house power switch off...( I'm told this doesn't allow the engine batteries to charge)..I also have a 30volt solar panel on the roof( replaced the factory installed engine battery maintainer)..

Taking a 2000mile trip...wondering if his could an issue..

Thoughts, opinions..

Thank you

[BFlinn181]

If you leave it plugged in, why do you turn off the house batteries? If it's charging properly now, I'd check the battery and ground connections, removing and cleaning each one.

[dennis45]

I too question why you turn off the house power. Mine is plugged in 24/7 and never use the disconnects.
If you converter is maintains 13.6 - 13.8 VDC you have nothing to worry about. Just check the water levels in the batteries every 3-4 months and top up as required.

[dan-nickie]

Not sure which chassis you have but the alternator charging you describe is not that unusual for us with a Freight liner chassis.
Reads around 12 volts and may fluctuate a little after first starting.
Typically clears up after a few minutes running.

[Speedjester]

I have a spartan chassis... Started it twice.. Same issue doesn't seem like its charging stays a steady 11.8-12.00... But after a few minutes it reading correctly.. 13.90... It could have been doing his all along..but just noticed it after pulling the coach out of storage..

[Speedjester]

My house batteries charge regardless.. if the salesman switch is on or off...my chassis batteries charge from the solar panel( when switch is off... And from inverter when switch is on..

[stik]

Grid Heater??

[BFlinn181]

Originally Posted by stik

Grid Heater??

That could be why low charging voltage starting up, but the OP is in Florida, is the grid heater on every start or only on cold days and cold engine?

[Cat320]

Originally Posted by Speedjester

...my chassis batteries charge from the solar panel( when switch is off... And from inverter when switch is on...

Do you mean the batteries charge from the charger part of the inverter/charger? The inverter charges nothing, it converts 12v to AC power.