House power question

[Arricejr]

So my rig has only 2 batteries I assume starting and house power thing is when I connect just the 1st battery I get house power to with out the second one installed is that normal ? I see the switch for emergency starting on dash but that's just a momentary style switch

[60sumtin]

You likely have an isolator so the house battery doesn't drain the chassis battery while camped. The emergency button bypasses the isolator and when pressed would use the house battery to start the engine. Which battery you are calling 1st battery I don't know.

[Arricejr]

Considering in the way that it goes in one battery goes in first and then another battery goes in front of that one the one in front I'm calling the starter battery so how is that isolator thing work is it something that's automatic

[widmerhd]

Originally Posted by Arricejr

Considering in the way that it goes in one battery goes in first and then another battery goes in front of that one the one in front I'm calling the starter battery so how is that isolator thing work is it something that's automatic

Automatic - In a way yes, the isolator keeps the two batteries on their own 12V circuit, one for the chassis and one for the house battery. The only time they connect is when you push the Emergency Start button on the dash. The isolator then connects the two circuits. That gives you temporary access to all the battery power you have on board to start your coach if need be.

[Arricejr]

So again back to my first question should the the houselights be working if only one battery is in and how can I tell if it's working properly

[widmerhd]

Originally Posted by Arricejr

So again back to my first question should the the houselights be working if only one battery is in and how can I tell if it's working properly

Well... If only one battery is in and it is powering your coach you should not be able to start your MH. You should have two positive cables for each battery and they usually connect from the battery directly to the isolator. You can follow the positive cables and see how they hook up. Hope that helps.

[F76Marion]

Originally Posted by Arricejr

So again back to my first question should the the houselights be working if only one battery is in and how can I tell if it's working properly

The problem is that you don't which battery you connected to what.

If you connected to the main engine (chassis) battery, there is no reason you will get lights inside.

If you did connect the battery to the house circuit and still have nothing, there is the chance that the battery you connected is already dead.

Do you have a meter handy?

Frank

[Arricejr]

When I put the one battery in I can start the coach and I have house power lights

[Arricejr]

Originally Posted by F76Marion

The problem is that you don't which battery you connected to what.



If you connected to the main engine (chassis) battery, there is no reason you will get lights inside.



If you did connect the battery to the house circuit and still have nothing, there is the chance that the battery you connected is already dead.



Do you have a meter handy?



Frank

Yes I do have a meter and I'm not having an issue with the battery being dead it's just odd to me that I only have one battery in and I can start the coach and I have power inside I was going to add another battery in place of the one that was gone and I'm trying to figure out is there a reason to even do it

[Arricejr]

Originally Posted by Arricejr

Yes I do have a meter and I'm not having an issue with the battery being dead it's just odd to me that I only have one battery in and I can start the coach and I have power inside I was going to add another battery in place of the one that was gone and I'm trying to figure out is there a reason to even do it

Also the battery is new

[F76Marion]

Arrice,

We are now down to a unit specific, but completely understandable question.

Just because the unit is setup for two batteries does not mean it needs both. This would be very understandable if it is a smaller coach. I may be that you really have only a single bank that happens to be two 12V jars strapped together.

Frank

[widmerhd]

Originally Posted by F76Marion

Arrice,

We are now down to a unit specific, but completely understandable question.

Just because the unit is setup for two batteries does not mean it needs both. This would be very understandable if it is a smaller coach. I may be that you really have only a single bank that happens to be two 12V jars strapped together.

Frank

YES BUT - Why would he have an Emergency Start switch on the dash, maybe someone has removed or bypassed the isolator??

[Skip426]

Sounds like most of the confusion is due to , lack of info as to the AGE of the RV and maybe some pictures of the existing wiring cable connections would help.
Class A, Overland and Deere Chassis ( is all we know ) , possible 20+ year old RV with any number of electrical modifications over the years , this is going to take some figuring out.

[windsorbill]

Originally Posted by Skip426

Sounds like most of the confusion is due to , lack of info as to the AGE of the RV and maybe some pictures of the existing wiring cable connections would help.
Class A, Overland and Deere Chassis ( is all we know ) , possible 20+ year old RV with any number of electrical modifications over the years , this is going to take some figuring out.

I must have missed the post where the make/model/year of coach we're talking about was listed. That info would sure be helpful.