Alternator charge house batteries

[Ronxyz]

2006 envoy 400 Cummins

Does the alternator charge the house batteries while traveling? My voltage did not increase on the house batteries while running. Does the chassis battery charge first? Thanks

[twinboat]

It should.

A common problem is a failed isolation/charge solenoid.

Its also often the boost/emergency start solenoid, so to locate it push the boost/ emergency start switch and listen for it clunking on and off.

Check volts on each large terminal on it. With engine off, no shore power, they will be slightly different and around 12.6 volts.

Start the engine, run it for 10 minutes, and while still running, re test the volts. If Its working, you will find 13+ volts on both terminals. If 13+ volts is only on one side, its not working.

If it clunks by pushing the boost/emergency start button, change the solenoid. The internal contacts are bad.

[rag_ftw]

You are guaranteed to get numerous different answers to this question depending on the brand of RV being talked about. It will even differ between models of the same coach brand.

Twinboat has presented a test to determine for sure if the alternator is charging the house batteries.

Once you determine if they are being charged or not you can do some research here to find out what needs to be replaced or added.
https://www.google.com/search?q=Alte...rums%2Ff274%2F