Community Forums

LeftyLawdawg · 09-27-2016, 10:54 PM

How do I keep my house batteries while I'm driving? My inverter/charger will only charge if I have shore power or the genset running. I was at a recent rally and was told to run the inverter and charger full time on the road. According to magnum (the manufacturer) this is not possible. My house batteries do not charge from the engine alternator. Am I missing something or do I need to add some kind of chafing from the engine to keep the batteries topped off when I drive? Any info is appreciated.

twinboat · 09-27-2016, 11:54 PM

If your chassis charging system does not charge your house system while driving, there is something wrong.

Check the voltage on both sides ( large posts ) of your isolator solenoid, in your battery control center, while the engine is running. It should read the same, 13.5 volts or more.

If it don't, make sure the small to posts show 12+ volts. If they show an activation voltage of 12+ volts, replace the solenoid. Make sure you use a continuous duty model. Many look the same.

They are a common failure point.

Selah · 09-28-2016, 07:48 AM

Twinboat is absolutely right on, there is something broken. The engine alternator should keep the batteries charged.

DA_BUS · 09-28-2016, 08:25 PM

My service guy found in had a bad solenoid right before I went on vacation. With no solenoid available he hard wired in a manual switch. It worked great. Had to shut it off when engine stopped and not plugged in so it did not drain the engine battery.

bluepill · 09-28-2016, 08:40 PM

I assume you have a Diesel based on your Winnebago and Freightliner Club memberships. The system on my Itasca (a Winnebago by any other name) will charge the Engine (Chassis) batteries first after a start-up. When those batteries are properly charged, it will switch on the House Battery circuit for charging. Make sure that you test the system after the engine has been running awhile to get the proper results.

2 Stroker · 09-29-2016, 01:11 PM

Three years ago when I install my RR frig I also changed out my Xantrex Freedom 458 inverter for the Magnum 2812 and my inverter has been on for three years. My Xantrex echo charger was also bad (dead chassis battery) so I installed the Magnum Combiner, now chassis runs 13.4v setting in the driveway plugged into shore power and house 13.5v on a float charge.
2 stroker