Battery disconnect switch position (charging)

[ToledoCharli]

Do the battery disconnect switches have to be in the "ON" position when connected to shore power source to charge batteries?

[Wayne M]

Loaded questions. What brand and type motor home do you have? Each manufacturer may have a different set of parameters to go by.

In my case, 2008 Winnebago Destination, I have to leave the disconnect switches in the "ON" position, and I also have to turn the step off as it draws more than the converter and solar panel can keep up with.

[garym114]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne M In my case, 2008 Winnebago Destination, I have to leave the disconnect switches in the "ON" position, and I also have to turn the step off as it draws more than the converter and solar panel can keep up with.

I strive to understand.
I don't understand the part about turning the steps off. Does this refer to the retractable steps ? Thought they only drew power when they operated.

[Wayne M]

According to Winnebago, here seems to be a constant draw from the steps when they are in the on position. I was turning my disconnects off and when I would return to my MH the batteries would be down. I thought there was a problem with the converter and called Winnebago. The technician walked me through by telling me to leave the disconnects on or the charger would not charge the batteries. (I guess that is just the easy way they have it wired.) He also stated to turn the steps off because there was a constant draw when the steps are on. Go figure.

I did what he suggested and I have had no problems with charging since doing that on MY Winnebago. I'm fortunate that my step switch is just inside the door. I don't want to leave the step out (nor crawl through a window) so I close the screen, the step goes in and I reach in through the scree door opening and throw the switch.

Works for me.

I'm sure some other Sea Breeze owners of that year will not give some better advice.

Good luck.

[AFChap]

It definitely would help the OP to get helpful answers if make, model and year was part of the post.

On my 2003 Winnebago the batteries will charge even when the house battery disconnect switch is tripped. Compare that to Wayne's report on his different year & model Winnebago and you can see how "it depends" is the only answer that can be given unless the exact year, make, and model are known.

[Pairajays]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ToledoCharli Do the battery disconnect switches have to be in the "ON" position when connected to shore power source to charge batteries?

Just curious, why would want the disconnect switches off when connected to shore? These switches are provided to disconnect the batteries when not connected to shore power.

Jim E

[AFChap]

Quote:

why would want the disconnect switches off when connected to shore?

It sure makes the battery equalizing process easier !!

[Wanabee FTer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pairajays Just curious, why would you want the disconnect switches off when connected to shore? Jim E

I used to disconnect my batteries when on shore power before I updated the converter.
The old Magnetek 7345 converter only had one stage and would only charge the batteries at 13.7 volts. When I stored it plugged in, the converter would overcharge the batteries and cause them to gas out. If I didn't check the acid level often enough the battery water would run low. Now that I have a 3 stage Progressive Dynamics converter I leave my battery disconnect switched on (not off) all the time.

[Pairajays]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wanabee FTer I used to disconnect my batteries when on shore power before I updated the converter. The old Magnetek 7345 converter only had one stage and would only charge the batteries at 13.7 volts. When I stored it plugged in, the converter would overcharge the batteries and cause them to gas out. If I didn't check the acid level often enough the battery water would run low. Now that I have a 3 stage Progressive Dynamics converter I leave my battery disconnect switched on (not off) all the time.

Exactly, been there done that.

Jim E

[RickO]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pairajays Just curious, why would want the disconnect switches off when connected to shore? These switches are provided to disconnect the batteries when not connected to shore power. Jim E

I learned a lot last year when I started doing maintenance on my house batteries. I was connected to 50 amp and thought I could throw my house battery disconnect switch and that the shore power would provide 12v to the coach via the inverter/charger. Not so on my coach so everything has to shut down for me to do house battery maintenance. Sure would be nice though....

Rick

[Cat320]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ToledoCharli Do the battery disconnect switches have to be in the "ON" position when connected to shore power source to charge batteries?

These things are all wired differently. If I was in your place, I'd call the manufacturer and ask them, be sure you have the make, model, year and VIN.

[Nuge]

We generally only spend weekends at our semi-stationary RV so I turn the batteries on once the shore power is on then monitor the batteries since we have the old B-W (Magnatec) 6345. Once we up-grade that, I'll monitor the new charger and operate it accordingly..

[Dave78Chief]

ToledoCharli,
According to the 2011 Thor ACE Owners manual, page 60:

The disconnect switch must be in the ON position while plugged into shoreline power to charge the battery(s).

Always helps to read the manual that is available from the Mfg.

Dave

[ToledoCharli]

Barry Hughes (Thor ACE factory rep) informed me that the ACE will charge with disconnects in either the on or the off position. Talked with Barry end of last week and he indicated he was sitting with the party responsible for completing the ACE manual so maybe I won't have to ask so many questions. Thanks for all of your input.