Community Forums

glemo81540 · 02-04-2014, 07:35 PM

Have had my 08 KSDP Cummins 400/Spartan MM in storage for a 11/2 months when I went out to recharge coach(2)and chassis(4) batteries I found the 8000 gen charged up the coach batteries to 95% to 100% but didn't raise the 75% chassis batteries. It was clear the gen wasn't charging the chassis batteries at all. I fired up the engine and the alternator proceeded to charge up the chassis batteries. I thought the gen should begin to charge the chassis batteries once the coach batteries were charged. Am I correct and if so where might my problem lie! Thanks!

cc8375 · 02-04-2014, 08:01 PM

I do not think the B.I.R.D. will charge the Chassis battery's until the Coach batteries reach 100%. My BIRD does not switch until the Chassis battery's are 14.0 volts.

tom chelbana · 02-04-2014, 08:04 PM

Have you put a volt meter on both sets of batteries? What is the difference in reading? The generator and the shore power readings should be the same. Tom

"007" · 02-05-2014, 03:32 AM

In this situation the house batteries will be charged first whether from Gen or shore power its the same converter charging the batteries.

A stand along battery charger would bring them up faster than the Bird would keep them that way for rest of seasonal use as long as you have shore power plugged in and the alternator will be chargeing when traveling.
The Bird works in reverse when traveling your coach batteries get charged first, than your house batteries.

The battery cut off switch will be in the "use" and not the "store" position also for this to happen.

Picture of Bird

12V BATTERY SYSTEM

Randy125 · 02-05-2014, 01:17 PM

I believe the bird will start charging the chassis batteries after the coach batteries have achieved 13.3 volts for 2 minutes.

"007" · 02-05-2014, 01:29 PM

Randy is correct after house batteries are charged.

glemo81540 · 02-05-2014, 06:51 PM

Thanks for the advice. My storage location doesn't have shore power available so only gen and engine available for charging. I terminated the gen attempt at charging when the Magnum readout indicated "float" charging and the amp draw was below 20 but still not zero. I will attempt to get the Magnum indicated draw to near zero and see if that triggers charging the chassis batteries. Just for my knowledge is the "Transfer Switch" in the shore power cable compartment the BIRD or is it located somewhere else. Will be taking a trip next week and will see how both battery sets charge on shore power. Again thanks!

"007" · 02-05-2014, 10:21 PM

The Bird would be located near the two solenoid's in the link I provided, which is for a gas coach, and it would be for a diesel coach as in the 12v battery system link.

I never had a picture of diesel location, if someone reading this post maybe they could post a picture of where the Bird is located in diesel coach. I think the Bird system is behind a piece of velgro fabric in compartment drivers side near rear wheels with also a fuse panel. This link 12v wiring system may show that location.

There is Magnum inverter info in the QT's #3 link below.

The transfer switch will have your load center, Gen and shore power connections in it.
If you happen to have your shore line plugged in and your Gen was started the 50 amp power would transfer to the Gen power which takes precedent over all else.
Your Gen starts off your chassis battery's, in a gas coach Gen starts off the house batteries in a Newmar.
A stand alone battery charger can work off the outlet that's use for the engine oil heater its not off the inverter I believe.