Community Forums

chuckster52 · 06-04-2019, 06:04 AM

Have a 2017 Mt Aire......I am plugged up to 30 amps and house batteries are charging at 13.6v but the chassis batteries are not charging...
Silver Leaf shows them go thru the stages of Bulk,Absorbtion,and then Float......the Silver Leaf also shows them " Bridged"....which should be both charging......
But Chassis batteries not charging but actually down to 12.2v....
Any thoughts on what to check....C

Persistent · 06-04-2019, 06:30 AM

Your system probably has a house/chassis disconnect solenoid. Typically it would disconnect when the ignition switch is off. The intent is that you will not draw down your chassis batteries while camping. It would connect and charge when you are driving to charge the house batteries. I don't know if there is a switch to join the banks when the ignition is off.

GaryKD · 06-04-2019, 07:05 AM

Hi chuckster52,
Please do not believe Persistent's post. As a non Newmar owner he displays no knowledge of how a Newmar coach works.

Your chassis and coach batteries should be charging when connected to shore power. Newmar service can lead you through the checks. You will need a meter to do the checks. As a summary, you will need to check your BIM/Bird system.
1. Your chassis batteries will charge only when the house batteries are fully charged.
2. Take a reading across the house battery terminals. It should be 13.5+ V if charging when you connect the meter so as to be looking at 2 6 volt batteries in series.
3. Take a reading across the chassis battery (when connected either battery will do). It should be 13.5+ volts if charging.
4. If #3 is no joy then the solenoid connecting the batteries is not working.

It is usually located in the shore cord bay behind a black panel velcroed in place. Newmar customer service can help you on the exact location and maybe with pictures of what it looks like.

ewlee · 06-04-2019, 08:19 AM

Had the same problem with my '17 LADP. The culprit was a bad charge bridge solenoid, located in the back of the shore power cord bay. There are two solenoids in the area. You could try tapping on the solenoid while the SilverLeaf shows them bridged. I was able to limp along for awhile by tapping on the solenoid. I could hear the solenoid click-in when I did.

chuckster52 · 06-05-2019, 05:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ewlee

Had the same problem with my '17 LADP. The culprit was a bad charge bridge solenoid, located in the back of the shore power cord bay. There are two solenoids in the area. You could try tapping on the solenoid while the SilverLeaf shows them bridged. I was able to limp along for awhile by tapping on the solenoid. I could hear the solenoid click-in when I did.

Thanks for the tip....wondered if there was a solenoid in the system
Chuck