Community Forums

Cat320 · 05-01-2011, 04:15 PM

I'm trying to determine exactly what gets charged by what system.

- Does shore power charge the truck batteries, or just the house batteries?

- When the engine is running, does the alternator charge the house batteries or just the truck batteries?

Thanks.

DRosedale · 05-01-2011, 04:28 PM

Most newer coaches charge all batteries on shore power and again while the engine is running. Your owners may be able to tell you or one of the nice folks on this forum can help. I know my coach charges all batteries no matter what.

Good luck.

FormerBoater · 05-01-2011, 04:34 PM

I think it works something like this on an American Coach:

-Alternator charges the Chassis batteries until they are fully charged, then the relay
directs the charging current to the House batteries

-Generator charges the House batteries until fully charged, then the relay switches
charging current to the Chassis batteries.

- Shore power charges all battery banks, but I do not know if the process is the same as outlined above.

The bottom line is that on an American Coach all of your batteries are being charged by the alternator, generator and shore power. Ditto for you solar panel trickle charge.

Dave
1998 American Eagle 40EVS

Gary RVRoamer · 05-02-2011, 09:55 PM

No worries. Fleetwood coaches have battery charge control systems that make sure both house and chassis batteries are both charged, whether on shore power, generator or via the engine alternator.

mariebmiller · 12-26-2012, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FormerBoater

I think it works something like this on an American Coach:

-Alternator charges the Chassis batteries until they are fully charged, then the relay
directs the charging current to the House batteries

-Generator charges the House batteries until fully charged, then the relay switches
charging current to the Chassis batteries.

- Shore power charges all battery banks, but I do not know if the process is the same as outlined above.

The bottom line is that on an American Coach all of your batteries are being charged by the alternator, generator and shore power. Ditto for you solar panel trickle charge.

Dave
1998 American Eagle 40EVS

Above might be helpful.

3wheeljunkie · 12-26-2012, 10:16 PM

most fleetwoods have a battery control center here is a pdf for it that has a troubleshooting guide and function discription.

firedoc · 12-26-2012, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3wheeljunkie

most fleetwoods have a battery control center here is a pdf for it that has a troubleshooting guide and function discription.

Forgot the link?

firedoc · 12-26-2012, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3wheeljunkie

most fleetwoods have a battery control center here is a pdf for it that has a troubleshooting guide and function discription.

My 2006 Fleetwood 38L (bought used in 2010) would lose starting ability (charge) when I would park for several days on shore power (50a). Ended up putting a TrikLStart and eliminated problem. However it seems that it should not have been necessary. Possibly the aux start solenoid has a problem as I could not start it by using that method. Apparently it has something to do with keeping both sets of batteries charged.

wa8yxm · 12-27-2012, 10:28 AM

Some folks... (Not pointing fingers) Do not accept what others tell them without verification so I'll tell you how to verify... Just in case.. NOTE this is the easy, no tools save eyes and ears and keys required.

UNPLUGGED from shore power.. Turn on lights and fans in the house, This is best if it's "Dim" (Twilight time) Start engine, if oh, say 30 seconds after VAROOM everything gets brighter, fans run faster, ENGINE CHARGES HOUSE.

Shut down, turn off inside lights and fans, turn on DASH fans (HEATER) and or headlights. Note how bright.

PLUG IN, if oh say 30-60 seconds later everything gets brighter, and/or runs faster.. HOUSE charges engine.