Alternator disconnect

[JDooley]

Does anyone know how to disconnect the alternator to not allow it to try to charge House batteries?

Installing solar and lithium, alternator at 175 amp will charge too heavy (over 100A)

Willing to rely on house genny, solar and plugin to charge.

[Jyrocharlie]

Usually, the boost solenoid is turned on after the engine starts and it connects the batteries together providing the chassis battery charging. Not always, some do it differently. Pull the small wire of that solenoid that energizes it's coil, you can disable it.

[wolfe10]

Originally Posted by JDooley

Does anyone know how to disconnect the alternator to not allow it to try to charge House batteries?

Installing solar and lithium, alternator at 175 amp will charge too heavy (over 100A)

Willing to rely on house genny, solar and plugin to charge.

First, have to question your explanation. Unless alternator voltage is too high, it will have no negative effects on the house batteries. Same goes for solar controller and your converter or inverter/charger.


But, how to achieve not charging your house bank (if that is what you ultimately decide to do) depends on how your coach is wired.


If diode-based isolator, merely remove the wire from the isolator and house battery. Now, only the chassis battery is charged.


If solenoid- based isolator-- basically the same. Remove the cable from house battery and isolator.


Another option (bomb-proof) is to use a marine ON-OFF battery switch. Connect alternator B+ output cable and chassis battery cable to one lug and house to the other. Switch off, only chassis battery charged. Switch on, both banks charged.