2001 Windsor - Battery Tinder Suggestions

[TRCSOONER]

2001 Monaco Windsor

It will not start with the chassis batteries alone, I have to use the chassis and house batteries COMBINED to get it to start. I've let it run for an hour and the chassis batteries still will not start it ALONE.

What I am assuming are my Chassis Batteries(4 - 6V Batteries) are at 13.85V.


What I assume is my House Battery(1 - Large battery) is at almost 12.86V. It is a 12V battery. Is this LARGE single battery the chassis battery which is used for starting or the house battery?

My Chassis Batteries are ALL low on water, so I'm gonna add distilled water to .25" above the plates.

Next... I need to wire in a Battery Tinder. Do I need 2 separate tinders, one for the 24V Chassis batteries and one for the 12V House battery?

What would be a good brand/model of tinder?

How can I load test the batteries(4), to see if they need to be replaced?

Thanks

[jacwjames]

I believe you reversed which batteries are which. Normally the chassis battery is either one or two 12 volt batteries.


The house batteries are normally deep cycle type 6 volt wired in a paired parallel series to become a 12 volt circuit.



I have a 2002 Windsor and I have a BIRD relay and battery maintainer that keeps both banks charged when plugged in or driving. I also have solar that charges both.



Attached wiring schematic for my Passenger side electrical rear run bay that shows the layout and a picture of the has everything with part numbers, you can check yours and see if it looks similar. I also included a picture of my first run bay which has the battery disconnects, boost solenoid, and battery disconnect relay.

[TRCSOONER]

Yes, I may be describing them backwards. No clue.


I included a pic of the single LARGE battery, it is 12V...


The CHASSIS battery/batteries is what are used to START the motor, correct?

Originally Posted by jacwjames

I believe you reversed which batteries are which. Normally the chassis battery is either one or two 12 volt batteries.


The house batteries are normally deep cycle type 6 volt wired in a paired parallel series to become a 12 volt circuit.



I have a 2002 Windsor and I have a BIRD relay and battery maintainer that keeps both banks charged when plugged in or driving. I also have solar that charges both.



Attached wiring schematic for my Passenger side electrical rear run bay that shows the layout and a picture of the has everything with part numbers, you can check yours and see if it looks similar. I also included a picture of my first run bay which has the battery disconnects, boost solenoid, and battery disconnect relay.

[twinboat]

Yes, chassis battery starts engine. The single 12 volt battery should be for starting the engine.
Check the volts on it sitting and while cranking the engine.

If it drops below 10.5 volts cranking it may be bad. Charge it over night and try again.

You don't have 24 volt house batteries, they are wired as 2 pairs of 6 volts, making 2 12 volt sets.
Treat them like 12 volt batteries.

[TRCSOONER]

Here is a wiring diagram of how the (4) 6V batteries are wired...

[TRCSOONER]

THANKS!

Originally Posted by twinboat

Yes, chassis battery starts engine. The single 12 volt battery should be for starting the engine.
Check the volts on it sitting and while cranking the engine.

If it drops below 10.5 volts cranking it may be bad. Charge it over night and try again.

[TRCSOONER]

My owner's manual says...
Both main battery disconnect switches will remain ON(They are ON and have been all winter). The inverter will charge both the house and engine battery banks. (Yes, it is plugged in and has been all winter. The house batteries seem to be fine).



So, if the inverter is SUPPOSED to keep the batteries charged then my engine/chassis battery is probably bad, correct?


I have it charging overnight, I'll give it a try tomorrow.

[jacwjames]

Not sure if you have one but here is a link to the owners manual for a 2001 Windsor. https://www.monacocoach.com/resource...01_Windsor.pdf

I quickly glanced over it and your charging system for the batteries is different then my 2002 but you do have a battery maintainer as shown on page 240. There is also a section on the house bateries



Here is a document showing a couple options on how 6 volt batteries could be wired.

[jacwjames]

Here is another battery connection options




According to the owners manual you have a battery maintainer. Here is a link to what it looks like, note that it is obsolete. https://shop.findmyrvparts.com/monac...5-p/le-415.htm

[jacwjames]

Here is a trouble shooting guide for the battery maintainer

[TRCSOONER]

I found the 'battery maintainer'... what's a good way to TEST it?


Thanks again for all of the help

[TRCSOONER]

Beat me to it! thanks so much for all of your help.

Originally Posted by jacwjames

Here is a trouble shooting guide for the battery maintainer

[TRCSOONER]

Okay,
The 'battery maintainer' tested good.




So, I'm charging the chassis battery overnight. I'll see how it goes tomorrow, but it's looking like I need a new one.


Thanks

[jacwjames]

Test your battery with a hydrometer after you charge it.

My original chassis battery in my coach lasted ~10 years, replaced with an off brand (no good sources in Upper Michigan) that lasted 2 years. Replaced with a Duracell which has been in for going on +7 years.