Slow Generator Crank

[ColoradoBnd]

I’m getting a very slow crank on my generator during storage exercises of late. Even though the EMS control center says I have 5 chassis battery bars on the controller I am suspicious. I have to pull the coach out of storage to open the battery compartment so I want to test something here. If I have the coach plugged into a trickle charge (<15 amps on magnum controller), will the BIRD system still actuate and switch over to the chassis batteries for a charge? I recently had that charging system checked and a new relay installed. Just wanted to check and see if anyone knew if there was a “actuation hurdle” on the relay before I pulled her out of storage.

[Ray,IN]

Easy to test, put a VOM on the battery, if it measures over 13V it is being charged.
Even easier it start main engine then genset, a difference will be quickly apparent if no charging is occurring. Checking voltage at the genset battery cables to starter voltage is another option if no difference is noted when main engine is running.

[153stars]

When mine was hard to start I cleaned every battery connection ,then on big fuses ,solenoids and isolators everywhere and at genny. Eventually I replaced the starter that fixed that. It is still easier to start motor than genny from same set of batts two 8Ds.