Battery connector?

[Ragman]

i have a 2001 39' diesel National Tradewinds. My jump start connector that connects my house batteries to my chassis batteries no longer works. I would think there is some type of solenoid that connects the two somewhere back in the battery area, but I cannot locate one.

Has anyone had a problem like this? If so, I would appreciate hearing your solution.

I have four 6-volt house batteries and two 12-volt starter batteries, which are approximately two years old, but I would like to have my jump start connector working. Thank you and Happy Trails.

Larry

[FIRE UP]

Originally Posted by Ragman

i have a 2001 39' diesel National Tradewinds. My jump start connector that connects my house batteries to my chassis batteries no longer works. I would think there is some type of solenoid that connects the two somewhere back in the battery area, but I cannot locate one.

Has anyone had a problem like this? If so, I would appreciate hearing your solution.

I have four 6-volt house batteries and two 12-volt starter batteries, which are approximately two years old, but I would like to have my jump start connector working. Thank you and Happy Trails.

Larry

Larry,
A lot can depend on which chassis you have. You didn't state it so, at this time, I might assume it's a Freightliner. Just how yours is set up for battery charging (house and chassis) and, what's called "Battery Boost" is fairly common. A basic layout is this. You have a toggle switch on the dash someplace that displays "Battery Boost" or, "Auxiliary Start", something maybe to that effect.

If and when you chassis batteries are too low in state of charge, to start your engine, then you can press that spring loaded toggle and, that will send a signal to a solenoid that, will link both house and chassis batteries together, for an amplified cranking situation. You probably know all this but, I just want to make sure we're on the same page. Now, also, in MOST coach wiring layouts with this type of arrangement, that same solenoid will be automatically activated or, CLOSE, when the engine is started. That in turn, will automatically link the alternator to your house batteries to charge them while you're driving.

OK, that's the basics on how that system works. But, just exactly where that solenoid is located on or in your particular coach is not familiar with me. It's in a compartment located behind my drivers side duals on mine. It sits right alongside the solenoid that's used for house battery disconnect. You either need another owner of your same coach that may know the location chime in here or, get a hold of your coach builder and ask for a set of wiring diagrams. Good luck.
Scott

[Ragman]

Thank you Scott.

My motor home is in storage and I forgot what the booster was called. I just didn't want to call it a thingamagig.

You are correct; it is on a Freightliner chassis. And I do have a solenoid in a compartment in front of the driver's side wheel where a number of fuses, etc. are located. It has a hot cable coming in and when the ignition is turned on there is a loud click from that solenoid and it energizes the outgoing cable. But that is the only solenoid I have been able to find. I never thought of it being a part of the booster system. This gives me something to work on.

Thank you again for all the information you gave me. It is well appreciated.

Larry

[Tha_Rooster]

Your switch either works off the house or chassis batteries to engage if it is dead it want work.

[nothermark]

You might want to ask for this to be moved over to the Freightliner chassis group.

[chboone]

Originally Posted by Ragman

i have a 2001 39' diesel National Tradewinds. My jump start connector that connects my house batteries to my chassis batteries no longer works. I would think there is some type of solenoid that connects the two somewhere back in the battery area, but I cannot locate one.

Has anyone had a problem like this? If so, I would appreciate hearing your solution.

I have four 6-volt house batteries and two 12-volt starter batteries, which are approximately two years old, but I would like to have my jump start connector working. Thank you and Happy Trails.

Larry

The best place for this thread is in the National RV Owners forum.
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f105/
Your start boost failure is not a chassis problem it is a house problem.The usual problem that causes the start boost not to work is failure of the interconnect relay. The same relay is also used for the cross charging of the chassis and house batteries. Your RV Custom Products Battery Control Center should look similar to the one I attached. To get the correct one for your Motorhome contact RV Custom Products and ask for the documentation and troubleshooting guide for your BCC. Mary will email you the information.

RV Custom Products
14000 Anson Ave, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
(562) 921-8353