Community Forums

twinboat · 12-30-2021, 07:58 PM

Running the engine while on shore power isn't very different than running the engine and generator together.

And it's the same as driving in sunlight, with a solar system on the roof.

All charging systems are voltage regulated. When the batteries are at the set voltage the regulators cut output and amps drops to near zero for all of them.
No overcharging occurs. Leave them all on.

FL420 · 12-30-2021, 08:06 PM

I may not understand everything I see but I can report on two occasions when the alternator output on my ScanGaugeD told me the alternator was charging the chassis batteries the ALT light came on. When I walked back to the electric panel and pushed the Charger ON/OFF switch to OFF it put the charger in STBY with a flashing green LED and extinguished the ALT light.
I prefer to be safe rather than sorry so I will continue to do what works for me. JMHO.
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twinboat · 12-30-2021, 09:05 PM

Im not telling you how to run your rig but for the others who may see this, and others have,, the alt light came on because the house charger was outputting a bit more volts then the alternator was.

Alternator regulators are not smart. They set a light if the volts at the battery are higher then at the alternator.

With grid heaters running, on a cold idling engine, the alternator can't keep up. The light is just a temporary warning.

FL420 · 12-30-2021, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

Alternator regulators are not smart.

Hey, I resemble that remark[emoji848]

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

They set a light if the volts at the battery are higher then at the alternator.

With grid heaters running, on a cold idling engine, the alternator can't keep up. The light is just a temporary warning.

Thanks for the explanation. Good to know.
Question: When I turn the key to RUN on a cold morning I get the Wait To Start light and I notice the chassis batteries voltage on my ScanGaugeD drops to 11.xx volts. The WTS usually goes out then comes back on then goes out again without coming back on for a third time. I then turn the key to START and release it to RUN after it starts. When it starts the voltage creeps up to 12.xx volts and when the alternator starts charging the voltage jumps up to 13.xx volts. I assumed that the grid heaters turn off when the WTS light goes out and is confirmed when engine starts and the voltage starts to creep up. Is that not correct or do they really stay on for awhile at Idle and the voltage draw is masked by the higher alternator output?
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max49 · 12-30-2021, 10:48 PM

I never even thought about it. Mine is plugged in at the house and I start it up all the time plugged in. When I'm at camp, I start it up before pulling the slideout in or unplugging.
I guess it could be a problem, the converter is getting about 13.5 volts and the engine charges to about 14 volts.
Never had nor heard of that causing a problem.

twinboat · 12-31-2021, 02:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FL420

Hey, I resemble that remark[emoji848]

Thanks for the explanation. Good to know.
Question: When I turn the key to RUN on a cold morning I get the Wait To Start light and I notice the chassis batteries voltage on my ScanGaugeD drops to 11.xx volts. The WTS usually goes out then comes back on then goes out again without coming back on for a third time. I then turn the key to START and release it to RUN after it starts. When it starts the voltage creeps up to 12.xx volts and when the alternator starts charging the voltage jumps up to 13.xx volts. I assumed that the grid heaters turn off when the WTS light goes out and is confirmed when engine starts and the voltage starts to creep up. Is that not correct or do they really stay on for awhile at Idle and the voltage draw is masked by the higher alternator output?
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The heaters can cycle on and off depending on intake air temperature.

FL420 · 12-31-2021, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

The heaters can cycle on and off depending on intake air temperature.

GTK. Thx.
I wonder if I use these enough for Good To Know and Thanks they will catch on with interweb dwellers. [emoji848]
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Turbojack · 12-31-2021, 04:45 PM

Starting engine on shore power is no problem. Do it all the time in Summer to keep the AC's going when getting ready to leave. Just need to make sure you disconnect before you put coach in gear.

The Driver · 01-01-2022, 07:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Turbojack

Starting engine on shore power is no problem. Do it all the time in Summer to keep the AC's going when getting ready to leave. Just need to make sure you disconnect before you put coach in gear.

Isn't that kind of rough on the transfer switch?

Turbojack · 01-01-2022, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Driver

Isn't that kind of rough on the transfer switch?

Starting Coach engine while plugged in.

When disconnecting from shore power I turn off all of the loads, turn breaker off in outside pedestal, then unplug. If needed I will then start generator and once it gets going and putting out power I start adding load back.

brobox · 01-01-2022, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Driver

Isn't that kind of rough on the transfer switch?

Transfer switch is 120v, engine is 12v should not interfere, totally separate circuits. Four coaches over 20 years starting the engine while plugged in, do it in storage all the time, I have never lost a transfer switch.

ArtJoyce · 01-01-2022, 08:20 AM

I don't consider it safe to start up if I'm on jacks. Only because it will reinstate my air bags (air springs). But if my jacks are up it's safe, but I will have a warning that the slid is out and antena is up if they are.

brobox · 01-01-2022, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArtJoyce

I don't consider it safe to start up if I'm on jacks. Only because it will reinstate my air bags (air springs). But if my jacks are up it's safe, but I will have a warning that the slid is out and antena is up if they are.

However on an Entegra, air pressure first, raise jacks, pressure up again then bring slide in. Engine must be running to air up.

Deere Farmer · 01-02-2022, 06:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brobox

However on an Entegra, air pressure first, raise jacks, pressure up again then bring slide in. Engine must be running to air up.

2015 Entegra Aspire I fire up engine to get ride height, raise jacks, verify still at ride height, then turn off engine. I leave plugged in to shore power while I close slides. Then unplug shore power, fire up engine, and ready to hit the road. Of course sewer and water are disconnected also LOL