Community Forums

johnnyreno · 01-16-2014, 09:50 PM

will the start batteries charge with the main power switch turned off while plugged in at storage. and 1 inverter on

johnnyreno · 01-16-2014, 11:19 PM

or should I say will the 1 inverter taper down to a maintenance charge and no more.

BFlinn181 · 01-16-2014, 11:37 PM

An inverter takes 12 v DC and changes it to 120 v AC. You might have an inverter/charger that should charge batteries when on shore power or generator. Most RVs have converter/chargers because they are about 4-8 times cheaper than an inverter charger. I'd suggest you check your owner's manual for specifics about how your battery system is set up. Many do charge both house and chassis battery banks when on shore power or generator. Many also charge both sets of batteries when engine alternator is running also.
If you don't have the information in your manual, you can check with a multimeter. Take voltage readings of both battery banks with shore power disconnected. Then plug in the cord and take readings of both banks again. You should see a voltage increase if both are charging. If you unplug the cord again and start engine, then voltage readings will reveal if both battery banks are charged on engine alternator.

To see if you have an inverter/charger or a converter/charger, look in your manual or look up the model number at the manufacturer's web site to find specifications. Then you'll know if it's a 3 stage charger and any other features built in.

Mr_D · 01-16-2014, 11:43 PM

OP has an Anthem, that will have some good equipment in it.

johnnyreno · 01-16-2014, 11:46 PM

I was told the start batteries get charged after the coach batteries are full it will bleed over and turn all other breakers down to a minimum I think the carbon monoxide is the drain if you leave them unplugged how long would be to long to just leave it un plugged and disconnect start batteries its 65 degrees in the hangar but thought I should just leave it plugged in and kill all but 1 inverter

brobox · 01-17-2014, 07:48 AM

The switch should have nothing to do with the inverter. The inverter/charger is wired direct to the batteries. Easy check is with a volt meter on the batteries. Do the same test as posted before using the headlight to drain the battery then plug in.

DSL417 · 01-17-2014, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brobox

The switch should have nothing to do with the inverter. The inverter/charger is wired direct to the batteries. Easy check is with a volt meter on the batteries. Do the same test as posted before using the headlight to drain the battery then plug in.

As I have said several times and confirmed once again down here in Tampa with ted Cook from Entegra (and he should know as he has a great deal of experience helping folks make sure their inverters are set up properly, the inverters do move charge to the chassis batteries...after the coach batteries are charged. Ted says they do it in a step approach. They will send charge to the chassis batteries, take a break of ten minutes, and then start again, in that step manner till the batteries are fully charged. Of course you can put the voltmeter on them and check, but you may have to keep a watch for a while, because of this step charging approach to the inverter programming.

brobox · 01-17-2014, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DSL417

As I have said several times and confirmed once again down here in Tampa with ted Cook from Entegra (and he should know as he has a great deal of experience helping folks make sure their inverters are set up properly, the inverters do move charge to the chassis batteries...after the coach batteries are charged. Ted says they do it in a step approach. They will send charge to the chassis batteries, take a break of ten minutes, and then start again, in that step manner till the batteries are fully charged. Of course you can put the voltmeter on them and check, but you may have to keep a watch for a while, because of this step charging approach to the inverter programming.

More good news, thanks Dave, but I was trying to answer Johnny's question if the charger worked with the main switch in the "off" position. Using the headlights to put a drain on the battery forces the step charger to go to the lowest set of batteries first. At least it did on the older ones I have worked on.

I am one of those that like to have an electrical question I have answered with a voltmeter. I learn how the system works and if my system is working like it should. Just me.

BFlinn181 · 01-17-2014, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brobox

I am one of those that like to have an electrical question I have answered with a voltmeter. I learn how the system works and if my system is working like it should. Just me.

Me too!

That's why I suggested investigating with the multimeter. That way you explore the capabilities of your rig.