Charging coach batteries from alternator

[poppy bill]

I have a Winnebago 2013 vista 26he and was wondering if anyone has fixed this problem of not charging coach batteries when engine is running. Also one question can I charge these batteries from them connect switch on the dash that connects all batteries to help on starting.

[Big Dude]

Mine was doing that and it turned out to be the Bird switch.

[Dutch Star Don]

You worded your question oddly. Your coach from the factory DOES charge the batteries. If its not working now, you have something that has gone bad, like the BIRD. Often it can just be a fuse. You need to get it diagnosed.

[poppy bill]

My coach has no bird

[Monacoach]

Most likely the isolator solonoid has gone bad and the boost switch usually uses the same solonoid so that idea wont work. Depress and hold the boost switch on with a helper or use a button or beer cap and go check the coach batteries voltage. Anything lower then 13 volts will confirm the solonoids failure.

[twinboat]

Originally Posted by poppy bill

My coach has no bird

Maybe not a BIRD but there is some kind of voltage sensing, battery combining system.

Many work in conjuntion with the solenoid that is controlled by the boost switch.

If your house batteries charge with the boost switch activated, then something is wrong with the small electronic module that activates the solenoid automatically.

[Monacoach]

Originally Posted by twinboat

Maybe not a BIRD but there is some kind of voltage sensing, battery combining system.

Many work in conjuntion with the solenoid that is controlled by the boost switch.

If your house batteries charge with the boost switch activated, then something is wrong with the small electronic module that activates the solenoid automatically.

This currently applies to our coach. The electronic module ( small circuit board) kept failing so I decided to just use a beer cap to hold the boost switch on while driving. Btw technicaly it would be called an ird ( isolator relay delay) the b gets added ( bird) when both battery banks charge from shore power.

[poppy bill]

I'm confused what are you calling a " beer cap" My a dash switch has to be held in by hand .

[twinboat]

Originally Posted by poppy bill

I'm confused what are you calling a " beer cap" My a dash switch has to be held in by hand .

Some switchs are rocker style and can be jambed "on" with objects.

Not the best course of action because you may forget and run all of the batteries down.

If your batteries are not charging from the engine alternator, get someone to check the battery control center. They should charge while driving.

[Monacoach]

Originally Posted by twinboat

Some switchs are rocker style and can be jambed "on" with objects.

Not the best course of action because you may forget and run all of the batteries down.

If your batteries are not charging from the engine alternator, get someone to check the battery control center. They should charge while driving.

Yes make sure the beer cap or whatever you use to hold the boost rocker switch open is removed after you shut the engine down. I place the beer cap into position after a few minutes of idling just as the automatic switch would do. It waits for the chassis batteries to reach the appropriate voltage then opens the switch to charge the house batteries. After the beer cap I place the antenna reminder over the transmission pad so that I dont forget to remove the beer cap. Its a " dont send a cheap circuit board to do a mans job" kind of thing.

[RogerRoll]

Originally Posted by Monacoach

Btw technicaly it would be called an ird ( isolator relay delay) the b gets added ( bird)

I'm guessing the b that gets added is for 'battery'...
😜


2010 Winnebago Aspect 28B

[jerichorick]

Originally Posted by poppy bill

My coach has no bird

Yes you do. Please see the 12 volt body wiring diagram here: Table of Contents

Rick Y

[Monacoach]

Bird = bi directional isolator relay delay

[Skip426]

BIRD file info and a file on batteries and other RV electric devices.