Community Forums

scorpodoc · 09-29-2018, 11:38 AM

Hi again;

I know this question has been around before, but I need to ask again..sorry..
How do you keep chassis batteries charged when hooked up to 20 amp service from shore power for extended periods, when winterizing...I’m pretty sure that 20 amp will keep house batteries charged but not sure of chassis..
Thanks again for your input..

mrboyer · 09-29-2018, 11:45 AM

Get a Trick-L-Start which is connected between your chassis and house batteries. Comes with wire, connectors and screws. Easy to install.

ga traveler · 09-29-2018, 11:51 AM

I use a battery minder to keep my batteries charged. I like the battery minder because it sends a pulse charge to desulfate the batteries while in storage. It must work because I just changed both batteries (House and chassis) after ten years service. Both batteries passed load test, but showed slightly weak at the end of the test.

Isaac-1 · 09-29-2018, 11:54 AM

Another Trik-L-Start owner here

8.3Oilbuner · 09-29-2018, 12:05 PM

Good morning, or afternoon Scorpodoc; Can't remember how an Alpine coach is set up for battery charging. If your system for charging batteries thru your inverter along with something like a big boy, not sure, to charge your chassis batteries and house. I have had Monaco Windsor's. They have had the Trace inverter that charges the batteries along with a Lampert battery maintainer. This is what charges both the house and chassis batteries in my Windsor. I have had the coach plugged into just a 20 amp service and that has had no problems powering the inverter for battery charging. You can only run so much on 20 amps. This all depends on how your system is set up. As others here have answered, you might need a separate charger for the chassis batteries as some coach builders do not have the option to charge house and chassis while on shore power. Hope this answers some of your questions.

Waiter21 · 09-29-2018, 12:26 PM

Some MHs will charge the chassis and coach batteries when plugged into shore power..

If your's doesn't, get a Trick-L-Start..

Gary RVRoamer · 09-29-2018, 12:32 PM

The amount of amps isn't important - 15-20A is plenty for charging everything. The real question is whether your brand of RV does any chassis charging at all from Shore Power. Most Fleetwood coaches do, and National RV as well. More recent Winnebagos do, but not aolder ones (especially gas models).

If yours does not, you can add a Trik-L-Start or similar (Xantrex Echo Charge, Magnum Smart Combiner), or you can simply plug a small battery maintenance charger (aka trikle charger) and hook it's alligator clips to the chassis battery terminals. VOILA! Problem solved.