Community Forums

dhrt05 · 06-05-2006, 05:19 AM

Does the AUX Battery switch on the dash have to be pushed on while driving to charge the house batteries or should they charge on there own while driving?

dhrt05 · 06-05-2006, 05:19 AM

Does the AUX Battery switch on the dash have to be pushed on while driving to charge the house batteries or should they charge on there own while driving?

Cruzer · 06-05-2006, 05:49 AM

Seeing as how this is your first post, let me be the first to welcome you to the IRV2 forum.

"Generally" the house batteries are charged by the vehicle alternator when driving. An item called a Charge Solenoid will kick in to tie the two battery systems together whenever the ingition key is on. The Aux Start switch should only be needed when the unit is not running and you need the house batteries to help jump start the chassis batteries to get your engine started.

However, not all RVs are alike so your system may be different. I'd suggest that you go to your profile and add some information in your "signature" section. Include your name, RV information, and towed vehicle info. That way whenever you post, people will see what you have and they'll be better able to answer your question.

Enjoy!

troth · 06-05-2006, 05:54 AM

dhrt05, we really need you coach model and year to answer this correctly. Most Winnies (gas) will charge the coach batteries from the engine alternator if your "Coach Power" switch (usually by the entry steps) is turned "on".
There are a couple of "Aux Power" switches on the dash; -one to select power for the radio, the other to use as a boost if the chassis battery cannot start the engine. Neither of these really have anything to do with charging the coach batteries.

Kazoo Tom · 06-05-2006, 06:23 AM

On my Brave there is a battery disconnect switch on the dash that controls the coach batteries. If you have one, make sure the coach batteries are "on" for them to charge while driving.

dhrt05 · 06-05-2006, 10:47 AM

Thanks everyone for the info. I will go into my profile and add more info so you will know what rig I have.

Thanks

Kazoo Tom · 06-05-2006, 12:36 PM

dhrt05, I believe you will find a battery disconnect switch somewhere on your MH. There is probably also a battery isolator mounted somewhere that may have gone bad and not allowing the house batteries to charge.

Gary RVRoamer · 06-05-2006, 06:01 PM

If the battery disconnect switch is in the ON position, then it's possible the relay (solenoid) that connects the house batteries to the alternator circuit has failed. Unlikely, cause those things are generally pretty reliable, but possible.

It's also possible that the wire from the relay to the battery, the one that actually delivers the charging current, has gotten disconected or damaged or corroded.