Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: Larry Bradley on May 08, 2011, 09:34:44 am

Title: auto start on generator
Post by: Larry Bradley on May 08, 2011, 09:34:44 am
What would be the disadvantage of leaving generator on auto start to keep batteries charge up when motor home is setting for a month or less. I was thinking it would use some fuel, but it would make generator get some use and get the electrical cord out of my way while doing yard work.

Larry Bradley
98 U270
Grand Cherokee
Title: Re: auto start on generator
Post by: Barry Beam on May 08, 2011, 09:40:54 am
What would be the disadvantage of leaving generator on auto start to keep batteries charge up when motor home is setting for a month or less. I was thinking it would use some fuel, but it would make generator get some use and get the electrical cord out of my way while doing yard work.

The auto gen start would come on when the batteries got down to about 12.2 vdc.
The gen would then run 4-5 hours.
Probably more that you want just to exercise the gen at the price of diesel right now.
Title: Re: auto start on generator
Post by: Gayland Baasch on May 08, 2011, 09:49:29 am
So the auto start will shut it off too?  What triggers that?
Title: Re: auto start on generator
Post by: Barry Beam on May 08, 2011, 09:57:48 am
So the auto start will shut it off too?  What triggers that?
On our BCM-12 auto Gen start. It is programmable for how long to run after auto start or until voltage is reached.
Title: Re: auto start on generator
Post by: John S on May 08, 2011, 06:36:58 pm
I think you can adjust all of the auto start units.  I had my 99 adjusted with a multi meter to the electrode on the black board under the center of the dash.  You turned a screw and saw the numbers move on the multimeter.  That adjusted the start and stop voltage but not the time.
Title: Re: auto start on generator
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on May 08, 2011, 06:49:19 pm
The BCM-12 is fully adjustable, start voltage, finish voltage, and run time.  Very easy if you have a good meter and can understrand the manual.  Barry has a copy of the manual.
Title: Re: auto start on generator
Post by: Dave Head on May 08, 2011, 07:01:58 pm
According to Dynagen its a discontinued product.
Title: Re: auto start on generator
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on May 08, 2011, 07:17:46 pm
Yep, They discontinued the BCM about the same time Silverleaf started offering it.  A few years ago.
BUT, if you have one, you can still check and adjust it to your liking. ;D
Title: Re: auto start on generator
Post by: Dave Head on May 09, 2011, 12:41:34 pm
For those contemplating adding an autostart, the Magnum is avail at this site for $244, free shipping. Everywhere else I've looked, its $263 (up).