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Topic: battery charging on shore power (Read 669 times) previous topic - next topic

battery charging on shore power

On my 91  when I plug into shore power do all three batterys charge or just the house battery's?
91 GV U300 Unihome 40' Build 3811
6V92TA Detroit

Re: battery charging on shore power

Reply #1 –
On my 93 the converters/chargers charge only the house batteries. I've got a Trik-L-Charger that I need to attach so that the engine batteries will also be charged when plugged in.

Re: battery charging on shore power

Reply #2 –
Thanks thats what I thought, Another question,If the boost switch is left on would they all 3 charge then?
91 GV U300 Unihome 40' Build 3811
6V92TA Detroit

Re: battery charging on shore power

Reply #3 –
Quote from: stump –
Thanks thats what I thought, Another question,If the boost switch is left on would they all 3 charge then?

Yes, that is the way it was wired.  BUT, that is not the best solution 24/7.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: battery charging on shore power

Reply #4 –
Brett what would be a better setup for keeping all 3 up while plugged  in? I have it in the driveway and ran a 115v power cord to an adaptor on the 30 amp cord so I can keep the house batteries up while I putz with this thing.
91 GV U300 Unihome 40' Build 3811
6V92TA Detroit

Re: battery charging on shore power

Reply #5 –
What really works well for me is the house battery monitor that I installed to tell me the status of the house batteries.  I charge them until the charging  voltage stops increasing (i.e., the charging current is zero) then I turn off the charger.  I then keep an eye on the charge state and when the battery voltage drops to around 12 volts I turn the charger back on and repeat the cycle.  The time interval will depend on the house battery usage.  I do not keep a charger on the engine battery unless I am using it for something. I will cross connect with boost switch on occasion just to make sure that the engine battery is up where it needs to be.  I don't feel that it is good for the batteries to have a continuous charge so using a trickle charger really isn't necessary.  If you plan to be gone for some time, then the use of a trickle charger should be considered, especially during the winter.  I also wired in my battery monitor so that I can plug it into the house battery or the engine battery.  Just my way of doing business which has served me well.  Have a great day  ----  Fritz
Fritz & Kathy Johnson
1991 36'

Re: battery charging on shore power

Reply #6 –
Assume you have two battery banks.

Your converter or inverter charger keeps the house battery bank charged while on shore power.

To keep your chassis batteries charged, you need either a separate smart charger (2 amps will do) or a relay-based combiner such as the Xantrex Echo charger.  Either approach will work fine.

The least expensive method for keeping the chassis batteries charged is to use a jumper from house battery positive to chassis battery positive.  This can be done battery to battery or at any location where both batteries come together such as isolator, boost switch, etc.
You do have to be very careful with the jumpers, as touching any metal on the coach (ground) would be a dead short and with the amperage of either battery bank would be a real mess.  So I do not recommend this as a long term solution.  And NEVER start the engine with a jumper connecting the two banks-- way too easy for a jumper to come loose while driving and cause a dead short.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: battery charging on shore power

Reply #7 –
Stump,
Another possible consideration might be a voltage sensing relay.  These can be purchased at FOT.
Jerry & Nanci
1999 U270 34'WTFI
2011 Malibu
A smart man knows what to say, a wise man knows when to say it.

Re: battery charging on shore power

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Green99 –
Stump,
Another possible consideration might be a voltage sensing relay.  These can be purchased at FOT.

I think I'd like to go that route, even though my OEM system with an added AC powered maintainer is working fine.  I like the idea of solar also getting to the chassis batteries.

What was the one Don found?  I did a web search and found one by Marino that sells for $80 shipped, and is digital (which I consider nice but not necessary)
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: battery charging on shore power

Reply #9 –
I asked Keith Risch at MOT what he thought was the best way and he said the ECO charger.  It charges the starting batteries while on shore power or while the generator is running.  I believe it will also work with solar, but not sure about that.

I have it on my coach now and seems to be working fine.
Ted & Karen
2001 U270 36' - sold after 12 years full timing

Re: battery charging on shore power

Reply #10 –
I am looking at a Progressive Dynamics 9280 80 amp converter charger with charge wizard to replace  the stock factory charger. It us loud and hums all the time switching on and off. What are your opinions on this charger or do you recommend another type or brand?
91 GV U300 Unihome 40' Build 3811
6V92TA Detroit
 

Re: battery charging on shore power

Reply #11 –
Quote from: stump –
I am looking at a Progressive Dynamics 9280 80 amp converter charger with charge wizard to replace  the stock factory charger. It us loud and hums all the time switching on and off. What are your opinions on this charger or do you recommend another type or brand?
Many of us with older coaches have moved to the Progressive Dynamics units if varying capacity.  They seem to be very good devices at reasonable cost. That was my first upgrade when I bought my coach in 2011

Craig
1993 U225 36' Unihome GV with PACBRAKE exhaust retarder, Banks Stinger and Solar Panels.
Toad: 1999 Jeep Wrangler 2-door soft-top.

"No one has ever had to evacuate a city because the solar panels broke."