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Dedicated genset battery

January 15, 2018, 12:17:17 am

Does anybody run a dedicated genset battery? What kind  and Amperage or isolator or diode is required? Once genset is started a lot of problems can temporarily go away. I only have a 6.5kw propane genset, or KISS OPP and start the genset first or add a knife switch, so about anything can jump it and get it running.

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Re: Dedicated genset battery

Reply #1 – January 15, 2018, 09:41:16 am

Separate start batteries for the generator are pretty rare and IMO a waste of money, weight and wiring.

Your generator is wired to start from one battery bank-- likely the house battery bank.

If house bank is low, use boost switch to add the chassis battery to enable you to start it.

If both low, as you suggest, jump at the generator itself from your toad.

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Re: Dedicated genset battery

Reply #2 – January 15, 2018, 10:29:57 am

My 92 has a separate battery and works well, it must have been added because there are wires coming from the salesmen switch that are taped off. So I can switch it out if I choose. But for now it works. Good luck

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Re: Dedicated genset battery

Reply #3 – January 15, 2018, 08:14:36 pm

Installed a 3 way marine switch and ran 02 cable to chassis battery bank.  Both banks solar charged.  My 8k draws 3-400 for start.  No problems. 

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Re: Dedicated genset battery

Reply #4 – January 19, 2018, 10:25:54 am

I installed a aux battery for my friend in sob coach. There was a lot of voltage drop in the line, connections were good, but perhaps cable size was a little small. Rather than run new cables we added aux battery. The generator, onan, barely canked a full turn and it was running. He was pleased to say the least. I have never experianced a generator  start problem with my Foretravel, but I suspect it has adequate sized cables..

Safe Travells,

Dave

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Re: Dedicated genset battery

Reply #5 – January 19, 2018, 10:43:47 am

My '81 Foretravel has it's own alternator it was simple to have it independently be able to start if either of the house or engine batteries were low.

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