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Topic: Battery charging (Read 2506 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Battery charging

Reply #60 –
I just noticed this thread and found it quite interesting.
I do have three 8D AGM batteries connected together in one battery bank for "start" and "coach" needs.
I also have 1460 watts of solar with an 80amp Outback Solar Controller so the batteries are kept charged most of the time.
The M11 engine cranks faster with three 8D deep cycle batteries than with the OEM three size 24 start batteries. Eleven years with this Foretravel and six years with the previous coach, a boost was required to start the big engine on two occasions. This has not happened for circa 8 years because there is an amp hour meter on each battery and I monitor them frequently.
I have a Xantrex pure sign 1800 watt inverter and a separate Iota 55 amp dual voltage converter. Iota has a four stage smart charger module which does not work well because the voltages available for charging are 14 volts and 13.4 volts, not the 14.2 and 13.6 volts that Iota claims. Perhaps my Iota converter is too old to work with their smart charge module. I only use the converter when plugged into shore power on cloudy days or at night.
 
It seems that a Progressive Dynamics converter does become a battery charger with addition of their smart charger module.

For those of you interested in knowing the difference between a Battery Charger and a Converter, it is voltage/amperage control. A Converter provides current at a single fixed voltage (typically circa 13.5 volts) while a Battery Charger will provide current at 13.6 volts, 14.6 volts, or a voltage between 13.6 and 14.6 depending on the state of charge of the battery. Many Battery Chargers can also equalize at circa 15.6 volts when needed.



Re: Battery charging

Reply #61 –
Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie –
The switch at the door is called the "Salesman Switch".  It is powered by the Coach (house) batteries.

Why is it called the Salesman Switch?  I was told:  When a coach is For Sale - sitting on a dealer lot - it makes a better impression on potential buyers to step into a brightly lite coach.  The salesman would turn on all the interior lights, then (to conserve battery power) turn OFF the Salesman Switch when he exited the coach.  Later, when he takes the customers to look inside the coach, he opens the door and cuts on the switch.  Voila!  Customers enter a bright cheerful coach.

Leaving the Salesman Switch on all the time is no problem.  The one on our coach has not been turned off in over 7 years.

The Salesman Switch occasionally gets turned off accidentally, by kids or pets or careless owners.  Causes considerable consternation until discovered.

You have to refer to the B-2126 Automotive Wiring Diagram for your coach to find out exactly what is controlled by the Salesman Switch.  It typically cuts power to such things as interior lights, storage bay lights, the water pump, some items on the dash, etc.


Chuck,
according to the Diagram, I am supposed to have 3 start batteries and 3 coach batteries.
Not sure where they would all go.  Anyway, just trying to figure out a way to maintain these new $700 8d's
and not do any damage to the coach!  Also, is there a way to monitor or test each battery without having to
disconnect the heavy terminal lines.  They are also in the way of some of the water caps.  I think I need to rework
this whole thing.  Thanks for your input.  Y
 

Re: Battery charging

Reply #62 –
Quote from: Yurre –
1.  According to the Diagram, I am supposed to have 3 start batteries and 3 coach batteries.
2.  Not sure where they would all go.
3.  Is there a way to monitor or test each battery without having to disconnect the heavy terminal lines.  They are in the way of some of the water caps.
1.  Foretravel often made running changes to how they built different models, so what a wiring diagram shows may not always match what you actually have in your coach.

2.  Other members (earlier in this thread) told you how their U300 has the engine start batteries mounted in the engine bay behind the engine.  If your coach had the same arrangement, you would have room for 3 start batteries and 3 house batteries.

3.  No way that I know of...unless you added a separate battery disconnect switch for each battery.  Don't be afraid to move the big battery cables around to make your watering chores easier.