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Topic: Driving w/o Coach Batteries (Read 814 times) previous topic - next topic

Driving w/o Coach Batteries

I was just getting ready to install new coach batteries in our 320. I intended to remove the three 8Ds and haul them to the batt shop. I had disconnected the cables and was just about to call my son and have him come over for some exercise. Anyhow, in the mean time, I found another vendor with a better price and that also does take out and installation. My question is: Is there any problem driving with the coach batteries disconnected? (inverter/charger OFF and boost OFF) Thanks.
jor
93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320

Re: Driving w/o Coach Batteries

Reply #1 –
Can't think of any.  Just make sure that there is not a cross connection between the alternator and engine batteries and the house circuit.  Easy to find out if you check for voltage at the house battery terminals.  In other words the engine circuit is isolated from the inverter etc.

Perhaps someone with more experience with these coaches can tell OR even better call Foretravel for a definitive answer.

Keith
Keith, Joyce & Smokey the Australian Cattle Dog
1995 U320 SE Extreme 40' WTBI Build # 4780, with a Honda CR-V hopefully still following behind.
Motorcade # 17030
FMCA # F422159

Re: Driving w/o Coach Batteries

Reply #2 –
To expand on Keith's caution, you really need to be careful with the positive terminals, as the alternator, through the battery isolator will be able to provide full alternator output (150+ amps) if that positive terminal were to ground.

I would reconnect the batteries, or at least the cable from house positive and house ground even if only to one battery.

Brett
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: Driving w/o Coach Batteries

Reply #3 –
OK , guys. I'm convinced that this isn't a bright idea. I'll just reconnect. Thanks to you both!
jor
93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320

Re: Driving w/o Coach Batteries

Reply #4 –
Talking of Batteries has me asking if anyone has a good lead on Lifeline AGM 8D with automotive connections. I have 3 already that I bought in March and want to add another of same for more storage. Best price I have come up with is $650 at AM Solar where I got the others. Any ideas??
John
Coachless, now use aircraft. 2003 Ford Travelair TC280 class C. Super shape. Just for 1 yr .
1994 Ford E350 ClassC,total renovation inside and out. Now sold.
2000 U295  36' Cummins 350 c/w Banks Stinger, Resonator upgrade,Solar, LED lites.Residential fridge with slide out pantry. Build 5674. Sold
ex 92 GV 022C ored Cummins. Sold
ex 95 GV240 cat 3116. Sold
2017 Mini cooper s & 2016 land Rover LR2 HSE  LUX.
jhaygarth@aol.com    SKP #130098
treat everyone as you would like to be.

Re: Driving w/o Coach Batteries

Reply #5 –
i special ordered  8DAGM's made by East Penn from O'reilly Auto parts at $399 each, HOWEVER this is special order and they screwed it all up.  You might check , maybe you can find a store manager with some brains.  Good Luck.
Gary B
 

Re: Driving w/o Coach Batteries

Reply #6 –
Quote from: jor –
I was just getting ready to install new coach batteries in our 320. I intended to remove the three 8Ds and haul them to the batt shop. I had disconnected the cables and was just about to call my son and have him come over for some exercise. Anyhow, in the mean time, I found another vendor with a better price and that also does take out and installation. My question is: Is there any problem driving with the coach batteries disconnected? (inverter/charger OFF and boost OFF) Thanks.
jor

Jor,

The problem is that even though you removed the batteries, as soon as you fire up the engine, at least one of the loose cables becomes hot as it is connected to terminal 2 on the isolator and will see lots of amps instantly from the alternator even at idle. You can imagine if a ground cable came in contact with the hot cable while going down the road! Lets see, you have a fiberglas box with the 8Ds in it? :-)

So, easy to think there is no voltage as a meter would indicate zero until you hit the starter, the alt starts making juice and it's buddy the isolator spreads the joy.

Photo the cables so you can remember installation sequence. My factory labels are there but unreadable.
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)