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Topic: Charging House Batteries and Chassis Batteries (Read 1080 times) previous topic - next topic

Charging House Batteries and Chassis Batteries

I understand while driving, the alternator is charging both the house batteries and the chassis batteries. 

But when the coach is plugged into 30A or 50A shore power, are the house batteries AND the chassis batteries being charged or are only the house batteries being charged?

Similarly, when the genset is providing AC power, are the house batteries AND the chassis batteries being charged or are only the house batteries being charged?

Thank you.
Morris and Janice
1997 U270 36'

Re: Charging House Batteries and Chassis Batteries

Reply #1 –
Morris,

Chassis batteries are only being charged when engine and alternator are running. The only exception is if you have the Boost switch on while plugged in to shore power or have the generator running. However, some are hesistant to use the Boost switch indefinitely. Thus, many of us have added a diode-based charger (Trik-L Start is one example) that charges the chassis batteries when the generator is running or when plugged in to shore power.
Don Hay
'92 Grandvilla, U-280
The Hayfever Express
Build #4055
'97 GEO Tracker
Life is like licking honey off a thorn.

Re: Charging House Batteries and Chassis Batteries

Reply #2 –
Attached is a .doc for charging/not charging table.  Someone on this forum created it.  I have my copy in the pouch behind the drivers seat so I won't forget :)

Re: Charging House Batteries and Chassis Batteries

Reply #3 –
Morris,  Think of being plugged into shore power and having generator running as the same thing, it is. Both are providing 110 to coach.
In all the FT's I have seen the CHASSIS or ENGINE batteries are charged only by the engine alternator      EXCEPT    when the boost switch is activated with the generator running or plugged in to shore power.  Think of the boost switch as an invisible set of JUMPER CABLES, when you depress the boost switch you are using the HOUSE batteries to JUMP off the engine batteries.
If I say any more it will confuse you.  Any time you meet up with one of us at a rally or any where else ask the question and any of us will be glad to lead you thru the process no matter what it is, ( well maybe, I personally have very little Nukler enginurring experience ).
Gary B

Re: Charging House Batteries and Chassis Batteries

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Don Hay –
Morris,

Chassis batteries are only being charged when engine and alternator are running. The only exception is if you have the Boost switch on while plugged in to shore power or have the generator running. However, some are hesistant to use the Boost switch indefinitely. Thus, many of us have added a diode-based charger (Trik-L Start is one example) that charges the chassis batteries when the generator is running or when plugged in to shore power. 

I ordered the Trik-L Start 5Amp Starting Battery Charger/Maintainer over the week-end. 

1. When properly installed, it is my understanding it will charge the chassis batteries when on shore power or operating the genset.  Am I correct?

2. Where is the suggested place(s) to install the unit and connect to the + terminal for the house batteries and the + terminal for the chassis batteries on a U270?

3. We have 2 chassis batteries. Does it have to be connected to the + terminal on both chassis batteries?

4. We have 2 house batteries. Does it have to be connected to the + terminal on both house batteries?

Thank you very much.
Morris and Janice
1997 U270 36'

Re: Charging House Batteries and Chassis Batteries

Reply #5 –
Here's our installation - at the isolator (inspired by George Hatfield)

TRIK-L-START Installation

Michelle
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Charging House Batteries and Chassis Batteries

Reply #6 –
Thank you so very much Michelle, Barry, Gary, Steve & Kathy and Don.  This is a great benefit to me. I will install it in few weeks after I bring the coach home from storage.

Thank you to everyone
Morris and Janice
1997 U270 36'

Re: Charging House Batteries and Chassis Batteries

Reply #7 –
Here are the rest of the pics.  They were too large to be sent altogether.
Don Hay
'92 Grandvilla, U-280
The Hayfever Express
Build #4055
'97 GEO Tracker
Life is like licking honey off a thorn.

Re: Charging House Batteries and Chassis Batteries

Reply #8 –
Morris,  I sent this before the pics, but it got lost in cyberspace.  I am including one other picture in this post.

I will try to answer your questions in the order you asked: "it is my understanding it will charge the chassis batteries when on shore power or operating the genset. Am I correct? " :  Yes, the chassis batteries will be charged with via shore power or the generator.

"Where is the suggested place(s) to install the unit and connect to the + terminal for the house batteries and the + terminal for the chassis batteries on a U270?"  There are two places; I can only speak from experience on one: At the boost solenoid, there will be two large cables coming up to the solenoid, one is from the chassis battery(s), the other from the house batteries.  To answer questions 3 and 4 together:  As long as you connect the wires to the cable coming from each set, you do NOT have to attach to the individual battery terminals.  You will be able to determine which cable comes from the chassis and which from the house batteries by by using a mulitmeter.  One cable will be about 0.5V less than the other.  I can't remember which is which right now, as my notebook is in the coach and it's pouring out.  I will send that info to you in the morning.  I suspect that one of the more experienced gurus on here will provide that info before I get to it in the morning.  I am including some pics that show the arrangement in my U-280.  Once you find the boost solenoid, it shouldn't be much different.

The other place to connect the Trik-L Start wires is at the isolator. Steve and Michelle and Barry have already sent pics explaining that approach.
Don Hay
'92 Grandvilla, U-280
The Hayfever Express
Build #4055
'97 GEO Tracker
Life is like licking honey off a thorn.
 

Re: Charging House Batteries and Chassis Batteries

Reply #9 –
Quote from: Steve & Kathy B –
Attached is a .doc for charging/not charging table.  Someone on this forum created it.  I have my copy in the pouch behind the drivers seat so I won't forget :)

I created this table to better understand all the possibilities - and am glad to see it used.  Any corrections or adjustments are welcome.   
Larry Rubin
2004 U295 38' build 6278
2014 Jeep Cherokee