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Topic: trickel charge for start batteries (Read 1549 times) previous topic - next topic

trickel charge for start batteries

I have a 95 U320,I was wondering has anyone just hooked up a trickle charge to the 3 start batteries to keep them topped off.
If I have to use the boost to start my rig,,, my inverter blinks and seems to be on real low on charge. I have to start my gen and run it to get things back on track, and all the while my  light on my inverter blinks my toilet valve just keeps opening and closing until I disconnect the fuse
Any suggestions will help
Rick Maddox
rlmlimited@comcast.net
509-939-0740

Re: trickel charge for start batteries

Reply #1 –
Many of us use various trickle chargers,would get at least 6 amps for 3 batteries.In regards to the rest of your question,if you have power to run a trickle charger your house charger should be charging the house batteries,are they in good shape?Which inverter/charger do you have and are you sure the alternator is in good working condition?

Re: trickel charge for start batteries

Reply #3 –
I use a knock off trickle charger at two amps. I tie the 6 house and 3 engine batteries together at the dash lighter plugs but the two amps keeps both at 13.2 to 13.6 volts.

Pierce

Re: trickel charge for start batteries

Reply #4 –
Trickle start. It is awesome!
Very small, 10 amp charge, awesome

Re: trickel charge for start batteries

Reply #5 –
I just turn on the boost swt. when connected to shore power.  House charger will maintain both start and house batteries.  I do turn off the 12 volt swt. at the door so door bell button light is not on all the time.

Pat,

Re: trickel charge for start batteries

Reply #6 –
We have Hong Kong Freight (Harbor freight) $20.00 cheapo one plugged into the block heater plug, and hard wired to the batt's It's always on when coach is plugged in.

Have a digital read out USB plug in the cig light at the dash that is connected to the engine batts.

Love looking at the green light through the back vents.

Watch the USB every time I go in the coach.

Chris

Re: trickel charge for start batteries

Reply #7 –
Our LEDs while connected to shore power at home plus lighter plug to lighter plug battery equalizer.

Pierce

Re: trickel charge for start batteries

Reply #8 –
I use a trickle charger but also have a dedicated solar panel for start batteries. It is only 7 amps but has been working like a charm for umteen years, summer and winter.
JohnH

Re: trickel charge for start batteries

Reply #9 –
This is for pthurman48. That will work but if you loose electricity you can end up with all batteries dead.

Re: trickel charge for start batteries

Reply #10 –
To add to above,and no way to start generator.

Re: trickel charge for start batteries

Reply #11 –
Quote from: pthurman48 –
I just turn on the boost swt. when connected to shore power.  House charger will maintain both start and house batteries.  I do turn off the 12 volt swt. at the door so door bell button light is not on all the time.

Pat,
If you lose shore power, you will not only flatten both sets of batteries, but if for more than a few hours, cost  yourself thousands of battery dollars.

Pierce

Re: trickel charge for start batteries

Reply #12 –
how do i check if altenator is chargeing properly and if the inverter /charger is working properly on the voltage on the dash it only gets up to 11 volts 93 grandvilla cummings thanks for your help trying to learn how the system works

Re: trickel charge for start batteries

Reply #13 –
94

Re: trickel charge for start batteries

Reply #14 –
Buy a DIGITAL VOLT METER (start under $20 at box stores, auto parts stores, etc).

Check connections on both battery banks are clean and tight.

Take readings at both HOUSE and CHASSIS batteries.  Compare chassis battery readings with dash gauge reading. Tell us what you get.

Plug into shore power and recheck both banks.  Tell us what you get on each battery bank.

Unplug from shore power, start the engine and raise RPM to around 1,100. Take readings at both HOUSE and CHASSIS batteries. Tell us what you get.

THEN we can give you advice based on the FACTS.

Re: trickel charge for start batteries

Reply #15 –
great thank, you just got dark ,will check tomorrow i had 12.5 at house and start  batteries, will follow the balance of directions and let you know tomorrow thanks, so much

Re: trickel charge for start batteries

Reply #16 –
I hope it was "mister sun" who got dark, not the coach electrical system!

Re: trickel charge for start batteries

Reply #17 –
dragnet

Re: trickel charge for start batteries

Reply #18 –
yes sun light brett, i dont get in till later i work on electric material handling equipment  just not familar with coach chargeing systems it will be this weekend when i can go thur these steps , the guy i bought this from said he had the altenator rebuilt so this tells me he had a issue i have new house batteries and removed coach batteries cleaned all checked water cleaned corrosion  but still shows 11 volts so i will follow the protcall you suggest and see were we are thank you for all you do, keith williams

Re: trickel charge for start batteries

Reply #19 –
Quote from: krwinfla –
the guy i bought this from said he had the altenator rebuilt so this tells me he had a issue

Keith,

Do you have any idea how long ago he had the alternator rebuilt?  OEM your coach has a DUVAC system.  If the alternator was rebuild to go on a dump truck rather than a RV with 2 battery banks and an isolator (DUVAC system) then that may be part of your problem.

Mike