Forum Discussion

cwenger's avatar
cwenger
Explorer
Nov 23, 2019

Jump starting the generator

I stored my 2013 Holiday Rambler Ambassador in Florida for 6 months while at home in Maryland. Needless to say, with the generator not having run for 6 months, neither the generator nor the engine would crank. After considerable hassle jump starting the chassis batteries, I finally got the engine started.

Next time after 6 months storage, I am wondering if I could jump start the generator instead of the engine. Could I keep both the house and chassis battery disconnect switches off and jump start the generator? Then if, and after, the generator is running, switch the disconnect switches on without screwing up anything?
Class A
  • rockylarson's avatar
    rockylarson
    Explorer
    Nov 23, 2019
    Could you have started the genny first and then the engine? Would that have been any easier? They both draw from the same chassis battery so jumping would be the same. Don't know why switches are involved in the jumping process.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Nov 23, 2019
    Why don’t you maintain your batteries with a small solar system? Are your batteries toast?
  • cwenger's avatar
    cwenger
    Explorer
    Nov 23, 2019
    I’m not sure my generator gets its cranking power from the chassis battery. With the house battery disconnect switch off and the chassis battery disconnect switch on, there is no power to the generator.

    The reason for having the disconnect switches off, is that it took about ½ hour to jump charge the chassis batteries before the engine would start.
  • wolfe10's avatar
    wolfe10
    Explorer
    Nov 23, 2019
    The generator takes a LOT less amps to start than the main engine.

    BUT, by allowing your batteries to go dead, you are materially shortening their life.

    Consider a couple of solar panels if stored outdoors or shore power if indoors (with smart charger or "work around" if just a "not smart" converter.
  • cwenger's avatar
    cwenger
    Explorer
    Nov 23, 2019
    Thanks for the solar panel suggestion. I hadn't thought of that.
  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    Nov 23, 2019
    The batteries have loads that cannot be switched off which kills the batteries over time. Fully charge the batteries then remove the negative battery cables when storing. Mark and take pictures first. In 6 months the batteries should start the engine or gen w/o a issue.

    I'd start the gen first and let it run for a hour assuming the charger charges both banks.
  • AllegroD's avatar
    AllegroD
    Nomad
    Nov 23, 2019
    CA Traveler wrote:
    The batteries have loads that cannot be switched off which kills the batteries over time. Fully charge the batteries then remove the negative battery cables when storing. Mark and take pictures first. In 6 months the batteries should start the engine or gen w/o a issue.

    I'd start the gen first and let it run for a hour assuming the charger charges both banks.


    Also, the gen may not direct charge and trickle charge will not charge a depleted battery. With gen running it will still take up to 30 minute, with the boost/crossover switch engaged, to bring the chassis up to a state that it will start your engine.
  • MrWizard's avatar
    MrWizard
    Moderator
    Nov 24, 2019
    Disconnect batteries negative cables for storage

    Start generator first

    Use portable battery charger on weak chassis battery , power it from RV outlet powered by generator
  • olfarmer's avatar
    olfarmer
    Explorer II
    Nov 24, 2019
    If you have access to 120 voltage I would connect the batteries to a battery trickle charger/ maintainer. If you don't the solar panel chargers sound good. If you don't do either then by all means unhook the negative terminal. If the batteries have been in an uncharged state for any length of time they are probably shot and w need to be replaced.

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