Solar Charging Chassis battery
My '02 Winnebago Brave 32V is equipped with a small ( factory-installed ) solar panel connected to the coach battery bank. I have been having problems with the chassis battery becoming discharged whi...
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The 10 - 15 watt solar panel that was installed on my RV air conditioner would be the 'correct' size to prevent the engine battery from discharging while being stored.
You might also see if the engine battery disconnect is working. The CO meter has two input leads. One normally connected to the coach battery, and the other to the engine battery. This is done to keep the CO meter working, even if one fuse blows. The net result is it can very slowly discharge both batteries.
Some install a mechanical battery disconnect. Napa and most auto parts stores sell them. It is a brass connection on the battery - terminal, and there is a large screw on the top, you loosen this to disconnect power from the upper 1/2 to the lower 1/2. The upper half is attached to the battery, while the lower 1/2 is connected to the battery cable.
Good luck with your project. Problem that I see is finding where the small solar panel connects to the battery. If you can run a wire to the main engine battery, and connect it via a 2 amp fuse, it will work. You will need to fuse any wire attached to the +12 of the battery.
It would be easier to install a new 15 watt panel someplace near the battery.
Fred.
You might also see if the engine battery disconnect is working. The CO meter has two input leads. One normally connected to the coach battery, and the other to the engine battery. This is done to keep the CO meter working, even if one fuse blows. The net result is it can very slowly discharge both batteries.
Some install a mechanical battery disconnect. Napa and most auto parts stores sell them. It is a brass connection on the battery - terminal, and there is a large screw on the top, you loosen this to disconnect power from the upper 1/2 to the lower 1/2. The upper half is attached to the battery, while the lower 1/2 is connected to the battery cable.
Good luck with your project. Problem that I see is finding where the small solar panel connects to the battery. If you can run a wire to the main engine battery, and connect it via a 2 amp fuse, it will work. You will need to fuse any wire attached to the +12 of the battery.
It would be easier to install a new 15 watt panel someplace near the battery.
Fred.
