Hi all,Looked through the various manuals that came with our '18 Coachmen freelander 21qb class C but could not find all the answers. I have 2 12v house (coach) batteries, and I know that they are charged by the converter (wfco 8900 series). Are they also charged by the vehicle's alternator while driving (research points to yes)? To the opposite: Is the vehicle's battery (chassis battery) charged by the converter like the house batteries are when connected to shore power or onboard generator? I have been going out on occasion to plug the RV in to an outlet in our winter storage bay to charge the house batteries via the converter, and was curious if the chassis battery was also getting a charge.Regarding the starting of the generator: In the fall while under the RV looking for holes mice may be able get in through I saw a battery box behind the Onan generator. The house batteries are under the entry stair, and the chassis battery is in the engine compartment. Does the generator have it's own battery for starting? If so, how does that battery receive a charge? Only when the generator is running/via the converter/via the vehicle's alternator/all three??I did not actually look inside the battery box behind the generator, so maybe it is just a standard box for various chassis configurations. Not sure, though I have a vague recollection of seeing wires coming out of it. Thought somebody here may know definitively. Thanks

“I did not actually look inside the battery box behind the generator,“ Look! Why speculate? Let us know what you find.“I have been going out on occasion to plug the RV in to an outlet in our winter storage bay to charge the house batteries via the converter” Why? Does a meter of some type indicate charging is necessary? While in storage are the house batteries disconnected?

Usually (as in nearly always) the generator does not have a dedicated battery; it typically cranks from either the chassis or house battery. On my '98 Coachmen, it's the house battery.The house battery charges from the converter and from the engine when it's running, provided everything is working properly. The chassis battery charges from the engine, of course. Sometimes the chassis battery is charged from the converter via a bidirectional isolator or some other device, but that's comparatively uncommon on class C's I believe. If you want it to charge that way, you can install a Trik-L-Start (which is not a super expensive gizmo); it sends a few amps to the chassis battery when the converter is operating or something else (such as solar) is charging the house battery.The generator charges the same things that charge from shore power, through the same mechanisms.Have you verified that there actually is a battery in the battery box by the generator, and it's not just an enclosure for some other electrical equipment?If you have a voltmeter, it's easy to check what batteries are charging under different conditions. If the voltage is above 13V, usually 13.5V or higher, it's charging or was just charged and still has a surface charge. If it's less than 13V, usually 12.6V or less, it's not being charged.

Thanks for the info DrewE.Being a bit of a "budget" type class C I am guessing it does not have the equipment you mentioned to charge the chassis battery from the converter if that is an uncommon trait on class C's. I'll look into that Trik-L-Start you mentioned.Did not actually look into the battery box behind the generator, so there may not be one in there. Was concentrated on trying to get it winterized and verifying the "mouse-proofness" of the underside before the cold hit. Good point on the other electrical equipment. Maybe just a relay or something in that box. Next time I head to the storage lot to plug it in I'll take a voltmeter and check the chassis battery before and while the converter is on. Checking that battery box on the underside might have to wait until the temperature gets above the usual frigid winter temp.. ha ha

take couple bottles a water with you and check the water level in those batteries .a must thing to do about five times a year. a charged battery won,t freeze.

Batteries are the most neglected items on any unit, until they fail. Just like your car battery, they all need maintenance. Water (distilled) needs to be checked...often as does the connections.

The various batteries and their charging sources

Newbiecampers
Explorer
Feb 03, 2018
Thanks.

I'll bring some distilled water and check the levels as well.
SidecarFlip
Explorer III
Feb 03, 2018
Batteries are the most neglected items on any unit, until they fail. Just like your car battery, they all need maintenance. Water (distilled) needs to be checked...often as does the connections.
midnightsadie
Explorer II
Feb 03, 2018
take couple bottles a water with you and check the water level in those batteries .a must thing to do about five times a year. a charged battery won,t freeze.
Newbiecampers
Explorer
Feb 03, 2018
Thanks for the info DrewE.

Being a bit of a "budget" type class C I am guessing it does not have the equipment you mentioned to charge the chassis battery from the converter if that is an uncommon trait on class C's. I'll look into that Trik-L-Start you mentioned.

Did not actually look into the battery box behind the generator, so there may not be one in there. Was concentrated on trying to get it winterized and verifying the "mouse-proofness" of the underside before the cold hit. Good point on the other electrical equipment. Maybe just a relay or something in that box.

Next time I head to the storage lot to plug it in I'll take a voltmeter and check the chassis battery before and while the converter is on. Checking that battery box on the underside might have to wait until the temperature gets above the usual frigid winter temp.. ha ha
DrewE
Explorer II
Feb 03, 2018
Usually (as in nearly always) the generator does not have a dedicated battery; it typically cranks from either the chassis or house battery. On my '98 Coachmen, it's the house battery.

The house battery charges from the converter and from the engine when it's running, provided everything is working properly. The chassis battery charges from the engine, of course. Sometimes the chassis battery is charged from the converter via a bidirectional isolator or some other device, but that's comparatively uncommon on class C's I believe. If you want it to charge that way, you can install a Trik-L-Start (which is not a super expensive gizmo); it sends a few amps to the chassis battery when the converter is operating or something else (such as solar) is charging the house battery.

The generator charges the same things that charge from shore power, through the same mechanisms.

Have you verified that there actually is a battery in the battery box by the generator, and it's not just an enclosure for some other electrical equipment?

If you have a voltmeter, it's easy to check what batteries are charging under different conditions. If the voltage is above 13V, usually 13.5V or higher, it's charging or was just charged and still has a surface charge. If it's less than 13V, usually 12.6V or less, it's not being charged.
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Feb 02, 2018
“I did not actually look inside the battery box behind the generator,“ Look! Why speculate? Let us know what you find.

“I have been going out on occasion to plug the RV in to an outlet in our winter storage bay to charge the house batteries via the converter” Why? Does a meter of some type indicate charging is necessary? While in storage are the house batteries disconnected?

Forum Discussion

The various batteries and their charging sources

About Motorhome Group

Related Content

Battery charging

Battery charging

battery charging

Battery charge versus remaining usable charge

Charging house batteries