Battery Questions
Couple of quick questions. 1) I have a battery disconnect (on/off switch) in my Class C. If I have the motorhome plugged up at the house, but that switch is off, will it still charge the batteries...
Forum Discussion
For those parked in a location without shore-power, there are other options for those with a motor-home.
Solenoids (or solid-state type) will not operate with battery voltage drops to 10.5 to 11.0 volts. Also; they can stick in temperatures below freezing, The colder the more likely. Cycling the disconnect switch on an off might free the solenoid.
The house-battery must be charged some way to a voltage above 11 volts to get the switch to function. If you have a MH life is simpler. Start the MH engine (from starting battery). There is another solenoid that will allow charging of the house-battery with the engine alternator. It by-passes the "disconnect" solenoid for house-batteries. With engine running you should see around 14.4 volts at battery-terminals of the house-battery(s) showing charging taking place.
Within about 15 minutes, or more, of engine idling the "disconnect" solenoid should function. If not you either need more heat in the MH to warm it up, or need to replace if it has failed. I have not seen any of my solid-state switches ever fail in my 2003 MH.
Solenoids (or solid-state type) will not operate with battery voltage drops to 10.5 to 11.0 volts. Also; they can stick in temperatures below freezing, The colder the more likely. Cycling the disconnect switch on an off might free the solenoid.
The house-battery must be charged some way to a voltage above 11 volts to get the switch to function. If you have a MH life is simpler. Start the MH engine (from starting battery). There is another solenoid that will allow charging of the house-battery with the engine alternator. It by-passes the "disconnect" solenoid for house-batteries. With engine running you should see around 14.4 volts at battery-terminals of the house-battery(s) showing charging taking place.
Within about 15 minutes, or more, of engine idling the "disconnect" solenoid should function. If not you either need more heat in the MH to warm it up, or need to replace if it has failed. I have not seen any of my solid-state switches ever fail in my 2003 MH.
