I have always thought that when I plug in my coach, that it doesn't then charge my batteries like on newer models. It certainly doesn't seem to charge, but because of my assumption, I haven't checked. Is someone familiar with this coach to inform me?
Yup sounds like a little bit of testing would answer your questions without guessing how a particular 30 year old rv is set up.
That said, one of the 2 primary purposes of a converter/charger in every RV I’ve been around in the last 30 years is to charge the house batteries. The other is to provide 12v power without draining the batteries.
It would seem very odd that there is no plug n play ability to charge the house batteries in any RV that has both AC and DC systems.
On a 1997 Rexhall Airbus, the converter can charge your coach batteries, but the output is usually limited compared to newer models. Check the converter’s output voltage if it’s around 13.6–14.4 V DC when plugged in, it’s charging. If it’s lower, the batteries won’t get much charge.
Yes, after plugging in the converter charges your batteries. However, some converters do a better job than others. Ask an experienced RVfriend to use his/her meter to determine how your converter is doing.
Tell your friend what type of batteries you have. Lead acid, Lithium etc. have different optimal charging voltages.
Yes your converter should charge your house batteries. Easily tested with a multimeter or at a minimum, functioning 12v items like lights, water pump etc. How long have you had this rv? I do find the question a bit odd because in 2024 you mentioned concern about keeping batteries charged in storage without being plugged in. So you, yourself said plugging the RV in charges the batts.
Right, I did say that, but I"ve always used a battery charger to keep the bank of batteries charged, assuming that my older converter didn't do this. Didn't seem like it did when it was plugged in, but my bat bank is rather large and I might not have noticed???? I just thought older converters didn't charge the battery bank. Is the charger on the controller a trickle? I guess I could just measure the bank, and then measure it plugged in to see a rise?
anything that puts out a voltage higher than the batteries will charge. the problem is different types of batteries take different charge voltages and profiles for optimal, or complete charging.
so what you need to find out is what the model number of the converter is and see what it is rated at. the problem with a lot of older converters is they were single stage. these worked, but when you are plugged in and the batteries are charged, they would keep putting out the same voltage and over time destroy your battery. newer ones are 3 or 4 stage, if you include the equalization fucntion and may even have selectors for charge profiles for different battery types. this is important because a lead acid battery requires different voltages in the charging stages than say AGM, or LiFePO4. these profiles are to ensure proper 100% full charges with out stressing the battery. a good old single stage like I had in my old truck camper would destroy a battery in 1 to 2 years if it was pluged in a lot. it got upgraded for a moderen power center.
