Engine alternator only charges engine battery
We have a 2001 Itasca Suncruiser Ford F53. Has an engine battery and (2)12 volt batteries. When plugged into shore power or when the generator is running, the 2 12 volts are being charged. But when ...
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Winnebago calls the relay that connects the alternator output to the house batteries a "Battery Mode Solenoid". I know that because I have replaced the one in our Class C three times because it stopped connecting the house batteries.
The Winnebago wiring diagram website lists four models for the 2001 Suncruiser. I checked the first one listed (IPG32G) and found the solenoid on sheet 4 of the Chassis Wiring Installation drawings. The drawing shows two relays. One is labeled "Relay-Battery Disconnect". This disconnects the house batteries to keep them from being discharged while in storage. The second is labeled "Solenoid". This is the Battery Mode Solenoid. It's not clear from the drawings where on the chassis these are located.
Below is a picture of the Battery Mode Solenoid that Winnebago used in our Class C.
After the third failure of this item, I replaced it with a heavier duty unit, a Trombetta #114-1211-020 Bear Contactor with silver alloy contacts, that I found online. It's only been a year, but so far, so good.
The Winnebago wiring diagram website lists four models for the 2001 Suncruiser. I checked the first one listed (IPG32G) and found the solenoid on sheet 4 of the Chassis Wiring Installation drawings. The drawing shows two relays. One is labeled "Relay-Battery Disconnect". This disconnects the house batteries to keep them from being discharged while in storage. The second is labeled "Solenoid". This is the Battery Mode Solenoid. It's not clear from the drawings where on the chassis these are located.
Below is a picture of the Battery Mode Solenoid that Winnebago used in our Class C.
After the third failure of this item, I replaced it with a heavier duty unit, a Trombetta #114-1211-020 Bear Contactor with silver alloy contacts, that I found online. It's only been a year, but so far, so good.
