JCGibson wrote:
Since we wouldn't be using our Class A year round (once we actually get one), especially Dec-Feb, how are the batteries maintained during storage? Is there something built into the coach to keep them charged? Or would I just need to keep it plugged in to my garage 50amp receptacle for charging?
With our Fifth Wheel, I just use a trickle charger, but I only have one to worry about.
John
John,
Well Sir, so many folks out there, think all coaches are built the same and have the same equipment on them. Well, nothing can be further from the truth. "Once we get one", assumes that, you don't have one yet, correct? Now, if so, then at this time, we all have no idea what year/make/model/engine/fuel type/ etc. you're considering. Some coaches, DO come with provisions built into the system, that will keep both the HOUSE (Also known as the "Coach") batteries, and the CHASSIS (Also known as the "Engine") batteries charged while on shore power.
While other coaches, be them gas, diesel or, Class A or C or, ? do not have any provisions for keeping both sets of batteries charged while on shore power. Whether or not, an intended coach has or, doesn't have any provisions for charging the chassis batts on shore power, certainly is not a big deal breaker if it doesn't. As has been stated, there's all sorts of remedies, if it doesn't.
This situation is not rocket science like some make it out to be. It can be as simple as hard-wiring a medium cost, three stage battery charger to the chassis batteries. Or, the item called a "Trik-L-Start" can also be purchased and added for, close to the same price and, it not very hard to install.
For my personal preference, I prefer the harding of the additional charger. The primary reason is, it's completely independent of the charging system that handles charging the coach batteries. That way, if anything goes wrong, at any time, with the system that keeps or, charges the house batteries charged, having a stand-alone, hardwired, three stage battery charger to keep and maintain the chassis batteries keeps on going. Again, it's a preference.
Now, I don't know how much you know about the difference in gas or diesel rigs but, there is typically a fundamental one in the battery charging department. About 99% of the gas rigs come with what's called a "Converter/Charger". Those CONVERT 120VAC to 12VDC and, the charger side of that operation also charges the house batteries. Now, that system CAN, (but not always) be also capable of charging (via various componentry) the chassis batteries.
Most diesel coaches, come with what's called an "Inverter/Charger". Those INVERT 12VDC to create 120VAC and, have a charger built into them that keeps the coach batteries charged. But, many of them DID NOT come from the factory with provisions to keep the chassis batteries charged at the same time the inverter/charger is charging the coach batteries. Some did.
And, in most cases, it did not make much difference which make or model of diesel coach you bought. There's been a zillion write-ups on all kinds of makes and models not charging the chassis batteries while on shore power.
You can't always rely on solar too. If your coach is parked under shade or, under a cover or, in a garage, solar is out of the question as a reliable, continuous source of keeping ANY set of batteries charged. Solar works great if, (1) it's a large enough system and, (2), you have considerable sun shine to make it work.
So, I hope I've not bored you with all this hoopla but, I just thought I'd try and explain something that can't be answered with a simple one line sentence. Good luck in your search.
Scott
