Starting battery goes dead
My starting battery is going dead when parked and while plugged in. The house batteries stay charged. The starting battery doesn't get charged. Is there any reason why I just couldn't connect the ...
Forum Discussion
Airdaile wrote:TNGW1500SE wrote:doxiemom11 wrote:
We have an auxiliary start button on our dash that when on will use the house batteries to help start the engine if the chassis battery is weak. We also have a battery disconnect/shut-off for the chassis battery that we use any time we will be parked more than a few days. Even after a full winter stored outside in Michigan, we turned the battery back on and the motorhome started right up. You don't have either of these things?
I've got the switch that connects the two on the dash but that's hooked to a solenoid and can't be left on. I do not have a disconnect.
It's not meant to be left on. It's a momentary cross connect to the house batteries to get the engine started and supply field voltage to the alternator until the chassis batteries come up far enough to supply the field themselves. You may need to hold it closed for a minute or so.
Not universally true. Agree, many coaches use momentary switches and intermittent duty solenoids, but others do use constant duty solenoids. The latter type can be left on 24/7.
With that said, I agree that is NOT the way I would combine the battery banks.
I like either the "smart combiners" like the one mentioned or small smart stand along 120 VAC charger designed for exactly this purpose.
