Starting Generator with dead batteries

Z-Peller wrote:

As earlier poster said, check for battery disconnect switch. On your Bigfoot it is electronic disconnect switch surface mounted on a cupboard near the back door. If it is off then converter will not charge battery when plugged into shore power. If red light comes on when you are plugged into shore power but goes out when you unplug, then switch is not on. Red light stays lit up when switch is on.


Wow I feel like a dummy. I think mine was off. Just to be clear here, I want it in "Use" mode when I want to charge my batteries, right? And I want it in "store" mode when I want to disconnect my batteries?

Yes, you've got it. No need to feel like a dummy at all. You don't know some of this stuff and are asking questions. That is called learning, and is what this forum is supposed to be all about, although there are some that come here to ridicule. Just keep asking the questions and you will soon be enjoying your camper.
Before you go out and buy 6V batteries be aware that they are taller than your existing 12V battery and are a tough fit in your Bigfoot.... 6V batteries would not fit in my 2002 9.6 Bigfoot battery box. I now have a 2017 10.4 Bigfoot and the battery box is larger but I still had to ditch the slideout tray to get enough height for 6V batteries. Very little room at top so installed a manual battery watering system to keep them topped up.