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Old 05-22-2017, 09:27 PM   #1
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battery charging questions

Just checking my understanding.
When driving, both engine and RV battery are being charged?
When plugged into shore power, just RV battery is charging?
When generator is on, just RV battery is charging?
If I plug into solar, that is also just for RV battery?
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Old 05-22-2017, 09:34 PM   #2
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Yes, if you have a trailer camper and a charge line connected to your tow vehicle.
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Old 05-22-2017, 10:32 PM   #3
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I should have clarified. I'm driving a Coachmen Freelander Class C.
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Old 05-22-2017, 10:38 PM   #4
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Yes, if you have a trailer camper and a charge line connected to your tow vehicle.
This thread is in the Motorhome section.
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Old 05-23-2017, 05:11 AM   #5
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Generally (although there are exceptions)
1) chassis and house charge when on shore power
2) chassis and house charge when running the engine
3) chassis and house charge when running the generator
4) if the main switch is on and your solar charge converter feeds the house, both chassis and house will charge when there is sufficient voltage from the converter (about 13. volts or more)
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Old 05-23-2017, 08:12 AM   #6
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great, so better than I thought, thanks!
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Old 05-24-2017, 01:07 AM   #7
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My Leprechaun Does Not Charge Chasis Battery

I have a 2017 Coachmen Leprechaun 260DS. It does not charge the chasis / start battery when connected to shore power or using generator and charging the house batteries. To do so need to add a Trick-L-Start or similar device. However, when running the engine the house batteries are charged along with the chasis battery.

To determine your specific case, after your batteries have been resting for awhile, put a volt meter on your chasis and hoyse batteries. Then plug into shore power and turn on converter and disconnect switch. You should see the house battery voltage fo up to a charging voltage. Then check your chasis battery voltage - if it has also gone up it is being charged. If ut stays the same it is not being charged and you will need to add a device or use a plug in charger.
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Old 05-24-2017, 05:31 AM   #8
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I just bought a solar charger from harbor fright to keep my battery charged up when parked and can not plug in. Its only $11.00 bucks
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Old 05-24-2017, 06:11 AM   #9
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I just bought a solar charger from harbor fright to keep my battery charged up when parked and can not plug in. Its only $11.00 bucks
That might only work if your use a complete battery disconnect.

Small "under 25 watt" solar trickle chargers in full sun may not replace the parasite draws used 24/7 and low/no charging on cloudy days.
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Old 05-24-2017, 06:56 AM   #10
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I have a 2017 Coachmen Leprechaun 260DS. It does not charge the chasis / start battery when connected to shore power or using generator and charging the house batteries. To do so need to add a Trick-L-Start or similar device. However, when running the engine the house batteries are charged along with the chasis battery.
While I don't doubt your statement...that is nuts!!! Clearly the BCC is able to charge the house from the chassis and the reverse should be true as well. This is not a feature and something is wrong here. The only case I have ever heard for this is on the MBS chassis and that turned out to be a miscommunication between FR and Mercedes Benz on the design.

Do you offhand remember which vendor your BCC is from? That is where it all happens and converter to chassis charging is what eventually kills battery isolation solenoids from constant use. But that is no reason not to have it work, that is a reason to use a good, continuous duty solenoid.

If you push your boost start switch and don't hear the solenoid click then it is already engaged and charging the chassis from the house and converter.
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