Battery Charging?

[psw757]

Does anyone know for certain whether or not our chassis batteries are trickle charged while plugged in? I haven't gotten a confident answer from the dealer.

Thanks!

[rskrbina]

Plug your rv into shore power and measure your chassis battery (s) with a voltmeter. If the voltage is anywhere between 13.2 - 14.2, then your chassis battery(s) are being charged while plugged into shore power. Hope this helps.

[43D18]

I would be shocked if they were not being charged while being plugged into shore power. Every motorized RV I've owned (3 so far) have been this way. Report back and let us know what you find though!

[Minshall1]

We had a problem with our batteries charging. To the point the engine wouldn’t start. We put a charge on it got it running. We headed south over Christmas with the thought that if we had an issue with the batteries we would replace them in route. We stopped to see my son and sure enough the house batteries were down and not charging. We shut everything down and the next morning stopped at the camping world in Savana and had them take a look at it. Turns out we had a blown fuse on one of the relays. They replaced it and it seems to be working fine now. We did talk to Mitch at the factory and were told that this appears to be a design flaw that the 2 relays may not handle all the power flowing through them and can blow the fuse. Forest River already has a fix for it and apparently a service release.

[bubbles]

In a FR MH I believe when on shore power the coach batteries have priority and when driving chassis battery has priority but all batteries are charged with either configuration.

[captnrick3]

I will check mine in a few days and see what the scoop is. Since I have had no issues, did not even think of this issue.

[captnrick3]

Originally Posted by psw757

Does anyone know for certain whether or not our chassis batteries are trickle charged while plugged in? I haven't gotten a confident answer from the dealer.

Thanks!

Checked mine today and for sure the chassis batteries are receiving a charge on shore power. Stand alone volts 12.3. Shore power plugged in 13.1. All good.

[rbrtmorris]

I've opened my 2015 Legacy after being stored over winter (unplugged). I have power to outlets, fridge, awning, microwave, and televisions while plugged into shore power. (30amps) however I have no power to Lights, slideouts, A/C, ceiling fans, water pump unless engine running. Also I can only start generator while engaging AUX start switch but once released the generator immediately shuts off?!? Can anyone assist me with the issue?

[Batts-toy]

Originally Posted by rbrtmorris

I've opened my 2015 Legacy after being stored over winter (unplugged). I have power to outlets, fridge, awning, microwave, and televisions while plugged into shore power. (30amps) however I have no power to Lights, slideouts, A/C, ceiling fans, water pump unless engine running. Also I can only start generator while engaging AUX start switch but once released the generator immediately shuts off?!? Can anyone assist me with the issue?

Either your coach batteries are totally dead (need charging) or your battery disconnect is in the disconnect position and not giving you power from the coach batteries. Your AC runs on 110vac but requires 12 volt from battery for the thermostat and controls this is why it also will not go. Make sure your disconnect is closed and charge your batteries with a stand alone battery charger overnight and try again. If the coach batteries are totally dead they may be runined, you may want to get them tested.

[Herk7769]

The battery control center has some fuses in it that can prevent the batteries from charging on shore power if blown.

Yes, both chassis and starting batteries should charge when the camper is plugged in AND the battery disconnect is "connected."

[psw757]

Regardless of whether your plugged in or not you need to make sure that battery on off knobs in battery bay are on and that your battery disconnect at the inside steps is turned on, red light should be on.

My guess is one or both are off since you had it in storage unplugged.

[rbrtmorris]

I seem to have 6+ volts per battery when tested individually with meter. And disconnect switch is on. There must be a fuse?!? I'm looking for the battery control centre

[rbrtmorris]

Battery disconnect switch inside coach by step will not turn on unless I start engine

[captnrick3]

Originally Posted by rbrtmorris

Battery disconnect switch inside coach by step will not turn on unless I start engine

The battery disconnect (intellitec) solenoid is located in your left front bay. There are two solenoids in that bay directly in front of you as you open the door. One connects accessories when you turn on the ignition key, the other is the chassis disconnect solenoid controlled by the toggle switch near the entry door. It sounds to me like that solenoid is not connecting for some reason. There is an inline fuse in the activation line for that solenoid that could be blown, or the terminals could just have come loose. Possible but unlikely the solenoid has failed. I just disconnected the activation wire on the chassis solenoid on my rig to simulate your problem and the symptoms match. Not sure why the problem, but that's where I would focus my attention. Hope that helps.

[rbrtmorris]

I replaced the fuse as pictured and all power restored to unit 👍. Thanks for all help!!!

[SS Groovette]

We are having the same issues with our 2014 Legacy. We have looked for the fuse but we have a different configuration. Any advise?

[SS Groovette]

[SS Groovette]

Finally found the bad fuse that was referenced above. It was bad and after swapping it out we are on our way.