Charging batteries

[JWallet]

Will the coach batteries charge if the master disconnect switch is turned OFF if plugged into shore cord 110v?

[A32Deuce]

Mine don't.

[bikendan]

If you turn the the battery disconnect switch ON, it prevents the battery from recharging, when plugged into shore power.

[kenandterry]

Originally Posted by bikendan

If you turn the the battery disconnect switch ON, it prevents the battery from recharging, when plugged into shore power.

Huh? On my Georgetown.....using the OEM Battery disconnect switch....

With my digital meter, while plugged into shore power, battery disconnect switch in the ON position, my batteries read 13.6 to 13.7V.

With my digital meter, while plugged into shore power, battery disconnect switch in the OFF position, 48 hours later my batteries read 12.6V.

[JWallet]

Originally Posted by kenandterry

Huh? On my Georgetown.....using the OEM Battery disconnect switch....

With my digital meter, while plugged into shore power, battery disconnect switch in the ON position, my batteries read 13.6 to 13.7V.

With my digital meter, while plugged into shore power, battery disconnect switch in the OFF position, 48 hours later my batteries read 12.6V.

It only seems to make sense to have the disconnect switch in the on position when plugged into shore power. If nothing else is on inside it should recharge the batteries....but because I’m a newbie and this will be my first winter with my RV I’m open to all comments

[bubbles]

Originally Posted by bikendan

If you turn the the battery disconnect switch ON, it prevents the battery from recharging, when plugged into shore power.

Originally Posted by kenandterry

Huh? On my Georgetown.....

With my digital meter, while plugged into shore power, battery disconnect switch in the ON position, my batteries read 13.6 to 13.7V.

With my digital meter, while plugged into shore power, battery disconnect switch in the OFF position, 48 hours later my batteries read 12.6V.

There it is. You're both right by the definition and wording on the switch itself. If kenandterry have the standard GT battery disconnect illuminated bar switch it actually spells out what to do. If the battery disconnect on the other is just labeled "battery disconnect on/off" it is ambiguous to say the least and doesn't function as labeled. This ridiculous subject is covered in another recent thread without a resolution.

[JWallet]

Originally Posted by bubbles

There it is. You're both right by the definition and wording on the switch itself. If kenandterry have the standard GT battery disconnect illuminated bar switch it actually spells out what to do. If the battery disconnect on the other is just labeled "battery disconnect on/off" it is ambiguous to say the least and doesn't function as labeled. This ridiculous subject is covered in another recent thread without a resolution.

I don’t view it as a ridiculous subject...I want to make sure that I’m doing the right thing to protect my batteries and appreciate the information.

[bubbles]

Originally Posted by JWallet

I don’t view it as a ridiculous subject...I want to make sure that I’m doing the right thing to protect my batteries and appreciate the information.

Ridiculous subject is not a reference to your post wanting to know something it is a reference to the battery disconnect switch nomenclature battle that raises its ugly head occasionally. Your question was answered; don't disconnect the batteries when on shore power to keep the batteries charged. They won't charge if disconnected. Whatever the position of your switch is to not disconnect them is correct.

[JWallet]

Originally Posted by bubbles

Ridiculous subject is not a reference to your post wanting to know something it is a reference to the battery disconnect switch nomenclature battle that raises its ugly head occasionally. Your question was answered; don't disconnect the batteries when on shore power to keep the batteries charged. They won't charge if disconnected. Whatever the position of your switch is to not disconnect them is correct.

Thanks....I plugged it in today..it’s been winterized and covered for a month and I just want to make sure that I get it right

[Tundra 2014]

You want the battery switch on to charge batteries. Just check your battery water level ever month.

[JWallet]

Originally Posted by Tundra 2014

You want the battery switch on to charge batteries. Just check your battery water level ever month.

Thanks for the tip. I appreciate it!

[newRVer]

Originally Posted by JWallet

Will the coach batteries charge if the master disconnect switch is turned OFF if plugged into shore cord 110v?

Attached is a RV electrical schematic that is typical for many RV's and is how my 3011 is wired. You can see the (RED) path from the shore power connection does not go through the battery disconnect (PURPLE). In this scenario the batteries should charge regardless which position the battery disconnect is in.

[JWallet]

Originally Posted by newRVer

Attached is a RV electrical schematic that is typical for many RV's and is how my 3011 is wired. You can see the (RED) path from the shore power connection does not go through the battery disconnect (PURPLE). In this scenario the batteries should charge regardless which position the battery disconnect is in.

Thanks! Makes sense.

[BEMR]

Originally Posted by newRVer

Attached is a RV electrical schematic that is typical for many RV's and is how my 3011 is wired. You can see the (RED) path from the shore power connection does not go through the battery disconnect (PURPLE). In this scenario the batteries should charge regardless which position the battery disconnect is in.

Batteries tend to slightly drain down when disconnect turned to off for a couple weeks. Other than removing neg. cable on batteries is there a better way to shut off batteries?

[newRVer]

Originally Posted by BALLZITCH

Batteries tend to slightly drain down when disconnect turned to off for a couple weeks. Other than removing neg. cable on batteries is there a better way to shut off batteries?

You can put a quick battery disconnect on the negative battery terminal, that way you don't have to remove the cable. There are several different types available.

[emm-dee]

Yep, the terminology used is confusing. The switch SHOULD be labeled BATTERY ON or BATTERY OFF.

Interesting bit of trivia. On the Vengeance toy hauler I had if I had shore power hooked up and I disconnected the battery nothing appeared to happen. Alll the12 volt items ran off the converter output. The only thing the battery connect did was allow battery charging.

However, on the Forester while hooked up to shore power (or generator on line) if I disconnect the battery via the switch the entire 12 volt system shuts down. No lights, no televisions, no nothing. Air conditioner, microwave and other AC items continue to work. Maybe that's their way of telling me the battery is not charging.