Mystery Battery Under Frame

nravid · 05-08-2020, 01:22 PM

Hi! I have a 2018 Freelander 27QB. I was underneath the rig on the driver's side. Behind the B-Pillar, but in front of the Generator is another 12V battery sitting in a battery holder mounted to the frame. The battery is grounded to the frame, but the positive cable is routed up into the engine compartment.

I have absolutely no idea what this battery is for, nor what maintenance may or may not be required for it.

It has no reference in the Coachmen documentation, and I assume it is somehow related to the Chevy chassis.

Does anyone have a similar battery, and can identify what this battery is for?

I appreciate any help!

Scrapper · 05-08-2020, 02:41 PM

Most likely your chassis battery since you say the positive cable goes to the engine compartment.

CC38EL · 05-08-2020, 10:34 PM

Dang, I hope it's not the chassis battery as I replaced mine in the engine compartment in November. I wouldn't think there would be 2 of them on a gasser, but maybe???

I know earlier Express 4500s had a second battery option, but it was on the passenger side. Maybe the later ones have it where you found yours.

When I get to my RV after this COVID stuff allows, I'll take a look at mine.

Witch Doctor · 05-09-2020, 09:11 AM

That battery is for your inverter that is located on the dash, you should have a plug there for 110 volt, I think it is rated at 150 watt, atleast on Concord, it’s located in the rail under the driver seat side. I do believe that is what I was told.

Ericandbobbie · 05-09-2020, 01:12 PM

I have a 2019 28qb and thought that was the battery for your generator and maybe the heavy lead to the front is for charging it. But just a thought

Freelander · 05-09-2020, 01:47 PM

You must have your mh on the Chevy C4500. I have the same battery on my Forester and was told by FR that the Chevy chassis comes in with a second chassis battery located there.

Freelander · 05-09-2020, 02:03 PM

Talked (emailed) with Jim Feece at FR, "The Chevy chassis comes with 2 batteries. This only used for the chassis." and it is in parallel with the main chassis battery.

Ericandbobbie · 05-09-2020, 08:47 PM

Good to know thank you, I got under there today and traced it up to the front also.

nravid · 05-12-2020, 08:53 AM

Thanks all for the replies!

I figured it was related to the chassis, but I was confused by the one under the hood!

It makes sense that this is likely related to the inverter in the dashboard. I'd hate to have to maintain/replace this battery! Gonna be tough lifting it into the bracket!

I appreciate all of the help!

Witch Doctor · 05-12-2020, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nravid

Thanks all for the replies!

I figured it was related to the chassis, but I was confused by the one under the hood!

It makes sense that this is likely related to the inverter in the dashboard. I'd hate to have to maintain/replace this battery! Gonna be tough lifting it into the bracket!

I appreciate all of the help!

I have been also told that this is a maintenance free battery, atleast that is a help, but like any other battery one day it will need to be replaced, that’s not an easy task, so I’m hopeful with the correct charging that it should last years, I’m glad I could help you....😎

CC38EL · 05-12-2020, 12:10 PM

I'm not at my RV right now, but now I'm somewhat concerned. Last year late, I replaced my engine bay mounted chassis battery because of starting issues. At the auto parts store, the battery was so bad it didn't even register on the tester. (don't suggest bad tester as the new battery fired the RV right up)

Hopefully there is some kind of isolation between the 2 batteries. If not, I'll have to probably replace the second battery.

nravid · 05-15-2020, 09:07 AM

Jim,

It does not appear that the two batteries are inter-connected. When I had to reset the radio for bluetooth connectivity (another adventure!), I removed the under-the-hood battery connections which disconnected the chassis.

The positive from the second battery appears to go directly to a fuse block on the driver's side of the engine compartment.

Enjoy!

Witch Doctor · 05-15-2020, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nravid

Jim,

It does not appear that the two batteries are inter-connected. When I had to reset the radio for bluetooth connectivity (another adventure!), I removed the under-the-hood battery connections which disconnected the chassis.

The positive from the second battery appears to go directly to a fuse block on the driver's side of the engine compartment.

Enjoy!

Good to know as I stated from Concord, the battery is charged from the chassis alternator, but it is not in your normal start up, I’m not sure if it comes into play when a person uses the Emergency start or not. How did you find that out?...

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