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Old 08-29-2019, 09:48 PM   #1
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Question Charging the Coach/House Batteries while driving

2018 Isata 5 30FW It seems like the coach/house batteries in my rig are not being charged while I am driving. The RAM chassis says it's running at 14 volts most of the time but it doesn't seem to be charging the coach batteries. The solar panels do and the inverter/charger do when connected to shore power or generator power. Is the RAM chassis suppose to charge the house batteries and if so any ideas on why it isn't? This RAM has two 220 amp alternators so it shouldn't have any problems charging the house batteries but it's not doing it. I start the day of boon docking with the batteries at 12.2 volts and after 8 or hours of driving the coach batteries might be at 12.4 (but I believe the solar panels having been charging the batteries all that time). If I turn on the genny or plug into shore power the charger will go into absorb charge mode and push 100 + amps into the coach batteries for a short time so that's telling me the batteries are not fully charged even after driving 8 or more hours)
Thanks for the help and advice in this matter.
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Old 08-30-2019, 10:12 AM   #2
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I would just the BIRD or Solenoid. See if with the engine running you are gettin voltage across it.
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Old 03-13-2020, 09:38 AM   #3
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Brian, How does one test the Bird and or solenoid? I'm having the same issue?
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Old 03-13-2020, 09:43 AM   #4
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I don't know that you really test the bird...you need to measure the incoming voltage on the solenoid and the outgoing voltage. If the incoming is good but no outgoing, then the solenoid is bad. You can then replace the solenoid plus and play or convert to the BIM which is a new way to accomplish the same thing. Both are listed on this forum on how to do it....I'd have to do a little searching.
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Old 03-13-2020, 09:44 AM   #5
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https://www.forestriverforums.com/fo...li-200367.html

here is one that has about everything you need to know. Sensing fuse issue, bad BIRD, BIRd replacement, BIRD conversion to BIM. It's all here.
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Old 03-13-2020, 09:50 AM   #6
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wrong info
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Old 03-13-2020, 09:59 AM   #7
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Brian, okay. I know where the Bird is located but where is the solenoid mounted?
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Old 03-13-2020, 10:47 AM   #8
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In the same compartment as the BIRD, you can follow the wires.

looks like this https://www.zoro.com/trombetta-built...YaAjp0EALw_wcB
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Old 03-13-2020, 11:00 AM   #9
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Good deal, I'll check it out. Thanks Brian!
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Old 06-17-2020, 11:18 AM   #10
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I am following up on the charging issue. I replaced the Bird Solonoid and everything is working fine. Dynamax was a great help providing technical assistance and warranty. Thanks!
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