Sprinter chassis alternator also charge coach batteries?

[namusmc]

Seems like a really newbie question I have here. Does the Sprinter chassis alternator charge the coach batteries? I here conflicting information about this.

[JLeising]

Yes, on our 2012 Solera "S".

[Rich.M]

Yes

[AudiDudi]

It will as long as the battery switch is on - at least in my Prism, that's how it works.

[lacamastraveler]

Originally Posted by namusmc

Seems like a really newbie question I have here. Does the Sprinter chassis alternator charge the coach batteries? I here conflicting information about this.

As others have said, yes. A good "tool" to carry is battery system monitor that plugs into one of your 12-volt power receptacles. Good for check engine battery too. This is the one I have:

https://www.amazon.com/INNOVA-3721-B...battery+tester

[The Lieutenant]

Originally Posted by lacamastraveler

As others have said, yes. A good "tool" to carry is battery system monitor that plugs into one of your 12-volt power receptacles. Good for check engine battery too. This is the one I have:

https://www.amazon.com/INNOVA-3721-B...battery+tester

One of these is a must... never thought of using it to monitor charge but will save you from burnt out AC ect..

[Jack McCord]

How about on my 2018 Isata-3?

[namusmc]

Thank you all for your helpful replies. I have since installed a shunt type battery monitoring system so I won't have to guess about the condition of the batteries.
Having fully charged batteries (>14 volts) really becomes important when moving a big slide in/out.

[namusmc]

Originally Posted by Jack McCord

How about on my 2018 Isata-3?

Jack, the Isata 3 is essentially a Sunseeker/Forester MBS in a suit. What applies to those should apply to your rig, a very nice one which I'm sure you are enjoying.

[Beachsailor]

Last trip I had a problem running the slide on batteries only, that resulted in the slide being out of sync.Since then I always fire up the generator(if not on power) to bring in the slide.

[xgarys]

Originally Posted by namusmc

Jack, the Isata 3 is essentially a Sunseeker/Forester MBS in a suit. What applies to those should apply to your rig, a very nice one which I'm sure you are enjoying.

My 2017 Isata 3 goes both ways; the alternator charges chassis and coach and the converter does the same.

[Rich.M]

And generator charges house and coach batteries when running. ( coach probably charging thru the converter) . I've confirmed this in the past using a volt meter.

[namusmc]

Originally Posted by Beachsailor

Last trip I had a problem running the slide on batteries only, that resulted in the slide being out of sync.Since then I always fire up the generator(if not on power) to bring in the slide.

Excellent point, Beach! I am now following that practice myself.

I am also calendaring to resynch the slide motors at least quarterly. This is a simple procedure shown in several excellent videos on YouTube from Lippert Components.

[AudiDudi]

Originally Posted by namusmc

<snip>

I am also calendaring to resynch the slide motors at least quarterly. This is a simple procedure shown in several excellent videos on YouTube from Lippert Components.

I thought one just held the slide switch on for 2-3 seconds after the slide stopped moving (both directions) to keep them in synch?? Am I missing something? I do that every time.

[namusmc]

Originally Posted by AudiDudi

I thought one just held the slide switch on for 2-3 seconds after the slide stopped moving (both directions) to keep them in synch?? Am I missing something? I do that every time.

That is correct. Infrequently, I will intentionally or not, let off the in/out slide switch while operating the slide e.g.
finger slipping off the switch or noticed an item on the floor that had to be moved out of way. I think a few instances like that may throw off the timing of the two 12V motors working together and need resynching.

....or maybe I'm just a sloppy slide operator.

[AudiDudi]

Originally Posted by namusmc

That is correct. Infrequently, I will intentionally or not, let off the in/out slide switch while operating the slide e.g.
finger slipping off the switch or noticed an item on the floor that had to be moved out of way.<snip>.

LOL - BTDT a few times

[mlmay12]

Originally Posted by namusmc

Excellent point, Beach! I am now following that practice myself.

I am also calendaring to resynch the slide motors at least quarterly. This is a simple procedure shown in several excellent videos on YouTube from Lippert Components.

Battle Born Lithium Batteries keep the Voltage over 13V even under load. I ran my slide in and out with the batteries at 20% SOC with no problems. Never worry about running generator with slide anymore.

[namusmc]

Originally Posted by mlmay12

Battle Born Lithium Batteries keep the Voltage over 13V even under load. I ran my slide in and out with the batteries at 20% SOC with no problems. Never worry about running generator with slide anymore.

Lead-acid batteries are fast becoming obsolete as will lithium batteries be replaced using emerging graphene and supercapacitor technologies.

I would love to have state-of-the-art batteries but their high cost, coupled with my old guy recalcitrant stingy attitude, will cause me to suffer through the useful remaining life of the lead-acid batts I have now.[emoji4]

PS I was wondering if Forest River now has a lithium battery option or was this an aftermarket upgrade you made?

[jeffrapp]

Originally Posted by namusmc

Thank you all for your helpful replies. I have since installed a shunt type battery monitoring system so I won't have to guess about the condition of the batteries.
Having fully charged batteries (>14 volts) really becomes important when moving a big slide in/out.

Your batteries are never charged to 14 volts. That is only a surface charge that exists for a short while after you have charged with the genny or shore power.

[mlmay12]

Originally Posted by jeffrapp

Your batteries are never charged to 14 volts. That is only a surface charge that exists for a short while after you have charged with the genny or shore power.

Depends on the Batteries, Lithium charge to 14.5V