Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 08-15-2015, 12:17 AM   #1
Winnebago Watcher
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 2
Chassis battery not charging on shore power

I've been on shore power for about 6 weeks, and the chassis batteries are dead. I know some RVs will charge the chassis batteries on shore power, and some won't. I can't find anywhere in the manual where it indicates whether they should charge or not. Since the step and slide-outs are powered by the chassis battery, I would assume that it should charge from shore power... but that might be a bad assumption.

It is a (new to me) 2006 Itasca 34A...

Does anyone know if the chassis battery should charge when on shore power?
If they should, where should I look for the problem?

Thanks for any help!
__________________
-Erik
_______________________
2006 Itasca Sunova 34A
classanewbie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-15-2015, 02:44 AM   #2
Winnebago Camper
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Western WI
Posts: 12
My Horizon has a solar array to charge the chassis battery. Plugin in only charges the house batteries.
__________________
2001 Itasca Horizon 36LD Cat
Retired Air Force, One lovely Angel, 2 Cats and three birds.
the_vfox is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-15-2015, 06:46 AM   #3
Winnie-Wise
 
ChasA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Apex, NC
Posts: 449
I believe the answer is "no". You can put in a Trik-L Start that will keep your chassis battery charged off of the coach battery.
__________________
2010 Winnebago Journey Express 34Y
2010 Freightliner XCS (mfd 9/'09)
'07 Saturn Vue V6
ChasA is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-15-2015, 06:56 AM   #4
Registered User
 
mel s's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 340
Quote:
Originally Posted by classanewbie View Post
I've been on shore power for about 6 weeks, and the chassis batteries are dead. I know some RVs will charge the chassis batteries on shore power, and some won't. I can't find anywhere in the manual where it indicates whether they should charge or not. Since the step and slide-outs are powered by the chassis battery, I would assume that it should charge from shore power... but that might be a bad assumption.
It is a (new to me) 2006 Itasca 34A...
Does anyone know if the chassis battery should charge when on shore power?
If they should, where should I look for the problem?
Thanks for any help!
Why not contact Winnebago and ask?
Contact Winnebago Industries | Call, Mail, or Visit Winnebago
mel s is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-15-2015, 08:38 AM   #5
Winnebago Master
 
grtharris's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Skiatook, OK
Posts: 1,460
classanewbie, as per the drawings for you coach your chassis battery will not charge when connected to shore power. As mentioned above your best bet is to add a Trik-L Start they work great, I have added them to my last two coaches.
__________________
Grant & Pat
2014 Adventurer 35P
2021 Rapid Red 4dr Bronco OBX
grtharris is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-15-2015, 08:32 PM   #6
Winnie-Wise
 
edgray's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Madison, MS
Posts: 450
Quote:
Originally Posted by grtharris View Post
classanewbie, as per the drawings for you coach your chassis battery will not charge when connected to shore power. As mentioned above your best bet is to add a Trik-L Start they work great, I have added them to my last two coaches.
I, too, believe this is true. WBGO started including the Trik-L-Start device on their DP coaches several years ago, but alas, us gassers have to buy our own. I did, and it works as advertised.
__________________
2016 EC Aspire 42RBQ / 2014 CR-V
edgray is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-15-2015, 10:15 PM   #7
Winnebago Camper
 
BobGed's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Carson City, NV
Posts: 30
I would recommend the Amp-L-Start over the Trik-L-Start.

They are made by the same company, but the Trik-L-Start only has a maximum of 5 amp output while the Amp-L-Start has 15 amp.

AMP-L-START Starting Battery Charger/Maintainer - Overview Page
__________________
Bob, Sherron & Kinsey (Goldendoodle)
2017 Tiffin Phaeton 40QBH
2014 Jeep Cherokee Limited
BobGed is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-16-2015, 10:07 AM   #8
Winnie-Wise
 
1ciderdog's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 478
Quote:
Originally Posted by classanewbie View Post
I've been on shore power for about 6 weeks, and the chassis batteries are dead. I know some RVs will charge the chassis batteries on shore power, and some won't. I can't find anywhere in the manual where it indicates whether they should charge or not. Since the step and slide-outs are powered by the chassis battery, I would assume that it should charge from shore power... but that might be a bad assumption.

It is a (new to me) 2006 Itasca 34A...

Does anyone know if the chassis battery should charge when on shore power?
If they should, where should I look for the problem?

Thanks for any help!
On mine the chassis batteries do not charge from shore power. Also, I suggest you might also be concerned about the condition of your chassis batteries. I'd think they should hold a healthy charge much longer than six weeks.
__________________
Bob, Sandi & Marmaduke the Big Pug
SW OREGON 2004 Journey 39K, 330 Cat
If towing: a 2006 Mini Cooper or 1995 Wrangler
1ciderdog is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-16-2015, 02:20 PM   #9
Winnebago Master
 
FIRE UP's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Out there, somewhere
Posts: 1,740
Quote:
Originally Posted by classanewbie View Post
I've been on shore power for about 6 weeks, and the chassis batteries are dead. I know some RVs will charge the chassis batteries on shore power, and some won't. I can't find anywhere in the manual where it indicates whether they should charge or not. Since the step and slide-outs are powered by the chassis battery, I would assume that it should charge from shore power... but that might be a bad assumption.

It is a (new to me) 2006 Itasca 34A...

Does anyone know if the chassis battery should charge when on shore power?
If they should, where should I look for the problem?

Thanks for any help!
classanewbie,
You are correct in the fact that many Winnes and Itascas did not provide means for charging the chassis batteries while plugged into shore power. It's been posted on here and, other RV forums probably around a few thousand times. You've been given options for a remedy for this issue. Before I found out about the Trik-L-Start, I installed a three stage, NAPA battery charger and hard wired it in to permanently handle the chassis battery charging.

This is something that's simply a preference thing. I did it my way 'cause that charger's sold duty is the chassis batteries. If anything goes wrong the charging system for your house batteries, be it a Inverter/Charger or, Converter/Charger, and it's tied into the chassis batteries via something like a Trik-L-Start, then your chassis batteries go down with your house batteries.

But, with a separate charging system for each set, you alleviate that potential issue. Again, it's a preference thing, each system works.



Quote:
Originally Posted by 1ciderdog View Post
On mine the chassis batteries do not charge from shore power. Also, I suggest you might also be concerned about the condition of your chassis batteries. I'd think they should hold a healthy charge much longer than six weeks.

Bob,
While I would normally agree with you on this, I think different coaches provide with different parasitic drains over time. I've never had the opportunity for our coach to sit for 6 weeks without being plugged in so, I really cannot answer this with certain accuracy. I don't know for sure if ours would start, if left un plugged for 6 weeks. I do know for a fact that, if ours is not plugged in for around two weeks, the house batteries are pretty much dead.

I then plug it in and bring them back up. I know it's not good to do that so, it don't happen very often.

Winne and Itasca started installing the Trik-L-Start right around late '05 or early '06. On the diesel pushers in that era, like Meridians and Journeys etc. that had no slide out for the generator, the Trik-L-Start is located just above the generator and, in a small compartment.

I'm not all that familiar with later model Journeys, Meridians etc. as in around '08 and up so, I'm not sure they still are installing the Trik-L-Start or, some variation of it.
Scott
__________________
2004 ITASCA HORIZON 36GD, 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 4x4 Toad '08 GL 1800 Gold Wing
Retired-29.5 yrs, SDFD, Ham - KI6OND
Me, Karla and the Sophie character, (mini Schnauzer)
FIRE UP is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-16-2015, 06:23 PM   #10
Winnie-Wise
 
1ciderdog's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 478
Scott,
From my experience the ghost drains are most often on house batteries. That said I certainly could be incorrect in my assumption the Chassis batteries should last longer than six weeks. Mine certainly do and they are old - they were in this coach when I bought it about 8 years ago.
Bob
__________________
Bob, Sandi & Marmaduke the Big Pug
SW OREGON 2004 Journey 39K, 330 Cat
If towing: a 2006 Mini Cooper or 1995 Wrangler
1ciderdog is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-16-2015, 10:01 PM   #11
Winnebago Owner
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 141
Probably the main drain on chassis battery is the radio clock which isn't much. I don't believe the Ford chassis has any other drains on the battery but it might.
As far as the Trik-L-Start charger, I ordered mine through RVupgrades .com (I think that is the sigh)t for $29 +delivery of about $7. I had problems with the first one-the lights didn't work and they worked with LSL (?) on some trouble shooting then arranged for a new one to be shipped-no charge. Great service from both companies. It works great. I went with the 5 amp as I didn't think a single chassis battery needed more than that and we rely on a solar panel when dry camping and I didn't want to "steal" too much charging capacity from the coach batteries. The unit I believe has internal protection that keeps the house batteries from stealing power from the chassis battery . I suppose nothing is full proof but this would seem to give the protection you need plus it allows the batteries to charge some with solar panels. With a hard wired system, which I believe is 110-120v you need a generator, shore power or steal 110 from the inverter, I would think.
__________________
Allen & Linda; 2012 Winnebago Vista 30T, Ford 6.8 V-10, Safety-Steer, Roadmaster front and rear sway bars, 5-star tune
jazzerjump is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-17-2015, 12:25 PM   #12
Winnebago Watcher
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 2
Thanks for all the replies and suggestions. I've ordered a trik-l-start, which should take care of the issue.

While parked, the power step was used occasionally, as well as the slide-outs... I assume that is what drained the chassis battery.

I am concerned about ruining the batteries by being plugged-in for long periods of time... I'm not sure what to do other than disconnect the house batteries... But I'm not sure how that would work with a trik-l-start connected between the house and chassis batteries.
__________________
-Erik
_______________________
2006 Itasca Sunova 34A
classanewbie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-17-2015, 03:35 PM   #13
Winnebago Owner
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 141
Quote:
Originally Posted by classanewbie View Post
Thanks for all the replies and suggestions. I've ordered a trik-l-start, which should take care of the issue.

While parked, the power step was used occasionally, as well as the slide-outs... I assume that is what drained the chassis battery.

I am concerned about ruining the batteries by being plugged-in for long periods of time... I'm not sure what to do other than disconnect the house batteries... But I'm not sure how that would work with a trik-l-start connected between the house and chassis batteries.
A lot depends on your charger. Some converter/inverters are 3 stage and as I understand it they only charge when needed. Put a bulk charge in when batteries are low then ramp down to a trickle charge or even off until battery voltage drops again. The Trik-L start I believe does the same same-only chargers as needed. If you don't have a three stage charger, which some Winnies do not, then you could over charge.
I am not sure but I believe just hitting the battery disconnect switch may not necessarily stop the battery charging.
Also I a believe that the Trik-L-Start can't charge the chassis battery if the coach batteries aren't being charged.
__________________
Allen & Linda; 2012 Winnebago Vista 30T, Ford 6.8 V-10, Safety-Steer, Roadmaster front and rear sway bars, 5-star tune
jazzerjump is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-18-2015, 10:53 AM   #14
Winnebago Master
 
Duner's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Camarillo, CA
Posts: 548
There's one more option that's quite a bit more money ($155), but folks should consider what it can do. It's Precision Circuits Battery Isolation Manager. A microprocessor monitors the voltage of both battery systems, shore power, generator output, and dash Bat Boost switch. Then it decides which battery should be charged first then it will charge the other battery. It will prevent overcharging of the chassis battery and keeps the batteries isolated when there is no charge available. This is the device that Winnebago is using on the "all electric" motorhomes that have 6 expensive AGM batteries. I installed it to help protect my $1100 investment in AGM batteries.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/PRECISION-CI...e7bb7b&vxp=mtr
__________________
Bill & Helen, Last of the Chieftains, 2004 39T, W22, UltraPower, Banks Headers, Koni's, Safe-T-Plus, SMI Stay-n-Play, 2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid towed 4-down
https://www.winnieowners.com/forums/...-picture97.jpg
Duner is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-18-2015, 12:15 PM   #15
Winnebago Master
 
FIRE UP's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Out there, somewhere
Posts: 1,740
Quote:
Originally Posted by Duner View Post
There's one more option that's quite a bit more money ($155), but folks should consider what it can do. It's Precision Circuits Battery Isolation Manager. A microprocessor monitors the voltage of both battery systems, shore power, generator output, and dash Bat Boost switch. Then it decides which battery should be charged first then it will charge the other battery. It will prevent overcharging of the chassis battery and keeps the batteries isolated when there is no charge available. This is the device that Winnebago is using on the "all electric" motorhomes that have 6 expensive AGM batteries. I installed it to help protect my $1100 investment in AGM batteries.
Precision Circuits 225 Amp Battery Isolation Manager 00 10021 000 | eBay


Hey Bill,
How is ya? Hope all is well. Yep, I remember those being talked about and sold back at the GNR of last year. My buddy that was camped in front of us purchased one. He's not said much about it since he got it but, he's been gone a lot since then. I ought to talk with him about it and hear his thoughts on it so far. Good to see you're out there having fun. How's the Townies doing?
Scott
__________________
2004 ITASCA HORIZON 36GD, 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 4x4 Toad '08 GL 1800 Gold Wing
Retired-29.5 yrs, SDFD, Ham - KI6OND
Me, Karla and the Sophie character, (mini Schnauzer)
FIRE UP is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-18-2015, 12:19 PM   #16
Winnebago Camper
 
Shellback1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Nashua, NH
Posts: 28
Send a message via AIM to Shellback1
Thumbs up

Quote:
Originally Posted by ChasA View Post
I believe the answer is "no". You can put in a Trik-L Start that will keep your chassis battery charged off of the coach battery.

That's what I've used for 8 years.
__________________
2006 Damon Daybreak 3274 35' Ford F53 V-10
2006 Ion Retired Navy, FAA and PASS Union VP
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
Shellback1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-18-2015, 04:53 PM   #17
Winnebago Master
 
Duner's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Camarillo, CA
Posts: 548
Quote:
Originally Posted by FIRE UP View Post
Hey Bill,
How is ya? Hope all is well. Yep, I remember those being talked about and sold back at the GNR of last year. My buddy that was camped in front of us purchased one. He's not said much about it since he got it but, he's been gone a lot since then. I ought to talk with him about it and hear his thoughts on it so far. Good to see you're out there having fun. How's the Townies doing?
Scott
Ya, at the GNR I was at a seminar and the guy next to me had just bought one. I remember holding it and thinking, wow this thing is about 3 times bigger than the isolation relay in my coach. When I had all wet cells in this and prior coach, I used a Harbor Freight $5 trickle charger to keep the chassis charged when I was plugged in storage. That worked for 14 yrs for me. Now with the $$$ invested in AGM's, this is my insurance.

We're doing well now that the weather radio isn't alarming once or twice a day. Ohio and NY state have been beautiful. My 21 speed Townie is showing some signs of exposure as the shifting isn't as smooth as it was. I have covers now but we still get caught driving in the rain once in awhile. Hope to see you guys in Az or SoCal.
__________________
Bill & Helen, Last of the Chieftains, 2004 39T, W22, UltraPower, Banks Headers, Koni's, Safe-T-Plus, SMI Stay-n-Play, 2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid towed 4-down
https://www.winnieowners.com/forums/...-picture97.jpg
Duner is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-19-2015, 07:54 AM   #18
Winnebago Owner
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 141
Classanewbie you are right about the steps, slide and I forgot in our case the jacks all run off the chassis battery
Any of these can run the chassis battery down-the steps did in my case.
jazzerjump is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
power, chassis, battery, shore power, charging


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Battery minder not charging chassis batteries jwmaustin Electrical | Charging, Solar and Electronics 13 05-17-2017 11:24 PM
House batteries not charging...shore power outlaw557 Electrical | Charging, Solar and Electronics 6 05-11-2017 06:17 AM
Does shore power charge my chassis battery? MrsChilerick Electrical | Charging, Solar and Electronics 9 09-20-2016 09:27 PM
Disconnect chassis battery when on shore power? artgpo Electrical | Charging, Solar and Electronics 20 02-16-2013 07:42 PM
Chassis Batteries Not Charging from Shore Power RickO Electrical | Charging, Solar and Electronics 15 07-16-2010 10:53 PM

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Winnebago Industries or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 10:53 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.