Chassis & Coach Battery Switches

[Xamiam]

I have a 2011 Itasca Sunstar and there are two switches by the door -- the chassis battery switch and the coach battery switch. I've been here two months with a full hook-up and moved the rig about 6 weeks ago to get propane and gas up the coach. Today the coach would not start, but I was able to start the generator. I was then able to start the coach with the Battery Boost Switch.

Back right leveling jack is stuck part way up, so the alarm won't shut off so I can't run the rig for any length of time to charge the battery until I get the leveling jack fixed. :-(

It looks like I will be here for three more month as I have knee replacement surgery on Tuesday.

So after all this my questions are:

How should the two switches, chassis & coach, be used? When plugged into the park power do I leave the switches on or off?

Also when I dry camp and use my solar panels does the charging also charge the chassis battery?? Hmmm.

I was told I'm suppose to run the generator once per month. True?

Thanks,
Max

[creativepart]

Those two battery switches should only be off when you are storing the RV. Never when using it.

Some WBGO models automatically charge the chassis battery when plugged in and the the house batteries are fully charged and some don’t. If yours doesn’t and it sounds like it doesn’t you need to put a trickle charger on the chassis battery. Do a search for this here. There is an inexpensive device you can easily install that will do this for you.

If you’re parked in desert areas for long periods it’s wise to clean and lube your jack stands every few months.

The gen should be run for 20 min under heavy load every month to prevent fuel in the gen from gumming up the carb, etc.

Your solar panels charge your house batteries. But not your chassis battery, unless your coach does this with a Battery Issolation solenoid or you install the TricLCharge device.

Good luck with your surgery.