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Old 11-07-2013, 04:39 AM   #1
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No shore power when parked

I recently purchased a used 2004 Winnebago Vectra 40AD ISL400 Cummings diesel pusher on the Evolution chassis. Right off the bat I was getting low battery warning so I have just replaced the engine batteries with new Interstate batteries provided by Cummings South. By the way I had a good experience with them and was happy with there service. I have no money now but was still happy with there service.

I live in a retirement community and where I have to park there is NO electrical power available for charging the batteries. The Vectra has one solar panel that will provide some charging for the house batteries but of course none of that will go to the engine batteries according to the threads I have been reading.

I just purchased the GTLS-12 Galaxy Trik-L-Start and I'm hoping that this will keep my engine batteries up for a longer period of time without having to remove the negative leg from the engine batteries.

I'm thinking if use the disconnect switch for the house batteries the solar panel will have enough power to keep both sets of batteries up for a month or two but I'm not sure the house batteries will charge off the solar panel with the house battery switch in the off "no drain" position.

This whole battery thing is mind blowing and following threads on the subject can really confuse the issue as there are so many configurations out there.

So my idea is to set the coach battery disconnect switch "no drain" and hook up the GTLS-12 Galaxy Trik-L-Start and this should keep the engine batteries up for a longer period of time because of the solar panel. By the way I live in sunny Grand Island Florida but I don't know how much power the single solar panel will provide.

Do I have this right or should I use a different method?
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Old 11-07-2013, 05:47 AM   #2
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If you throw the disconnect switch on the house batteries, I believe your Trik-L-Start will not be able to charge your chassis batteries as you mentioned. I have a Trik-L-Start and a solar panel and do not turn off either disconnect switch. I have never had a problem starting my coach after sitting one month...in Vermont.

Also keep in mind your need to exercise the engine and generator monthly. This will help keep the batteries up-to-speed.
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Old 11-07-2013, 10:13 AM   #3
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The solar panel will charge the house batteries wifh the batteries disconnected but not the engine batteries. It is however only 5 watts, so it doesn't do much. To maintain your engine battery you need to install a. Trickel start or echo charger that connects between the two sets of batteries. In 2006 Winny started installing this as standard equipment
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Old 11-07-2013, 11:08 AM   #4
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I have found That using a Trickle charger on a low battery. and expecting it to charge the battery Is not the right state of mind I am 74 years old the trickle charger has been working study and the batteries are still Low..To put it in proper Prospective. A trickle charger IS NOT MENT to charge a Battery.. It only Is ment to maintain it once it is fully charged. equal the Internal resistance of Said battery. As stated in a prior post. The panel is a simple thing if all the Right Components are used And installed correctly.
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Old 11-07-2013, 11:13 AM   #5
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Thanks guys,

Once I install the GTLS-12 Galaxy Trik-L-Start I will try different things with house battery etc. and then watch the lights on the Trik-L-Start to see what is happening.

I will start by not using the disconnect switch for the coach batteries and not disconnecting the negative lead on the engine batteries. Trik-L-Start should show light indicating it is charging and if that works I will just leave it like that.

This is such a confusing subject...

Thanks again
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Old 11-07-2013, 05:15 PM   #6
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Welcome, Larry, to irv2. Here is the Winnebago page of good stuff for your coach. Wiring Diagrams

This is your chassis wiring: http://www.winnebagoind.com/diagram/...ire_145017.pdf

What I believe could have happened is that one of the relays has failed. I wish I could recall which is which. One of them is also known as a B.I.R.D. relay which switches between battery banks as you drive and they become discharged. If the relay fails, which is common and happened to me on my '05 Vectra 40FD, the batteries don't charge correctly. This diagram may be more clear: http://www.winnebagoind.com/diagram/...ire_145020.pdf

Using the Trik-L-Start is a good move if it is wired correctly. Here is how they did it in 2010: http://www.winnebagoind.com/diagram/...ire_171523.pdf
I did not look closely to see if the relays are different from yours to this one.

You have come to the right place to get help. If I did not provide to you what you needed I know someone else here will.

Happy trails,
Rick
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Old 11-07-2013, 08:27 PM   #7
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FYI, the difference between the Trik-L-Start iand the Echo charged is charge rate. The Trik-L-Start is rated @ 5 amps while the Echo charger will charge up to 15 amps.
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Old 11-08-2013, 03:03 AM   #8
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It is nice to have help without having to pay hundreds of dollars an hour for it!

Wiring diagrams will come in handy as I am interested in that sort of stuff.

I was wondering what the Echo was, thanks for clearing that up.
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Old 11-08-2013, 07:23 AM   #9
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If I am correct, the batteries we use need to have a high current charge from time ti time to keep the plates from becoming saturated with sulfide. The 15 A charge is a better refresh charge but still not enough for our big battery banks over the long run. The 160A charge out of the alternator refreshes the batteries. The 5 or 15A will hold the batteries while in storage for a season. That 5W solar panel just keeps the voltage up as far as I know.
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