Which batteries start generator

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Which batteries start generator

April 11, 2019, 09:12:20 am

I'm pretty sure I found the answer to this by searching the archives but it was comments concerning other generator issues and not a specific answer to my question. I also searched other RV forums and it seems that the coach batteries almost always start the generator but since I'm on my third day bondocking many miles from the nearest town and several miles up a very rough dirt road I wanted to put my mind at ease and be double sure I'm not running down my truck battery with multiple generator starts. Thanks in advance for your answer whoever you may be.

Re: Which batteries start generator

Reply #1 – April 11, 2019, 10:23:30 am

"... it seems that the coach batteries almost always start the generator but..."

Sawyer, that is a very well thought out question! But, it is not almost but always!

In fact, the day you wake up to find that the coach batteries are unable to start the generator your recourse is to start the chassis engine. This will place just enough juice into the system to allow you to get the gennie started and running after which you can go ahead and make the coffee.

Re: Which batteries start generator

Reply #2 – April 11, 2019, 10:25:24 am

Mike,

On our ‘15 RB, as it is most likely the same as your ‘97, the coach batteries start the generator. That being said, the generator does NOT charge the chassis battery of the truck/van. If you have solar and plenty of sun, the panels will charge the chassis battery but only after they have charged the coach batteries.

If you are concerned about starting the engine, it’s best to fire it up every few days to make sure it will when you need it. A lithium ion jump starter is a handy tool to carry with you as you probably already know.

Enjoy.

Kent

Re: Which batteries start generator

Reply #3 – April 11, 2019, 10:26:18 am

Quote from: Lazy Bones - April 11, 2019, 10:23:30 am

"... it seems that the coach batteries almost always start the generator but..."

Sawyer, that is a very well thought out question! But, it is not almost but always!

In fact, the day you wake up to find that the coach batteries are unable to start the generator your recourse is to start the chassis engine. This will place just enough juice into the system to allow you to get the gennie started and running after which you can go ahead and make the coffee.

My mind is officially set at ease.

Re: Which batteries start generator

Reply #4 – April 11, 2019, 10:39:19 am

Mike,

As an addendum to the generator NOT charging the chassis battery it DOES charge the coach batteries. HOWERVER, on our ‘15 (large alternator) I find that 1/2 an hour once or twice a day of running the engine does a better job of charging the chassis batteries.

As both the generator and the truck engine both use the same source of fuel, it’s paramount to keep close watch of your fuel gauge. Rembering, of course, that the generator will not start if the fuel is below 1/4 of a tank.

Kent

Re: Which batteries start generator

Reply #5 – April 11, 2019, 11:40:59 am

Quote from: Kent Heckethorn - April 11, 2019, 10:25:24 am

If you have solar and plenty of sun, the panels will charge the chassis battery but only after they have charged the coach batteries.

I don't know if this is true with the Blue Sky controller oem on newer rigs, but it was not the case on older ones. Typically the charging of the chassis battery is not a 'switched' operation, but occurs naturally once the voltage on the coach batteries rises to the same level as the chassis battery. Additionally, this only will occur if a separate charge circuit has been run from the controller to the chassis battery.

Steve

Re: Which batteries start generator

Reply #6 – April 11, 2019, 01:27:55 pm

"As both the generator and the truck engine use the same source of fuel,..."

And that highlights the reason that I try to 'go into camp' with a full tank at the end of the day rather than wait to fill it 'in the morning'.

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