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Topic: Does the solar system also charge the engine battery? (Read 362 times) previous topic - next topic
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Does the solar system also charge the engine battery?
So far I had the engine battery always on a battery tender (connected to the internal 12 Volt system) when I had my Lazy Daze parked for more than a couple of days at my house, but now I'm wondering whether that is possibly not necessary since the solar system is charging the house batteries (which is the case more or less all the time here in Arizona).

Does the solar system also charge the engine battery?

Klaus
2001 26.5 Mid-Bath
Re: Does the solar system also charge the engine battery?
Reply #1 –
Hi Klaus. With your year of coach, it does not. You could upgrade your solar controller to a R3000i. It includes an output from solar to your engine battery, but you have to fit it into the place where your present RV-30S is, and run the wire youself to the diode isolator, or engine battery under the hood.  It relies on extra solar output, not needed by your charged up house batteries, to provide power to the engine battery.
     The best, easiest and least expensive, way to provide charging to your engine battery is with a Trik-L-Start.  Ultra TRIK-L-START Starting Battery Charger/Maintainer
     I installed one years ago. It keeps the engine battery fully charged; doesn't overcharge it. It is fully waterproof and has lights to tell you what is going on.  In addition to solar, the converter if you are plugged in, will also provide excess power to the engine battery. The Trik-L-Start can only provide 5 amps max. If you leave something plugged in to your dash outlets (some are hooked up to house batteries, most are not) that use more power than the 5 amps, the engine battery will still run down.     Buy the one without battery clips. You should permanently install it.
   I include a picture of mine installed.  RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Does the solar system also charge the engine battery?
Reply #2 –
LSL Products also sells a 15-amp product, called the "Amp-L-Start." Link is here.

Mark H.
Former owner, 31-foot gas Class A
Former owner, 1997-8 mid-bath
Re: Does the solar system also charge the engine battery?
Reply #3 –
Thanks, Ron.

I have a trickle charger/maintainer which I used before and will now use again. I just wondered whether that is really necessary.

Klaus 
2001 26.5 Mid-Bath
Re: Does the solar system also charge the engine battery?
Reply #4 –
Quote from: Klaus  - 
Thanks, Ron.

I have a trickle charger/maintainer which I used before and will now use again. I just wondered whether that is really necessary.

Klaus 
Unless you are having charging problems, why bother? I've survived 17 yrs without one. YMMV

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Does the solar system also charge the engine battery?
Reply #5 –
Like Chris, I wonder why bother with keeping a charger on the engine battery?

In November, after making sure the engine battery is fully charged, we park and cover the rig. I will not start the truck engine again until mid April. Living in northern Ohio we deal with freezing temps and and usually have some sub zero periods too. When I take the cover off, I check the battery voltage and then start it up. Never had an issue in spring.

I understand that newer vehicles have more possible drains on the engine battery than our 2003. Things like alarm systems and other electronics apparently deplete the batteries. If I was dealing with that I would probably disconnect the engine battery to prevent depletion and freezing the battery.

Steve K.
Steve K

2003 Mid-bath
Re: Does the solar system also charge the engine battery?
Reply #8 –
Quote from: Chris Horst  - 
Unless you are having charging problems, why bother? I've survived 17 yrs without one. YMMV

Chris
I guess it depends on how often you get to run the engine. Our battery died prematurely in SoCal due to the constant drains from the ECU, and infrequent sorties... Never a problem since I added a charging line from the solar controller.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Does the solar system also charge the engine battery?
Reply #9 –
"Our battery died prematurely in SoCal due to the constant drains from the ECU, and infrequent sorties..."
---
ECU? Engine Control Unit? Some other 'E' Control Unit?

My engine battery is a Sears Platinum Die Hard, installed in mid-October, 2014. Although I've had no issues - the battery was fresh when installed, it has always been a 'first kick' starter in any weather, and it tests fine - 5 years is getting into 'yellow' territory, and the research for a new engine battery has started. Platinums are no longer available; 'Gold' is it for Sears-badged AGMs.

I'm happy to hear input on possible Group 65 replacement choices; amp hour and reserve capacity at the top of the list, CCA also very important, cost least so. Thanks.
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Does the solar system also charge the engine battery?
Reply #10 –
"I'm happy to hear input on possible Group 65 replacement choices..."

I am brand allegiant when it comes to engine batteries and have always gone with Interstate!

Just recently (1-2 years) they have released an AGM for which I chased my tail all over town and beyond to find. It is the Interstate Group 65 MTZ65 and you can find them at Big O Tire. Since I've had it over the last six months, there's not been one hiccup!  ;)   ;D
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Does the solar system also charge the engine battery?
Reply #12 –
Quote from: Joan  - 
ECU? Engine Control Unit? Some other 'E' Control Unit?
Yes, Engine Control Unit. Also, any other parasitic loads that may be always active.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
 
Re: Does the solar system also charge the engine battery?
Reply #13 –
"Also, any other parasitic loads that may be always active."
----
I know a couple of those.  ;)
2003 TK has a new home