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stereo power source
Hello everybody, newbie here. We recently bought a '98  23.5  with the rear bath. Its a great coach so far. Love the layout and the size is just right for the two of us. We have been renovating the inside and one of the things we did is replace the 4 stereo speakers. The previous owner had put in a decent Kenwood stereo so no need to replace that. My question is about the power source for the stereo system. I'm hoping that it is hooked up to the coach batteries which we have replaced. If its running off the starting battery ,is there a way to  switch it to the house when parked?
Any imput greatly appreciated,
Hugh
'98 23.5' FL
Re: stereo power source
Reply #1 –
The dash radio is usually powered by the coach battery.
To test, disconnect the starting battery and see if the radio works.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: stereo power source
Reply #2 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
The dash radio is usually powered by the coach battery.
To test, disconnect the starting battery and see if the radio works.

Larry

Interesting. Is this why the radio is always powered on and doesn’t turn off when you turn off the engine?
Joe B.
2008 26ft  grey/white Rear Bath
Family of 5 hitting the open road as much as we can.
Re: stereo power source
Reply #4 –
Being powered by the coach battery allows the dash radio to be used while camping without draining the starting battery.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: stereo power source
Reply #5 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
Being powered by the coach battery allows the dash radio to be used while camping without draining the starting battery.

Larry

I should of known this but good to know for sure. Often times I’ve forgotten to turn it off in a panic the rig wouldn’t start due to a dead 12v
Joe B.
2008 26ft  grey/white Rear Bath
Family of 5 hitting the open road as much as we can.
Re: stereo power source
Reply #6 –
Ok…here’s something to think about. Sometimes a new radio/cd player is installed in a LD by an auto stereo dealer…incorrectly.

It’s been noted here in the past that some installers “rewire” the power to a new radio via the chassis battery. This is an issue when it comes to leaving the radio on while the engine is off.

As Larry said, Disconnect the chassis battery to insure that the radio will not operate. If it does operate after the chassis battery is disconnected then the coach house batteries are the radios source of power. Which is as it should be. LD designed it this way.

If it doesn’t operate with the chassis battery disconnected, then the new radio will need this wiring issue corrected. This can be tricky for a car stereo installer.

In regards to power supplied to the dash, note that the 12 volt outlets on the dash (cigarette lighter style outlets) ARE powered by the chassis battery (at least on our 2015 LD) and should not be used for extended periods with the engine off. The power drain will leave you without a starting battery. (A good reason to carry a small lithium jumper battery or very long jumper cables). Been there and quickly learned my lesson.

Just an FYI.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: stereo power source
Reply #7 –
Quote from: Kent Heckethorn  - 

As Larry said, Disconnect the chassis battery to ensure that the radio will not operate. If it does operate after the chassis battery is disconnected then the coach house batteries are the radio's source of power. Which is as it should be. LD designed it this way.

If it doesn’t operate with the chassis battery disconnected, then the new radio will need this wiring issue corrected. This can be tricky for a car stereo installer.

If needed, the easiest source of coach battery power, for the dash radio, is under the hood at the battery isolator/relay.

Larry


Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: stereo power source
Reply #8 –
I installed a Trik-l-Start device under the hood to use the solar panels to keep the chassis battery charged while the vehicle is not run for weeks at a time.

When I replaced my AGM coach batteries with Battleborn Lithium Iron-Phosphate batteries, I replaced the Trik-L-Start with the newer Amp-L-Start which has a setting for Lithium coach batteries.
2013 27’ Mid-Bath
2005 Honda CR-V
 
Re: stereo power source
Reply #9 –
Glad I found this post, although it was about a day late. The radio had stopped working & I was in the process of replacing it today.  Not even thinking that the radio would be connected to the coach batteries, I disconnected the negative from the chassis battery. After I had spliced all the wires to the new radio harness, I reconnected to the chassis battery to test the radio, which (unsurprisingly) had no power. Next time I get a chance to finish the job, I'll have to begin with checking for a blown house fuse. That will teach me to stay current on forum posts! ...here's hoping I didn't do more damage than a blown fuse...
2003 MB
Formerly 1997 TK