I've read my manuals and lots of posts, but still not sure about the answer. If I use the "disconnect" switch on my 12 volt system so the accessory stuff doesn't draw done the coach battery, will the converter still charge the coach battery when I plug into shore power? Or do I have to turn the switch back on for the charge to occur? I've got a 2007 Itasca Suncruiser if that matters.
The switch disconnects the battery. Your converter, depending on brand,may operate the 12v circuits and lights. To charge the batteries, from shore or generator, you must turn the disconnect switch back on.
Tommy USMC,Susie USN Ret, Dog Buddy
2000 Fleetwood Flair 25F WH P32 7.4L 19.5"
2002 Ford Ranger XLT 3.0L 5 Spd Man
Blue Ox Base,Aventa II,4 PIN Locks
US Gear UTB, Power Gear Man Lev, Onan 4KW
Tent,GP Tent,Tent Trailer,2 Class A's
Are We There Yet?
Best way to know is turn disconnect off and measure battery voltage. Now hookup shore power and measure voltage again, any change?
On my unit I know the solar panel bypasses the disconnect have not measured with shore power hooked up and disconnect off. Some coaches it is just like having a knife switch on the battery, everything is dead. On others charger, solar still are active and depending on the disconnect method maybe a circuitboard with power applied to allow you to enable power again.
Ray, Cheryl, Cory & of course Miss Molly the four-legged child
Snow Snake.....Not to confuse you, but your coach may have two disconnects. You may have a switch (often located near the front door) that turns your power off. Using this switch will disconnect power, but may allow your batteries to still charge. You would need to check like tahiti16 recommended.
On my coach I have the switch disconnect at the door and then a mechanical disconnect in the battery bay. That disconnect completely isolates the battery from everything. It's like removing a battery cable.
Don & Mary
2005 Monaco Diplomat 36SKT
400 Cummins
2007 Dodge Dakota 4WD
My coach has two disconnect switchs. The engine switch is in the front storage bin and I'll disconnect my engine battery if stored for a month or so. The steps will NOT work then as they draw their power from the engine battery. I leave the steps extended.
The disconnect for the two house batteries is located in a rear storage compartment. Turning that switch off prevents them from being charged.
The only real way to find the answer to your question to to put a voltmeter on the coach battery and see what is actually happening under various condtions.
2004 Monaco
La Palma 36DBD
Two Slides
2 Potties
Workhorse 22 chassis
8.1 gas engine & Allison 1000 transmission
7.1 MPG based on fuel used over 32,000 miles
Offline
