patbren Report post Posted November 29, 2014 When on shore power my chassis batteries go dead. I have all new ones. Can someone help? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wolfe10 Report post Posted November 29, 2014 Patbren, Welcome to the FMCA Forum. Many coach makers do NOT make arrangements to charge the chassis batteries from shore power/generator. Two different solutions-- either of which is a good solution. Install a separate small smart charger hardwired to the chassis batteries. Here is an example: http://www.batteryminders.com/categories/applications/motorhome-rv.html Install a "smart relay" such as a Xantrex Echo Charger http://www.xantrex.com/power-products/power-accessories/auxiliary-battery-charger.aspx that takes charge from the house bank (being charged by your converter or inverter/charger) to charge the chassis batteries. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CarlAda Report post Posted November 29, 2014 Brett: I've been told that my 2008 Jayco Seneca was designed to charge both chassis and house batteries, but is there a way to confirm that easily? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wolfe10 Report post Posted November 29, 2014 Carl, Yes, very easy. Unplug for a couple of hours (no shore power or generator-- or turn off breaker to converter, charger or inverter/charger). Turn on headlights or other chassis battery supplied load for half an hour. Then turn off load and, with a digital voltmeter, check voltage at HOUSE and also at CHASSIS battery banks. Plug in or turn on power to converter, charger or inverter/charger. Recheck voltage at each battery bank. With the headlights or other load on the chassis battery, before plugging in, voltage should be in the 12.4-12.6 VDC range. If the chassis battery is being charged, after you plug back in/turn on breaker, voltage should rise to 13.5-14 VDC IF, repeat IF the chassis battery is being charged. If it stays in that 12.4-12.6 VDC range, it is not being charged. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites