Coach Batteries and Storage

[Blue~Go]

Okay, here are some photos from underneath my rig as it was originally. I'm going to guess yours are similar, except you should also have the generator start positive wire coming in (it likely runs up driver's side frame rail from the rear, as mine does). This should have an 80 amp breaker on it - maybe it's in the "cup" too? Mine went up to the start battery so the breaker was up there under the Ford hood.

If you just slip under the rig forward of the battery box, this is what you should see (or similar):

[Astrodokk]

O M G !!!

I thought I was coming to this thread just for a little knowledge about my house batteries, having died during this storm and no solar or alternator charging. I was thinking that maybe I shouild have had the rig plugged in to shore power, hooked up to 110 at the house, or at least used a little Windex on the solar panel to glean some energy from the overcast sky.

Now my eyes are crossed and my head hurts.

And...now I have to see how MY batteries are wired. Jeez.

[chin_k]

It is not that bad. Yours should be identical to mine, and what about should be applicable to 99.9% of the situation.

If you want to revive your battery, try to charge it with a battery charger. The one that come with the rig is alright if you plug it to shore power. Newer charger design is better, but some can be a bit picky and won't work on badly discharged battery. Give that a try and see if you can get the batteries to hold charge.

[Astrodokk]

Thanks Chin. I'll be taking it out for a spin today, get the alternator to do it's job, then I'll plug it in to shore.

[chin_k]

I would just plug it in. Running the alternator is not very efficient, unless you happen to have to go somewhere in the rig anyway.

[Astrodokk]

Actually I do like to drive it. I drove it every ay in January as my daily driver. But then the weather turned on me and I had to use my 4X4 Jeep in the snow. That's when the batteries died. I like to exercise my vehicles. Now if only I can do the same!

[Blue~Go]

I like to exercise my vehicles. Now if only I can do the same!

Just plug yourself in (ha).

I probably said this already because I see the thread's been going on for awhile, but it's probably easiest just to assume the stock system is only semi-functional as compared to a modern system. It will do what it was designed to do, which is basically drive from power post to power post, and replace a cheap flooded cell house bank every year or so. That was then, and that was the design brief.

Now people tend to use their Chinooks for many different purposes. Some still do use it that original way so it mostly works (albeit there are some safety things that could really stand to be updated in the original system).

Others, like me basically don't plug in. I expect my Chinook to fully function on DC power, recharge pretty much silently, run the occasional AC tool, and the batteries to last 5+ years while doing so. In other words, the polar opposite.

But even if you do the original designed usage, there are two factors:

1) 2000 was 20 years ago, and things in the battery and solar world have changed a lot (for the better).

2) RV makers have never been the pinnacle of electrical design (even now). Chinook did pretty well, in comparison, but there is still a gap with where one would want to be now.

3) Information is easier to come by (ordering parts, etc.).

To me the biggest factors are these:

1) How do you plan to use your Chinook? Except for a few safety "musts," there is no one best system; there is a best system for your use(s).

2) Are you a spend once and do it really well kind of person (or budget)? Or would you prefer to spend less and replace more often? Both ways can work.

3) Are you open to learning some basic principles and methods? Buying tools?

While there are some really good DC electricians out there (ABYC certified marine techs, for one), I find that in many cases, the available people would not do as good a job on your one rig as you, if you are a dedicated amateur who is open to learning, buying some tools, and doing a conscientious job (and who is not billing someone for their time but can stop and learn, research, think, figure, etc.). If you can find one of the really good ones, then you are lucky. They are definitely out there. It may sound like I'm dissing them in general but all I'm really saying is don't *assume* that if you take it to an RV place and have them do it that modern DC systems are their area of expertise.

I've grown to enjoy electrical work. It's fairly clean and tidy, doesn't smell, makes very little dust and noise -- and it's so satisfying to see the results (and know what's there if you ever need to diagnose something). I guess that latter is another reason I may choose to learn something: If I'm traveling, I don't always have my trusted home peeps to go to for work. If I know the system, I can either check into things myself, or at least have some idea what's happening if I take it somewhere new to me on the road.

Now get me into the Ford electrical system and I'm In comparison, the Chinook system is like a small town with neatly laid out, simple, relatively few streets. The Ford system (to me) is like when you drive into a large city and see those mazes of overpasses, exits, and back alleys!

BG

PS: Of course don't take on any electrical design or work if you are not comfortable with it, electricity can be dangerous, I'm not a professional, etc. etc.

[Astrodokk]

I'm...shocked...

[Kirah]

I'm...shocked...

[chin_k]

I always like to shop for dead batteries... because cashier says it is free of charge.