ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
11
CUSTOMER CARE | 877.855.2867
150
• Automatic charging through the converter, when the
engine is stopped and using shore power or generator;
• e solar charging system (equipped as standard, optional,
or customer installed).
Take time to turn o all lights or other 12-volt accessories
when not in use. Connect the motorhome to a 120-volt AC
shore power source or run the generator whenever possible.
Doing so will keep the auxiliary batteries charged.
NOTE: The master battery switch must be ON to charge
the auxiliary battery(ies) by shore power (converter).
Charging by the Vehicle's Alternator
e motorhome’s electrical system is wired so that when
the vehicle's engine is running, and the chassis alternator
is properly operating, charging voltage is supplied to the
chassis battery, while also supplying operating voltage to the
on-board DC to DC auxiliary battery charger (see page 150).
e dual-input DC to DC battery charger takes input energy
from the vehicle's alternator, along with the solar charging
system, and provides charging energy (up to 40 amps),
charging monitoring, and charging regulation to the auxiliary
battery; thus ensuring that the Lithium-Ion battery(ies) are
• There may be times when the vehicle is either in
motion or parked (with the engine running) and it is
desirable to operate the generator so that 120-volt
AC appliances, such as the roof air conditioner,
can be used while traveling and not plugged into a
shore power source. During these circumstances,
the auxiliary battery will receive charging energy
from both the auxiliary battery charger (via the
engine running) and the converter (by the generator
running).
• Given that the auxiliary battery charger can deliver
up to 40 amps of charging current, AND the converter
can deliver up to 55 amps of charging current, the
auxiliary battery could potentially receive up to 95
amps of charging current. Although this is under the
battery manufacturer's maximum charge current of
100 amps, caution should be observed so that the
auxiliary battery does receive over-charging energy.
• You may elect to turn OFF the Converter Circuit
Breaker, located in the Main Fuse Panel. Just
remember to turn the converter circuit breaker
back ON when not operating the generator while
the vehicle's engine is running.
CAUTION
properly charged and not overcharged while the vehicle's
engine is running.
If needed, auxiliary battery charging can be accomplished
by starting and running the vehicle's engine while parked.
Approximate charging times:
e time it will take to charge an alternate battery by the
vehicle's alternator and auxiliary DC-DC charger is depen-
dent on several factors; the State of Charge (SOC) of the
battery, whether there is a load on the battery, i.e., lights
or appliance turned ON, ambient and battery temperature,
age of batteries, etc.
However, at normal engine idle speed, vehicle's alternator
and DC-DC electronic charger will deliver approximately
40 amps of charging energy. For a fully depleted 100 Ah
lithium battery, it would take approximately 2.5 hours to fully
charge the battery (MB Sprinter-based chassis ONLY - See
Special Section on Elevated Idle Speed for Ford Transit-based
motorhomes).
Tips for battery charging:
Use good judgment when using an idling engine to charge
the auxiliary battery:
• Always be extremely cautious of exhaust gases whenever
parked and while the vehicle's engine is running (see
Warning at the beginning of this section).
• Extended periods of engine idling presents certain wear
to the engine and engine components.
• Always take advantage of the factory installed solar
charging system; doing so can reduce charging times.
e on-board solar panel and charging controller can
deliver up to 10 amps of additional charging energy,
which could reduce charging times by 20 percent.
• Use shore power and/or the generator for charging
whenever available. When connected to shore power or
operating the on-board generator, as high as 55 amps of
battery charging energy is supplied by the converter. Add
an additional 10 amps from the solar charging system,
battery charging could be accomplished in as little as
1.5 hours (100 Ah ÷ 65 A = 1.5 hours)
• When driving the vehicle, always keep the master battery
switch ON. is allows auxiliary battery charging from
the vehicle while in motion.
• Use appliances and electric devices prudently. Doing
so will help reduce battery system energy consumption.
To Next Page
Loading...
