House battery, Roadtrek 190 Popular 2008

[organize4u]

My question is, does the battery on/off switch in the van have to be ON while you're driving for the battery to charge or does it matter?
Thanks

[Rocinante]

The precise answer depends on how your particular van is wired, but a safe general answer would be, "yes."

[booster]

Originally Posted by organize4u

My question is, does the battery on/off switch in the van have to be ON while you're driving for the battery to charge or does it matter?
Thanks

Unless the wiring or charger has been changed from stock it shouldn't matter.


To tell for sure run down you batteries a couple of lights on the status panel and then with the switch off start the engine. All the lights should light then although you may have to rev the engine a little sometimes.

[organize4u]

Thanks everyone. To my knowledge nothing has been changed.

Marie

[mkguitar]

to know for sure ( and assuming no solar):




apply voltmeter to house battery


start van motor with battery switch to "Off"


meter power



turn switch to " On"


meter power


if the 1st and 2nd readings are almost identical then the switch has an effect


if the 2nd and 3rd readings are almost identical then the switch has no effect on charging



mike

[Bud]

Or just start the engine with battery switch off and Look at the reading.

[TaxWonk]

On my 2009 Roadtrek RS it does not matter which position the battery switch is in. The house batteries will always charge. The battery switch controls if power is going to the fuse panel from the batteries. The house batteries are connected to the chassis battery through the separator relay anytime the engine is running. Take a look at the following electrical simulator.
http://www.metrotrekkers.org/utility/electrical.htm