Engine Charging Leisure Batteries?

[tonyfletcher]

Hi,

 

I have just checked the charging of the Engine battery and leisure battery.

 

Is this correct? -

 

On starting the engine the voltmeter reads 14.2v (which I believe is correct), but the leisure batteries only show 13.5volts and do not increase by revving the engine.

 

Do I have a charging fault?

 

Thanks

Tony

[John J Thompson]

tonyfletcher - 2009-11-25 12:51 PM

 

Hi,

 

I have just checked the charging of the Engine battery and leisure battery.

 

Is this correct? -

 

On starting the engine the voltmeter reads 14.2v (which I believe is correct), but the leisure batteries only show 13.5volts and do not increase by revving the engine.

 

Do I have a charging fault?

 

Thanks

Tony

 

The main battery takes the initial charge to replace most of the power taken on startup. Then the split charger allows surplus charge to be directed to the leisure battery.

 

Start you motor-home up and take it for a run. Then check the charge while it still running after you stop.

[Clive]

Thats about right.

If it takes ages but does eventuall;y get there then perhaps you should consider replacing or suplementing the existing split charge wiring with something thicker to reduce voltage drop. Including the leisure battery chassis connection.

 

More on http://www.motts.org/SPLIT%20CHARGING%20SYSTEM.htm

 

C.

 

 

 

 

[tonyfletcher]

Thanks Clive,

 

I was thinking that somecharge should get through, I do have a solar panel fitted of 80w and I know that it charges the batteries quite well.

 

Thanks for the reply, you have replied to me on more than one occasion and found your replies to be well balanced

 

Thanks again

 

Tony