Running generator w/o cia C&C h batteries

 1) Can I run the generator without coach batteries installed? I would have the truck battery installed and engine running. I taped the coach battery positive connector.

2) Will there be a power receptable active by generator to run a heatet to load up generator?

3) Can the a/c heater strip be run by generator to load it up?

Thanks for your input. Can't wait for Spring!

Ron Sarzynski

Interesting question.

You insulated the house battery terminals which is critical.  Good for you.

The challenge will be starting the generator without the coach batteries because it's starter gets power from them.  I don't know if the 12v switch on the lower dash board by driver's left knee will be a safe way to supply power.  If you can safely start the generator, you should be fine.  With the generator running, all your 110v outlets should work normal to support an electric heater.  12v items will work only if your converter is turned on, but I would leave it off just in-case having a house battery stabilizes 12v to all your 12v stuff.  It would be a shame to electrically damage your water heater or fridge.

If you run the truck you will have 12v going to generator. The question the wires are not very big and may not be able to supply the amps you need to start, but it may.

If it starts you will have 110v anywhere you want to use it, microwave or A/C are biggest loads.

If you don't want 12v to the converter just turn main power disconnect at the door off. The converter will still supply 12v DC to all DC fuses.

If you run the truck you will have 12v going to generator. The question the wires are not very big and may not be able to supply the amps you need to start, but it may.

What concerns me is that it may not.  If attempting to start that way, you might fry the thin gauge wiring, and/or the supporting solenoid.  A worst case scenario is that you burn more than just the wiring.  Maybe your entire PC.

The safest way is to temporarily place one 12V battery back in the house area for your off-season maintenance process.  If you have two 6V batteries, then.....maybe use a battery from another vehicle or your lawn equipment.  Doing so will provide a good time to maintain the connections to them as well.

Thanks for the comments. I have  rethink this item. Probably install house batteries to start generator. I store outside so may have to start generator more frequently maintain batteries if they are left in PC. 

Frying things should only be done in the kitchen!

Ron

I agree with Ron. I would leave batteries in place and just take the ground (Black) cable off when you are done.

I have been monitoring the batteries at home for past month so I know discharge rate. I will install batteries and monitor discharge rate with them installed and black ground disconnected. I will start truck and generator every yet to be determined time frame depending on the discharge rate, however at least every 3_4 weeks. I suspect they will discharge slower due cold weather.

AGM batteries may be coming when these go bad.

Ron

AGM batteries may be coming when these go bad.

Ron

Hi Ron,

AGM techology?   

You probably heard me say this a time or two before...

If switching from 12v lead acid, to 12v AGM, consider 6v AGM.  My experience HERE making the 2x switch has been wonderful.  I did have to ditch the slide out tray which was a very good thing.  No more worries about the cables getting kinked and potentially loosening from the battery terminals.  No need for a battery tray with sealed AGMs.  Set them inside, lock them down, hook them up, and you're done for many years.

If I remember correctly, you have an elaborate battery monitor.  I installed an "easy to see" volt meter HERE which did wonders for basic battery monitoring.  It took one good trip to understand the fluctuations in the readings and recognize when it's time for a charge.

Ron Dittmer

Thanks for the comments. I have  rethink this item. Probably install house batteries to start generator. I store outside so may have to start generator more frequently maintain batteries if they are left in PC. 

Frying things should only be done in the kitchen!

Ron

I do it a fair amount.   Start the engine, let it run for about a minute, you will then have power to crank the generator.

I presume the battery isolator has to see enough charge in the engine battery before it'll pass it on to the coach.

In any event, just like the engine starter does not draw from the alternator line... It draws from the battery cables and solenoids in the back of the battery compartment.