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Inverter/Charger Use

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Gary Winzenburger:
This is a general question about using, or not using the inverter/charger. I really don't know exactly when it should be turned on. I know that the engine's alternator shouldn't be used solely to re-charge the batteries, so can I turn the inverter/charger off, as well as the generator while traveling knowing the batteries are fully charged and in good condition? Assuming I don't use the AC unit(s), the refrigerator either turned off or on propane, and there'll be 30 or 50 AMP service waiting for me at the campground.
Thanks,
Gary

Edward Buker:
Gary,

Anytime that you have an AC source generator or otherwise the charge function should be on. These are smart chargers and will go to charge level maintenance mode when your batteries are fully charged. As far as the inverter function being enabled that is your choice. I usually leave that function off unless I need it but some folks leave it enabled for music etc. requiring 120V while traveling or TV while boondocking etc.

Later Ed

Dennis Crawford:
Gary,

Your charger should come on anytime there is AC power present (Shore or Gen-Set).  Depending on your coach, you may or may not have a system that will take care of both battery banks.  Remember the charger only charges the house batteries.  You either need a BIRD module with a Big Boy switch, Xantrex echo charger or some other monitoring device to do the maintenance charge on the chassis batteries.

The engine alternator will charge both banks while driving.

As far as the inverter is concerned, that is your choice.  I leave mine on in case I need AC power while traveling.  You also may have an Automatic Generator Start module.  This device can be set to automatically start the gen-set if the house battery voltage drops below a set point or if the inside temp reaches a certain set level.

Hope this helps.

Dennis



Dennis

Keith Oliver:
Gary:

You likely have the Xantrex "Freedom" inverter/charger, with a panel above the driver to tell you what it is doing, as I have in my 1998 Contessa.  Note the red lights on the display.  Whether the inverter switch is on or not, when you are plugged into shore power, or the generator is on, you will see the "charge" light on.  You will also see the amps measure lighted, so will know how much charging is being done.  When you are not plugged in or generating and these lights are off, you may want to switch on the "inverter" and will again see the amps measure lighted, which will show you how much power is being sucked from your house batteries.  Know that without any load whatsoever, the inverter itself will suck your batteries down quite quickly, so be careful to use it only when you need to.  If you are mobile, your alternator will easily supply all your inverter will consume, so you don't need to worry about having the inverter on while you drive.  Just be careful when you are dry camping, to keep the inverter off at all times that it isn't needed.

Gary Winzenburger:
Thanks so much for the information. Battery management is one of the biggest concerns I have - very complex, but needed in these big coaches.

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