This is interesting especially when one reads the other current thread about generator failing to start where Gerald posted:
"On the '06 Patriot, Monaco used the house batteries to start the generator. So if the house batteries are discharged to about 11.5V or less with normal usage, the generator will not start unless you start the engine to charge them back up or hold the boost switch down while starting it. The solution is to rewire the generator starter to the chassis batteries, or never run the house batteries below 11.9 to 12 volts."
I have been operating somewhat as Bill mentioned:
" The controller's "Fuel Gauge Cutout" is set so that 11.4 volts, under load, is assumed to be dead. I program the generator to autostart at 60%, if I forget so start it myself. So, in reality I think I've never had the house batteries below about a 30% discharge."
by assuming that deep-cycle batteries can be taken down to 11.5 or so. I too have my genset set to start at 60%.
I am reading the two statements by Gerald and Bill and I don't think they are contradictory, however will the genset in the 06 not start if it was programmed to do so? Also, Gerald, doesn't the boost switch use the house batteries to assist the chassis batteries?
I gather that in pre-'06 units the genset is started by the chassis batteries? So if chassis batteries are weak then use the boost to assist starting of the engine and I assume the genset? But in '06+ units if the house batteries are weak, then the genset can't start unless the coach engine is started to charge them up (which is hard on the alternator), assuming the engine starts.
Maybe I making it more confusing that it really is.
Jeff