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We just purchased a 1997 pace arrow which has a generator in the rear, two gc2 6 volt batteries hooked to an invertor on the opposite side, an engine battery in one compartment and another 12 volt battery in yet another compartment. Will the generator charge the gc2 batteries somehow or will the alternator? They are dead but I think they were quite new. Or will we have to use a battery charger from time to time when they are low?
Optional Information: Year: 1997 Make (other): Fleetwood Model: Pace Arrow Engine: 454 chev Already Tried: We have run the generator
Hi: Thank you for coming to Just Answer with your question. My name is XXXXX XXXXX perhaps I can assist you with this issue.
That doesn't sound like a standard hookup........the best way is to take small multimeter like you can buy for about $15 or so at most automotive or hardware stores and take some DC voltage readings with the shore cord plugged in at the various batteries. You should see about 13.7 VDC if the charging system is working properly. Then do it with the generator running. Don't have the shore cord plugged in at the same time! And lastly, start the engine and check them without either the shore cord or genset running.
Record these and that will give you an idea of how they are wired. Be sure that the disconnect solenoid is set to "use" and not to "store" on the panel. Get back to me with the readings you have and I can give you some additional input on this. Be sure all the batteries are full of water. Running them dry ruins them. All follow ups are included in our fee. R.J.
Experience: RVDA/RVIA MASTER CERTIFIED TECHNICIAN WITH MANY YEARS EXPERIENCE
Should the generator only generate or should it recharge the batteries?
The generator just puts out 120 VAC and that goes to the inverter/charger and that charges the batteries. This may or may not have a converter which is part of the original electrical package the coach came with.......or that inverter may be a replacement for that. If you check those voltages at each battery as I outlined you can find out what is being charged or not. Usually on shore power or generator you DON'T charge the chassis battery. When driving they all should be charging. Let me know what you find and we can go from there. R.J.