Batteries

[hutch]

When the RV is plugged in to shore power doesn't that keep the house batteries charged? What about the chassis battery?

 

[Holdmybeer]

Ordinarily in newer RV's '05-'10 and later shore power will keep both charged. Prior to ~'05 probably not. If you have a switch that enables you to jump start the engine from the house battery you're most likely all good.

 

[hutch]

Ordinarily in newer RV's '05-'10 and later shore power will keep both charged. Prior to ~'05 probably not. If you have a switch that enables you to jump start the engine from the house battery you're most likely all good.

2017 Thor Windsport in WNY. I've had it plugged in all winter. Tried to start it got half a turn over. Not enough to start the generator either or try emergency start. I believe the batteries are probably original so they are due to be replaced just wanted to make sure shore power should keep them charged.

 

[osuallen]

I don't specifically know about your Thor, but the usual issue of not charging the house batteries is either the inverter tripped, someone turned off the inverter (and therefore the charger), or on some coaches turning off the salesman switch will disconnect the batteries such that they will not charge. Most coaches have a bridging device (BIRD or BIM) that connect the 2 battery banks to allow charging (it also disconnects to keep one from draining the other). Usually if the chassis batteries won't maintain charge, it is because the bridging device failed. 2017 chassis batteries have probably passed from old age.

 

[MobileRVService.com]

Your Windsport will do this:

While engine running, it will connect the house and chassis batteries to charge the house bank. That same contactor is used for the emer start if the engine is not running.

While plugged in, it will maintain the house batteries IF.....you leave the main house power switch turned on. If you have the switch off (even if it has a light on it and it is illuminated when plugged in) the batteries will be disconnected and will not charge. You will think they are......common problem with those.

Will not maintain the chassis battery while plugged in.

So, best practice if it will be plugged in while stored is to ensure the house batteries are on (while unplugged, make sure you have lights) then plug in - turn off all lights and DC equipment.

The chassis battery will be just like a car sitting and may run down. Other coaches have BIRD/BIM etc that will maintain chassis while plugged in, but unless modified, yours does not.