MOD Silverleaf Charge Bridge Limitation / Workaround

[Neal]

@Ddmo any info on your charge bridge situation you mentioned at Oshkosh? Related to above?

 

[Joe Dutchstar]

Here is what Connect screen looks like this morning. the Bridged Symbol in Blue flashes occasionally. On Shore Power all night

 

[Joe Dutchstar]

According to the battery schematic the Bi Directional Relay wire is supposed to be connected to positive. Battery connections look as if these are all to ground side of battery??

 

[Joe Dutchstar]

Started engine and chassis battery immediately went to 13.8+v. Engine did turn somewhat slower than a healthy battery might but started right up.

 

[Joe Dutchstar]

Ok this makes some sense.

engine off, voltage on chassis battery went to 12.11v. Alternator is charging when engine runs.

 

[Ddmo]

In my situation, the Battery Isolation Manager remained closed under all conditions. So the chassis batteries were being tapped when using house systems. Newmar tested my BIM and found it was defective. They replaced it under warranty and has been working well ever since. They did say they have seen more failures than normal recently.

 

[Joe Dutchstar]

Spoke with Mary at DutchStar service. Looking for a Mobile RV service in the Melbourne FL area that is familiar with RV electrical systems.

 

[Joe Dutchstar]

What is the best way to determine what is installed in the RV short of disassembly.
The BIM is on the backside of the Power compartment behind a panel. To get at the BIM you have to climb in from the Doorside baggage bay, similar to when to swap out an Oasis pump.
Not something I would like to do just to get a part number.

 

[Neal]

I would like to do just to get a part number.

Newgle or Newmar parts?

 

[Joe Dutchstar]

Checked Newgle/Newgle Parts, the part indicated is a standard BIM 225 for the DutchStar.

Not sure why Newmar would install a BIM designed for lead acid to lead acid chemistry Bridging? (Maybe this is the problem??)
If the Standard Isolator is what is installed, I have the proper isolator on the way over night, Li-BIM 225 by Precision.

My worry is the Isolator installed is some other undocumented Isolator design from a London, King line of Silverleaf.

I have an email to Mary at Newmar requesting the Build Sheet specifying what was installed on the Line.

Gotta love RV ownership...

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Checked Newgle/Newgle Parts, the part indicated is a standard BIM 225 for the DutchStar.

Not sure why Newmar would install a BIM designed for lead acid to lead acid chemistry Bridging? (Maybe this is the problem??)
If the Standard Isolator is what is installed, I have the proper isolator on the way over night, Li-BIM 225 by Precision.

My worry is the Isolator installed is some other undocumented Isolator design from a London, King line of Silverleaf.

I have an email to Mary at Newmar requesting the Build Sheet specifying what was installed on the Line.

Gotta love RV ownership...

Didn't you just pick that dinosaur up???

 

[Neal]

Checked Newgle/Newgle Parts, the part indicated is a standard BIM 225 for the DutchStar.

Not sure why Newmar would install a BIM designed for lead acid to lead acid chemistry Bridging? (Maybe this is the problem??)
If the Standard Isolator is what is installed, I have the proper isolator on the way over night, Li-BIM 225 by Precision.

My worry is the Isolator installed is some other undocumented Isolator design from a London, King line of Silverleaf.

I have an email to Mary at Newmar requesting the Build Sheet specifying what was installed on the Line.

Gotta love RV ownership...

You're under bumper to bumper warranty, they should send you the part you need. I'm surprised the Li-BIM was overlooked with your setup. Then again Newmar's experience with tech...not surprised.

 

[Joe Dutchstar]

Spoke with Mary at Newmar this morning, She indicated that Mark from Newmar Service will be scheduled to come take a look.
I will share my experience

 

[Neal]

I believe the only difference in the two BIM's is the Li-BIM has a timer based charge interval while driving so as not to overload your alternator.

 

[Joe Dutchstar]

Kevin, we picked it up in November, technically last year, .
Unfortunately this has been our experience with new RVs In the first year.
The first few months of small issues that get resolved with warranty.
Consequently we go on short trips for the first six months to sort out all this stuff.
Once the initial problems settled down the RV should be good for five years or so of travel.
This one will probably be the last for us.
Good news according to Newmar, no Silverleaf on the DutchStar. So I don’t have that headache.