Generator not charging coach batteries

[Ddewey78]

Hi all, new to rv ownership, and new to the site. I just bought a 2000 Thor Fun Mover 31c. I am having a problem with my battery not charging. I get 14v with the chassis engine running, but nothing with the generator on. I was wondering if there is a way to check if the converter is charging the battery? That is part of its job if I'm not confused. I'm also considering changing it out to a combo converter/inverter, for the girlfriend to make her coffee or watch a movie at night.

[groswald]

Does it charge when plugged in? If so, the converter is fine. If the batteries are dead, do you get 12 volts to the lights and 12 volt accessories? That means that you have 110 to the converter/charger and the converter stage is ok. If you get nothing, even when plugged in, then you either have a wiring problem on the input side of the converter/charger or the unit itself has a problem.

An inverter/charger is a good replacement option, but you may need to upgrade your batteries to have enough capacity to drive the inverter.

Good luck,

Randy

[Yosemitebob]

Sometimes the most simple item can get away from us, but I got to ask is your deadman's switch off or on, it should be on to charge from the charger and charge the coach batteries.

[Ddewey78]

Well I feel silly now, thanks Yosemitebob. I had assumed that since when I start the generator the light on the disconnect switch lights up it automatically turned on. Nope!! Today started the generator, pushed the switch, and 14.4v going to the battery!!

Now...for the inverter, had planned to replace the inverter with a converter/inverter combo, but since the converter now works...??? I have a 2500 watt inverter laying around, guess I'll use that.

[Yosemitebob]

Glad to help out, we've all been there.

[Jedsmom]

Originally Posted by Yosemitebob

Sometimes the most simple item can get away from us, but I got to ask is your deadman's switch off or on, it should be on to charge from the charger and charge the coach batteries.

"Deadman's switch" -- that's a new term for me. Is that the "kill" switch in the coach to disconnect the house batteries while not in use?

Thanks ...

[Ddewey78]

Yup, that's the one he is referring to