27K Engine alternator not charging coach batteries

[Metalman]

I have a Windsport 27K. The coach batteries no longer charge when the engine is running. I imagine that there is an isolating device that is faulty, but I don't know what it looks like or where it's located.

[EA37TS]

If you do a forum search on BIRD, BIM and Trombetta you will quite a bit of info on this very topic.

You can start by looking at the post in these search results links.

https://www.thorforums.com/forums/se...archid=3467913

https://www.thorforums.com/forums/se...archid=3467915

https://www.thorforums.com/forums/se...archid=3467919

BIRD = Battery Isolation Relay Delayed
BIM = Battery Isolation Module
Trombetta = manufacturer of the relay most commonly used

[OldWEB]

Originally Posted by EA37TS

If you do a forum search on BIRD, BIM and Trombetta you will quite a bit of info on this very topic.

You can start by looking at the post in these search results links.

https://www.thorforums.com/forums/se...archid=3467913

https://www.thorforums.com/forums/se...archid=3467915

https://www.thorforums.com/forums/se...archid=3467919

BIRD = Battery Isolation Relay Delayed
BIM = Battery Isolation Module
Trombetta = manufacturer of the relay most commonly used

NONE of the links worked for ME.

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by Metalman

I have a Windsport 27K. The coach batteries no longer charge when the engine is running. I imagine that there is an isolating device that is faulty, but I don't know what it looks like or where it's located.

Your 27K should be just like my 27.1

You have a Trombetta relay controlled by the BIRD circuit. The Trombetta relay is in the battery compartment towards the inside mounted on a bracket up high. It looks like this:

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon....AC_SL1500_.jpg

The main contacts are probably burnt open.

Trombetta is a brand name, you need a continuous duty low current relay to replace it if found bad. This is what I replaced mine with over a year ago:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072MZHK48/

[OldWEB]

More reading if you are interested.
https://www.thorforums.com/forums/f8...ing-16672.html

[Metalman]

Originally Posted by OldWEB

More reading if you are interested.
https://www.thorforums.com/forums/f8...ing-16672.html

Thanks for the link to the thread. Excellent information, including schematics and a chart.

[reminckv]

Here's a thread you might be interested in. I suggest an upgraded relay since these fail so often.

https://www.thorforums.com/forums/f8...ion-21620.html

[John & Diane]

Originally Posted by OldWEB

More reading if you are interested.
https://www.thorforums.com/forums/f8...ing-16672.html

Thanks for the Information!

[Metalman]

Originally Posted by reminckv

Here's a thread you might be interested in. I suggest an upgraded relay since these fail so often.

https://www.thorforums.com/forums/f8...ion-21620.html

Thanks for the information. I just order one on eBay. I will relocate the solenoid from behind the batteries on the floor of the compartment where it can't be seen, to the wall, where I will have good access to it. What is wrong with Thor, lazy or stupid?

[reminckv]

Originally Posted by Metalman

Thanks for the information. I just order one on eBay. I will relocate the solenoid from behind the batteries on the floor of the compartment where it can't be seen, to the wall, where I will have good access to it. What is wrong with Thor, lazy or stupid?

You’re welcome. I relocated mine too. I think they like to play “hide and seek”.

[Metalman]

Thanks to everyone who responded to my post. I made a bracket to mount the new isolator (White Rogers 15V, 200-600 Amp.). It is now located where it can be seen, metered, and replaced without removing the batteries.

[Metalman]

I dissembled the faulty Trombetta relay and it appears that moisture caused corrosion on the contacts, resulting in a high resistance situation. I can understand how moisture could get into unit, since it was mounted on the bottom of the battery compartment not far from various openings that could allow water to enter when driving through heavy rain. The coil was still intact and operating, but there was no continuity between the two heavy terminals.

[OldWEB]

WOW! That is corroded.

I do love it when people dissect the problem to the root, hopefully getting the proper answer. As weatherproof as it looks, you can never be certain.
Hopefully you cleaned this one up, reseal it (properly) and keep it for an emergency spare... it actually looks in fine shape otherwise.

[John & Diane]

Where did you find your relay to be located? I looked in the battery compartment but don't see it. Do I have to remove the batteries to get to it? Of course the mh is covered and there is 6" of snow on the ground, LOL.

[reminckv]

I'm sure it depends on model but mine was hidden behind the batteries. I'd try a small mirror and flashlight. I was able to get meter leads to mine for testing but it was difficult.

[reminckv]

I'm sure it depends on model but mine was hidden behind the batteries. I'd try a small mirror and flashlight. I was able to get meter leads to mine for testing but it was difficult. I could also see mine by crawling under the battery tray and looking through the openings.
You may also see the BIRD module back there.

[John & Diane]

After not finding anything behind the batteries I called Thor. After a little research I was informed I don't have a Trombetta as the Battery Control Center handles those functions and it is located in the engine compartment on the drivers side. (up in the corner). The Thor tech asked if my interior lights were working with the shore power off. I hadn't checked but he said if I didn't the first thing I should check was the wiring in the Battery compartment since the house batteries only showed 12.1 volts with my meter. I mentioned to him I noticed the stud on the frame for the ground connections looked very rusty. Sure enough, no shore power, no lights! cleaned up the ground connections and the lights came on. When I restored the shore power the converter started charging all the batteries again. Hopefully that was the only issue.

[Metalman]

Thanks for the detailed report. It's very strange that your 2015 Windsport 27K has a different means of isolating the two battery systems.

[reminckv]

That surprises me too, but my experience with different models is limited. I thought the 2015 vintage had BIRDs. Thanks for the follow up. I learned something from it and that's good.

[John & Diane]

I'm thinking that since our mh was an early 2015 some of the components were left over 2014 items. We bought (unplanned purchase) the coach at the Cleveland RV Show in January 2014, Camping World agreed to hold the coach until the end of March for us so we could put in a concrete pad for it. Since we weren't in a hurry for it they asked if we mind waiting a few extra weeks and get one from the factory which we did. Our purchase was for a 2014 but when it arrived at the end of March it was titled as a 2015. In addition to the changes for 2015 it also had the the 15k AC and dual house batteries. I was told that Thor made the change over to the 2015 models much earlier than Camping World expected. Camping World honored the show price and "no charged" the batteries and AC.