Thor Forums - View Single Post

Judge · 11-09-2020, 02:16 AM

There is a Converter / Charger onboard. It is used to convert AC voltage to 12V DC voltage when plugged into shore power or running the generator. It will also charge the house batteries when on shore power or running the generator.

The solar panels will help keep the house batteries charged as well depending on the amount of sunlight they are exposed to.

There is a Use / Store switch in the coach. You likely have it set to "Store" because in this position the batteries are disconnected and will not use the Converter and charged them by shore power or the generator. Find that switch and put it into the "Use" position. The house batteries should then be charged on shore power / generator.

The Use / Store switch does not impact the solar panels usually because they are typically connected directly to the batteries via the Solar Controller.

The Inverter converts 12V DC voltage to AC voltage to power a limited number of outlets in the coach, which are typically for a refrigerator or TV. If it is not during the day when the solar can be helping to keep the batteries charged or you are not plugged into shore power or running the generator (with the Use / Store switch in the "Use" position), you will drain your house batteries over time if the Inverter is powering the fridge and another AC appliance.

How long the house batteries will last depends on a lot of factors such as the capacity of the batteries, condition of the batteries, how much power the Inverter is drawing based on what it is powering.

The generator uses the house batteries to start. If the house batteries are drained too far, the generator won't turn over.

The house batteries could be charged by the engine alternator on some class C's but not all are configured this way.

The house batteries could be charged by the engine alternator on some class C's but not all are configured this way. If you start the engine, run it a bit and then you have power again to start the generator, then your coach likely charges the house batteries when the engine is running.