Quote:
Originally Posted by smlmicky
Efforts to this point:{snip}
2) Thinking I drained the chassis battery with dash switch left on. However, I can't get into the engine compartment with supplied keys to recharge battery!!! Damn! Guess I'll use the emergency start this time (turning off the 12volt DC first). Any tricks to enter the engine compartment on Thor Windsport? Afraid I'll break the keys if I try any harder! Suggestions on how long I need to run the RV to recharge before stopping the engine?
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Take you shoulder and push hard on the hood next to the latch while turning the key. Also make sure your coach is level before trying to open the hood. Usually this is not necessary but sometimes helps. My hold open air supports are so weak that now I can just use one hand to push on the hood while turning the key.
At idle, the Ford alternator will produce about 30 amps usable. If it is the typical Motorcraft battery, it has a rating of about 65 amp hours, so I would say a minim of 2 hours. That should give you an 80% charge - if the battery will accept it. Leaving a LA battery discharged for more than a couple hours will seriously degrade its ability to take a charge.