Testing BIM 160

[Grumpy Grampa]

2017 Thor Miramar 37.1.

How to Test for BIM 160 for functionality.

1. Start engine
2. Turn inverter on
3. Turn on load, refrigerator
4. Wait until refrigerator drains coach batters 5-10 minutes
5. Should hear BIM 160 make a clicking sound to start charging coach batteries?

Thoughts

Thank you.

 

[DavidEM]

The coach batteries need to be down below 12.5 volts for the BIM to kick in and allow the chassis alternator to charge the house batteries. So your test should work although you probably won’t hear the BIM click in.

And make sure that the coach batteries are reading 12.6 volts before you start the test. It takes an accurate voltmeter to do this.

Once the BIM kicks in the chassis alternator should quickly bring the house batteries up above 12.5 volts.

If you have a shunt based amp meter it will be very obvious when the BIM kicks in since the charging amps should jump up. Everyone who wants to manage their house batteries charging should have such a meter. Less than $50 on Amazon for a simple but effective QWorks meter. Close to $100 for a fancier Renogy and mid $100 for an even fancier Victron.

David

 

[taylorbob1]

Also:
After you turn off engine…
Several minutes later you will/should hear a clunk as the BIM disconnects from house batteries

 

[16ACE27]

2017 Thor Miramar 37.1.

How to Test for BIM 160 for functionality.

1. Start engine
2. Turn inverter on
3. Turn on load, refrigerator
4. Wait until refrigerator drains coach batters 5-10 minutes
5. Should hear BIM 160 make a clicking sound to start charging coach batteries?

Thoughts

Thank you.

Wrong order:

1. Turn inverter on
2. Turn on load, refrigerator
3. Wait until refrigerator drains coach batteries down to under 12.5 VDC as measured by a voltmeter. Could take hours depending on the original SOC of the batteries.
4. Start engine
5. Should see voltage at house batteries increase to the same as chassis battery within 15 minutes.

You have now tested 1/3 of the operation of the BIM.