08-27-2017, 05:17 AM
Ben,
So much has most likely changed in how Newell did things between my '99 and your '08, but I'll put this out there for your consideration and others with a vintage similar to mine.
There is a device, called ( I think ) EchoCharger whose purpose is to charge the chassis batteries after the house batteries are up to a certain voltage level in their charge cycle. And, as you noted, there is always the option of the merge switch. The merge switch is constant duty and many a Newell owner just leave the batteries merged when camping. My personal experience with doing that is the merge solenoid does not have a long life. I keep trying to buy a better one, but nothing seems to change but the specs. Although rated differently they look exactly the same and I fear they are.
The thing you need to do is make your decision and then actually check the voltage on the classis batteries. I have a monitor in the coach with a voltmeter that can be selected to check that voltage. Or, just take your digital voltmeter ( you need one of those ) and measure the voltage. If it's over 13 volts you may assume some charing is going on and sleep easy. If not, you can start looking for why not. Hope this helps. Russ
So much has most likely changed in how Newell did things between my '99 and your '08, but I'll put this out there for your consideration and others with a vintage similar to mine.
There is a device, called ( I think ) EchoCharger whose purpose is to charge the chassis batteries after the house batteries are up to a certain voltage level in their charge cycle. And, as you noted, there is always the option of the merge switch. The merge switch is constant duty and many a Newell owner just leave the batteries merged when camping. My personal experience with doing that is the merge solenoid does not have a long life. I keep trying to buy a better one, but nothing seems to change but the specs. Although rated differently they look exactly the same and I fear they are.
The thing you need to do is make your decision and then actually check the voltage on the classis batteries. I have a monitor in the coach with a voltmeter that can be selected to check that voltage. Or, just take your digital voltmeter ( you need one of those ) and measure the voltage. If it's over 13 volts you may assume some charing is going on and sleep easy. If not, you can start looking for why not. Hope this helps. Russ
Russ White
2016 Winnebago Vista LX 30T
#530 ( Sold )
1999 45' Double Slide - Factory upgrade 2004