12-15-2016, 04:49 AM
To add to what Jim said.
First, he is absolutely correct, you can use the existing inverter/charger on 15 amp service to keep the house batteries charged. Look at your inverter charger manual to see how to limit the amount of power it uses. Remember to set it back to 50 amp when you travel.
Next, you need to determine if you already have a system for charging the chassis batteries too. The easiest way is to put a voltmeter on the chassis batteries without the engine running or the coach plugged in. Plug in the coach and see if the voltage rises slightly. If so you don't need to do anything but plug in the coach and your batteries will be good to go.
Some Newells came from the factory with a secondary system for robbing power from the house batteries to keep the chassis batts topped off. A previous owner may have added such a system.
If the chassis batteries don't automatically charge when plugged in, you have three options. Add an echo system such as described above, use a battery tender for the chasssis batteries only, or turn on the merge switch.
Be aware that if you turn on the merge switch, and you lose power, ALL of the batteries will drain down together.
First, he is absolutely correct, you can use the existing inverter/charger on 15 amp service to keep the house batteries charged. Look at your inverter charger manual to see how to limit the amount of power it uses. Remember to set it back to 50 amp when you travel.
Next, you need to determine if you already have a system for charging the chassis batteries too. The easiest way is to put a voltmeter on the chassis batteries without the engine running or the coach plugged in. Plug in the coach and see if the voltage rises slightly. If so you don't need to do anything but plug in the coach and your batteries will be good to go.
Some Newells came from the factory with a secondary system for robbing power from the house batteries to keep the chassis batts topped off. A previous owner may have added such a system.
If the chassis batteries don't automatically charge when plugged in, you have three options. Add an echo system such as described above, use a battery tender for the chasssis batteries only, or turn on the merge switch.
Be aware that if you turn on the merge switch, and you lose power, ALL of the batteries will drain down together.
Richard and Rhonda Entrekin
95 Newell, 390 Ex caretaker
99 Newell, 512 Ex caretaker
07 Prevost Marathon, 1025
Maverick Hybrid Toad
Inverness, FL (when we're home
