Starter battery, what does it do... Forums

Bryan

...other than start the engine?

In other words, what is normally powered from the starter battery instead of the leisure battery?

sallytrafic · Southern Rally Co-ordinator

The simple answer is everything that would have been in/on the van/chassis if it wasn't a motorhome. This assumes that your van hasn't been made from scratch as a motorhome. By and large converters don't touch what they don't have to on the principle 'if it ain't broke don't fix it'

Regards Frank

des

Everything controlled from the dash, plus the electric step. That's all, on my Damon.

ScotJimland

Same as Des, the electric step is powered from the engine battery to allow entry when the house batteries are isolated.

kands · Account Deactivated

And that leads me to another observation.... On our RV I think that the starter battery is not charged by the charger when on shore supply, and I believe this is normal. Maybe someone can clarify???

Keith

DABurleigh

Yup, that's the norm, and is what the Vanbitz or CAKTanks battery master is intended to overcome. Or for higher-end power supplies/chargers, there is a limited maximum current (mine is 4A) independent outlet for the vehicle battery.

Dave

kands · Account Deactivated

Morning Dave
Thanks for that, we have a 110 volt outlet under the bonnet which I suppose is for a battery charger?? Just need a 110 volt charger Rolling Eyes

Keith

lugnutt

Bryan

Now there's an intersting point...

When I connect to 240v hookup, should my leisure and/or engine battery be charging and if so, how can I check?

DABurleigh

Measure the voltage at the battery terminals with a voltmeter. It's higher if it is being charged.

Dave