Journey coach battery charging question

[stevestorz]

2004 Journey, even when connected to A/C shore power the coach batteries continue to drain and the interior lights dim even though these 12volt D/C batteries are constantly being maintained by external Battery Tenders. So why is it that the interior lights brighten instantly when I start the generator, which supplies A/C also ? Why is A/C shore power not doing the same thing ?

[autofish]

Could be a bad transfer switch.

[94-Newmar]

If you could tell us a bit more about your setup it would be helpful......

What you describe is indeed incorrect. It should charge the house batteries/engage the converter/inverter regardless whether its source is shore or genset power.

Does your unit have a seperate inverter and converter/charger? Brand/model #'s?

Does your unit have some sort of Energy Management System (EMS) such as an Intellitec?

When not plugged into shore or running the genset can you enable the inverter and is it working at the specified outlets properly?

More info on what you have will help everyone here give you more info :-)

[tompen]

X2 to start with the transfer switch. Also, a typical battery tender will charge at a rate of 1-2 amps. A couple of lights on inside and you are still in a discharge condition. Even if your tender is charging at a higher rate it is real easy to exceed it with normal use. The convertor will provide, usually, 45+ amps. Do you have 120 volts inside when plugged in ? A/C, microwave etc ? If not check the power cord and 120 source.

[stevestorz]

Thanks to all who responded. The transfer switch does sound like a logical thing to test, anyone know where it is located on the 04 Journey ? and how do I test it ?

Thanks, Steve

[tompen]

On mine, it is bolted to the back of the convertor under the bed. It's at the end of the power cord. Carefully remove the cover and check for 120 volts when on shore power. It is a big relay. I assume you do not have 120 AC inside when on shore power. Could still be the cord or plug.
Good Luck

[1ciderdog]

Originally Posted by stevestorz

Thanks to all who responded. The transfer switch does sound like a logical thing to test, anyone know where it is located on the 04 Journey ? and how do I test it ?

Thanks, Steve

On my 04 Journey the transfer switch is mounted on the rear wall of the power compartment.