gksmith-ClassB
Senior Member
I have installed a Blue Sea ML-ACR Automatic Charging Relay in my 2002 Leisure Travel camper van per suggestions on this forum. But I obviously do not understand how to use it properly. I dry camped for several days, confident that my engine battery was isolated from my coach batteries. But when I went to move to a new location, I discovered that all batteries were essentially dead--at least too dead to start the van. Upon investigation, I found that I had improperly connected all batteries together by latching the center button. Obviously, I did not properly read the instructions. But, what led me to this error was seeing that the only way that I could get the engine generator to charge the coach batteries was to have the center button in latch position.
Upon having the dead engine battery problem, I did more troubleshooting and have verified that the only way I get charging to the coach batteries from the engine is to have the button latched. There is no difference in the voltage being delivered to the batteries in either A or B position, which was the same voltage with the engine not running, 12.7 volts. With the engine running and center button depressed, the coach batteries received 13.8 volts.
Hence, my question--What am I doing incorrectly? How do I get a charge to the coach batteries without having them connected directly? I do not have the external remote switch connected, as I did not feel that it was necessary in my situation. And, I verified earlier with the company that it was not necessary to install the switch. Please help!
Thanks in advance!
Upon having the dead engine battery problem, I did more troubleshooting and have verified that the only way I get charging to the coach batteries from the engine is to have the button latched. There is no difference in the voltage being delivered to the batteries in either A or B position, which was the same voltage with the engine not running, 12.7 volts. With the engine running and center button depressed, the coach batteries received 13.8 volts.
Hence, my question--What am I doing incorrectly? How do I get a charge to the coach batteries without having them connected directly? I do not have the external remote switch connected, as I did not feel that it was necessary in my situation. And, I verified earlier with the company that it was not necessary to install the switch. Please help!
Thanks in advance!