Questions about charging systems and such . . .

[dig4gold]

I understand that when going down the road, the truck's alternator is charging not only the truck batteries . . . but also the camper batteries, right?
So . . . when we're camped and plugged into 120 at the park, (and they are still connected) does the camper's charger charge the camper batteries as well as the truck's batteries?

[Mustang65]

It depends on your TV. FORD only puts 12VDC to the trailer when the ignition is in the on position. Not sure about the other manufacturers.
Members with the other types will have to answer for their mfr.
Don
My Registry

RVing with SOLAR

[dig4gold]

"TV"? You mean RV?
I now have a GMC Sierra 3500, and the camper I ask about is an Arctic Fox truck camper (we downsized). But that shouldn't matter. Hookups are hookups I would think.

[triplebvalp]

Originally Posted by dig4gold

"TV"? You mean RV?

TV means Tow Vehicle.

[Subaru297]

There is most likely a diode or solenoid that would prevent your RV from charging your TV while plugged in.

Easy to check though with a multimeter if you have one.

[dig4gold]

R i g h t . . . my wife always tells me: "No brains . . . No headaches"

[dig4gold]

I've tested at the TV batteries with multi tester. Reads 12.85V which is more than it was but has topped out there. That's what made me wonder if they're getting charged from the camper charger.

[jd99336]

With a multi meter and plugged into shore power, test the charge at your trailer battery. It will likely register somewhere between 13 and 14 plus depending on charge mode. If it is charging your truck battery, then testing the truck battery should register very close to the same voltage.

When you get 12.85, that sounds like the resting state of a fully charged new battery. At least on all of my battery maintainers/chargers, the full on charge can be up to 14.5 while maintaining charge is around 13 to 13.4.

If you are getting 12.85 while it is supposedly chargin....I am not sure what to say.

[dig4gold]

More findings . . . while testing TV battery, had wife unplug 120V and the voltage did not change. Leads me to believe the camper charger does NOT charge TV batteries. But at least they are holding their charge. Also . . . when disconnecting camper from TV, while TV is running, charge went to 14V, typical of alternator. So, now I know. WHEW!!

[Siamese]

Originally Posted by dig4gold

I understand that when going down the road, the truck's alternator is charging not only the truck batteries . . . but also the camper batteries, right?
So . . . when we're camped and plugged into 120 at the park, (and they are still connected) does the camper's charger charge the camper batteries as well as the truck's batteries?

The other part of your question was whether the truck is charging the RV batteries when you're going down the road. Actually, it doesn't do much, as the wires between the truck and trailer are too small to allow effective charging. For charging your RV battery, best to rely on an AC hookup or a generator.

[dig4gold]

Right. Makes sense. Will do.