Generator battery settings

Mountain Cajun · 08-02-2018, 06:55 PM

What does everyone set the low and high battery settings to start and stop their onan generator on the Senecas?

Old skipper · 08-02-2018, 07:36 PM

The low is 12.2 and I think the high is 12.8 I have not reset the values in two years so can’t be positive. Where the auto start has been handy is the generator coming on to run the AC from the thermostat demand. The generator will then run for about 10 minutes after temperature is reached. In my experience the low battery never triggered the gen start while camping.

SloPoke · 08-02-2018, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old skipper

The low is 12.2 and I think the high is 12.8 I have not reset the values in two years so can’t be positive. Where the auto start has been handy is the generator coming on to run the AC from the thermostat demand. The generator will then run for about 10 minutes after temperature is reached. In my experience the low battery never triggered the gen start while camping.

That is exactly what I have experienced... We do a lot of boondocking, running the AC in the hot afternoon / early evening hours with the Generator also recharging our coach/chassis batteries.

Makes me really wanting to get camping in our higher elevations in the coming months, where the afternoons are in the 60's and nights in the 40's. Then we might be able to evaluate how the battery charging is really working.

Oh.. BTW, we have new house batteries sitting here ready for install... just waiting on the afternoon temperatures to be conducive to an afternoon install.

Camper_bob · 08-03-2018, 08:39 AM

Related question: My MH was not equipped with a generator auto-start. Is that something that can be added?

Old skipper · 08-03-2018, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Camper_bob

Related question: My MH was not equipped with a generator auto-start. Is that something that can be added?

Yes, go to a Onan Cummings service center. I have found it has really given me a piece of mind.

Camper_bob · 08-03-2018, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old skipper

Yes, go to a Onan Cummings service center. I have found it has really given me a piece of mind.

Thank you!!

Any idea on approximate cost of installation?

Is it something an end user could install?

Mountain Cajun · 08-03-2018, 10:48 AM

Mine came with the installation instructions and it doesn’t look to hard if you are electrically inclined!

bdreinv · 08-03-2018, 12:09 PM

Pismo Beach CA today high 68!

SloPoke · 08-03-2018, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Camper_bob

Thank you!!

Any idea on approximate cost of installation?

Is it something an end user could install?

Here is the operating and installation manual... will help you decide!!!

foglght · 08-03-2018, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SloPoke

Here is the operating and installation manual... will help you decide!!!

By any chance did this replace the current generator start/stop with a couple extra wires, or is this an additional box?

SloPoke · 08-04-2018, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by foglght

By any chance did this replace the current generator start/stop with a couple extra wires, or is this an additional box?

Our rig came with the unit installed... but after reviewing the wiring diagram, it looks to use the existing wires that go to the Generator that are for starting the unit.

Depending on where you install the unit, you would need to be able to run wires to the safety circuit and the battery so it can sense the battery charge.

And if your AC unit's have the right thermostat, they can be connected too - as they can start the Generator when the AC's need power to run. (the unit does not need a wire running up to the AC, just to the Thermostat)

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