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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: Satelliteguy on April 13, 2024, 07:38:40 AM

Title: Charging house batteries from generator
Post by: Satelliteguy on April 13, 2024, 07:38:40 AM
Good morning everyone. I have a 1992 MCI 102C3. It has the standard bus batteries two 12Vdc units in parallel. I also have a set of four 100Amp house batteries wired in parallel. I have a WonVon Battery Monitor with Shunt, 600A 0V-120V Battery Monitor smart shunt to keep an eye on the battery status. The house batteries at this time are only charged from my diesel generator or shore power. I would like to use the bus generator while driving to help charge them. I have the Vanner Model 60-50A battery equalizer on the bus batteries. I am using an older Xantrex Freedom Combi to charge the house battery's and inverter for some of the 120 house power. I have a residential 120Vac refrigerator and a couple of wall outlets off the inverter. My roof top AC/heat units run off the generator or shore. I am not looking to change out components at this time, I have read that a 140 Amp smart battery isolator will help do this. On Amazon they are not much money ( limited budget ) and I can purchase one for this conversion, other wise I would like to keep what I have for now. Where do I attach the smart isolator without damaging my alternator and what gauge wire do I need to do it? I'm not a complete dummy on wiring, I have just never done this type of setup and need suggestions as I do not want to let the smoke out of any devices. . 

Anyone!!!!         
Title: Re: Charging house batteries from generator
Post by: ol713 on April 13, 2024, 08:31:40 AM


  Good morning;

          I think your "Generator" is actually the bus Alternater.  I have the same setup with a battery ""isolator @140 amps. 
          You run the main wire  from the alt to the center terminal of the isolator .  The existing coach wire to another terminal
          on the isolator.  The last terminal of the isolator takes a new wire for your house batteries.
          Hope this helps.
                                              Merle.      ;D ;     
Title: Re: Charging house batteries from generator
Post by: Satelliteguy on April 14, 2024, 08:48:26 AM
Merle Thank you for your input.

I have a diesel generator in one of my left side bays, it has a its own start battery. I have the four house batteries attached to the inverter/charger off that generator. I have no connections from my bus alternator to my house batteries at this time.
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