2006 Monarch SE alternator charging for house batteries?

[folivier]

I'm trying to understand how the charging system works on my 2006 Monaco Monarch SE 30' single slide. I've had other motorhomes before and know how their systems work but the Monaco is new to me.  Mainly I want to understand how the engine alternator works, does it charge the house batteries while driving?  If so what relay system does it use and where is it located?

Thanks.

[Benjamin]

Somebody will be along with the real answer, maybe even pictures.  But if you want to investigate, and I always feel that's the best way to learn what you have, then whatever connection you have between the house and chassis batteries will usually be with bigger diameter cables, not as big as the chassis battery to starter cable, but almost.  Since the cables are so $$ and voltage drop is proportional to distance, the connection will be close to the batteries.  On a 2006 it will not be a diode based DUVAC style isolator, so you're in luck there.  The alternator should charge the house batteries, again, best to investigate, check the voltage of the house batteries with the engine running, battery voltage should go from high 12v range not running or plugged in, or mid 13v range plugged in and in float, to very close to 14V running.  You're likely to have to track down issues in this area eventually, so might as well figure it out now.

[96 EVO]

Your Monarch likely has an IRD, so, your chassis and house batteries will be charged from the alternator, but your chassis battery(s) will not get charged while plugged in to shore power.

[Martinvz]

There was a recent post (in the last month) on this specific topic for a Monarch. 
Read through this post and see if it answers your questions. 
 

 

[Tom Cherry]

It is assumed, that before posting a new topic, that a member has read the pertinent sections of their manual….then if not clear….researched using the SEARCH function.  That is printed out…as a requirement prior to starting a new topic.

Your manual answers the questions on page 206.  The BOOST solenoid, when drving, also charges the HOUSE Bank.  On page 198, there is a schematic that shows the BOOST solenoid between the CHASSIS and HOUSE.  The “when driving”, if you pull the prints….means…..engine ON….  There is a “Module” with 3 wires RED, BLACK and BLUE.  It has been posted and discussed here in at least 10 topics

https://intellitec.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/53-00629-000-PRODUCT-BROCHURE-1.pdf

Download and read.  The color codes…at the solenoid may (probably) be different at the solenoid.  MEMORY says that the prints have all you need to know,

NO ENGINE ON.  Boost solenoid has no 12VDC between the control terminal(s).  IF you are on SHORE….then the voltage will be different on the two studs,  one will be HOUSE…and that is the charging voltage going to the HOUSE. The other will be the CHASSIS battery voltage.  That will be, no engine on, about 12.6/7 VDC.

Disconnect SHORE and thr HOUSE will be about the same.  The Solenoid coil is NOT energized (no 12 VDC to terminals).

Start engine….let it run for 5 minutes…..there will be 12 VDC on control terminals.  The HOUSE and CHASSIS, measured to GROUND will be the same.  Measure the TWO Large Cable Terminal…..one to the OTHER….not to ground. Voltage SHOULD be zero…or less than 0.2 VDC.  That is actually high…meaning the contacts in the solenoid are worn or pitted or arced. 0.1 VDC is OK.

That’s it.  Please read each section, thoroughly…maybe twice.  Then research.  After that….questions and a new topic is allowed.

Thanks,

[folivier]

Just tested and house batteries are being charged by the engine alternator. Thanks for the schematics and tips.

[Martinvz]

What chassis dies your coach have, Workhorse or Ford?

[folivier]

It's a Ford.

[Martinvz]

I trust you are following the F53 groups on IRV2 and Facbook.