Newbie trying to figure out auxiliary battery system issue

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Herbalface
Posts: 10
Joined: Mon Mar 13, 2023 10:08 pm

Newbie trying to figure out auxiliary battery system issue

Post by Herbalface »

Hi, my names Andrew... I currently own a 1993 26ft rbtb born free president with cabover bed, dual battery aux system, has nearly every option that was available... it has the 7.5L 460ci v8, 4000w Onan gas generator... Anyways, I can't get power from my auxiliary power when not plugged in into shore power... both batteries charge when plugged in and while the engine is running... I'm thinking it might haven something to do with the empty (#3) terminal on the isolator being empty instead of being connected to the 2nd aux batt... but then idk if that's how u wire it If your batteries and ran in parallel... will post a few pics if you can point me in the right direction, any help would be greatly appreciated... if need more pics/ specific picture let me know... thank you
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1993 26ft rbtb Born Free President E-350 7.5L V8 Rear bath twin bed 148k mil

2015 Impala LT
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whemme
Posts: 2110
Joined: Mon Aug 15, 2005 8:05 pm

Re: Newbie trying to figure out auxiliary battery system issue

Post by whemme »

So unless you are plugged into shoreline power the lights within the coach will not turn on. Is that correct?
Bill Hemme - Spencer, Iowa
E-mail: whemme@earthlink.net
2002 Born Free (Ford E-450 V10) 26' RSB
2016 VW Golf GTI - toad
Herbalface
Posts: 10
Joined: Mon Mar 13, 2023 10:08 pm

Re: Newbie trying to figure out auxiliary battery system issue

Post by Herbalface »

Negative, they worked even when I had no aux batteries hooked up.. I just disconnected from shore power and yes they are on... no change on my battery disconnect from use to store... red light is always on
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1993 26ft rbtb Born Free President E-350 7.5L V8 Rear bath twin bed 148k mil

2015 Impala LT
User avatar
whemme
Posts: 2110
Joined: Mon Aug 15, 2005 8:05 pm

Re: Newbie trying to figure out auxiliary battery system issue

Post by whemme »

Well that is interesting. You are saying that when not being connected to shoreline power and with your two house batteries disconnected that the lights in your coach still work. So what is the source of power to run your lights in this case?
Bill Hemme - Spencer, Iowa
E-mail: whemme@earthlink.net
2002 Born Free (Ford E-450 V10) 26' RSB
2016 VW Golf GTI - toad
Herbalface
Posts: 10
Joined: Mon Mar 13, 2023 10:08 pm

Re: Newbie trying to figure out auxiliary battery system issue

Post by Herbalface »

Honestly don't know but I'm assuming it's the battery under the hood... this is the first time owning my own rv so I'm newish to the whole rv scene... fidge doesn't work at all works on ac or gas... everything inside the curcit panel for the fidge looks fine except for a lose blue wire that says it goes to a test point... rooftop ac and the microwave/convection oven work amazingly, Furnace kicks on (
All, only when plugged in).. cabover fan doesn't work doesn't work at all plugged in or not... thinking about taking it to the rv place here in Placerville, I just don't wanna spend an arm and a leg as I have an almost 2yr son and a second baby due end of next month...
1993 26ft rbtb Born Free President E-350 7.5L V8 Rear bath twin bed 148k mil

2015 Impala LT
User avatar
whemme
Posts: 2110
Joined: Mon Aug 15, 2005 8:05 pm

Re: Newbie trying to figure out auxiliary battery system issue

Post by whemme »

Well if the Ford chassis battery is powering your coach lights with the Ford motor not running that means that your isolator function is not working properly. The chassis battery and alternator should only be connected to the to the house dc power bus when the chassis engine is running - is intended to work that what so the chassis engine and alternator can charge your house batteries. With the chassis engine not running the isolator should disconnect the two sides.
Bill Hemme - Spencer, Iowa
E-mail: whemme@earthlink.net
2002 Born Free (Ford E-450 V10) 26' RSB
2016 VW Golf GTI - toad
Herbalface
Posts: 10
Joined: Mon Mar 13, 2023 10:08 pm

Re: Newbie trying to figure out auxiliary battery system issue

Post by Herbalface »

It's such a drag trying to figure out what previous owners did to the rv, know what I mean? Lol but I can't complain really considering how much I got it for... so should my next step (in your opinion) be to test if the isolator is functioning properly? I'm pretty sure the aux batteries were charging from the engine running after i installed the new aux batteries... thank you so much for all your input... I'm going to see a friend today that "should" be able to help figure this out... I'll post any updates... again thank you whemme
1993 26ft rbtb Born Free President E-350 7.5L V8 Rear bath twin bed 148k mil

2015 Impala LT
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