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"Winnebago Coach Forum Member"

Picture of ichn2go
Posted
Have a portable model Battery Minder. The Moho is plugged into shore power with the Battery Minder hooked up. Does it hurt to start the engine/generator or should it be unhooked first?
Thanks


Happy Trails!
ichn2go, Seaford VA
02 Adventurer 35U Workhorse
1 Beautiful Wife
2 Beautiful Dogs
04 Vue V6 FWD Toad
"It all depends on who you talk too."
 
Posts: 1662 | Location: Seaford, VA | Registered: July 27, 2003Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete MessageReport This Post
"Winnebago Coach Forum Member"

Picture of John_Canfield
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Jimmy - don't think so. The battery voltage is going to drop with a significant load, but the Minder should be designed to only put out so much current. I think you'll be fine.


--John
2005 Horizon 40AD, 2005 Jeep Liberty CRD
Datastorm - F1
Our current location
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Posts: 2416 | Location: Back at the ranch | Registered: January 25, 2005Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete MessageReport This Post

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I was more concerned about voltage transients from the vehicle damaging the Battery Minder than the reverse.
I disconnect it from the engine battery when I am not connected to shore power.

I added a 12 volt socket connected to the engine battery under the steps on the cabinet wall under the ac receptacle in the step well and installed a 12 volt male plug on the Battery Minder cord. I leave the Minder plugged in and just unplug the 12 volt cord.

Is it absolutely necessary? I don't know, but my years of experience designing electronic gear for automotive systems makes me cautious.


Fulltiming- 2004 Winnebago Sightseer 35N Workhorse chassis. Honda Accord toad.

Clay (WA5NMR), Lee (Wife), Codi & Brandi(Shelties), Damncat (pet cat)
 
Posts: 804 | Location: Full Timer - Sioux Falls, SD | Registered: June 26, 2003Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete MessageReport This Post
"Winnebago Coach Forum Member"

Picture of Richard 34A
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I know that you are required to disconnect a battery charger or battery minder (per instructions) on a Harley BEFORE starting the motor... there is an inline fuse, of course, but I disconnect no matter what; not worth getting an electrical gremlin due to something going wrong. I don't use one on my MH but would still disconnect.




RV There Yet?

Don't pull out in front of me; I may not have any brakes!

Richard
2005 Winnebago Sightseer 34A
Workhorse W20 Chassis w/
5-speed Allison transmission
 
Posts: 566 | Location: Sonoma County, California | Registered: February 20, 2007Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete MessageReport This Post
"Thor Owner's Forum Member"

Picture of george henry
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great info
 
Posts: 1097 | Location: Atlanta, GA. , South Beach, FL. Naples, Fl , Coral Gables,FL. | Registered: December 29, 2006Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete MessageReport This Post
"Winnebago Owner's Forum Moderator"

Picture of smlranger
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I always disconnect my battery minder whenever I start the coach.


'02 Journey DL, 36GD, 330 CAT. '08 Explorer Toad, Blue Ox Aventa II, Air Force One Toad Brake.
Smith Mountain Lake, VA
 
Posts: 2075 | Location: Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia | Registered: September 06, 2004Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete MessageReport This Post
"Winnebago Coach Forum Member"

Picture of ichn2go
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Seems as if the consensus is that: Its best to disconnect the Battery Minder to avoid damage to it.

To be on the safe side I will disconnect it completly when starting the engine. Thanks again for your help and safe miles to all.


Happy Trails!
ichn2go, Seaford VA
02 Adventurer 35U Workhorse
1 Beautiful Wife
2 Beautiful Dogs
04 Vue V6 FWD Toad
"It all depends on who you talk too."
 
Posts: 1662 | Location: Seaford, VA | Registered: July 27, 2003Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete MessageReport This Post
"Winnebago Coach Forum Member"

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I have two battery minders one for coach batts and one for chassis. One is a Vector and does not need to be disconnected when motor is running or when using converter. The Exide model does, or it will fry it every time. This includes use of the generator on the Exide model.


2001 Itasca Suncruiser 32V
 
Posts: 1223 | Location: Lima, Ohio, USA | Registered: October 24, 2000Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete MessageReport This Post
"Winnebago Coach Forum Member"

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I have had a battery minder on the engine/chassis batterys for 3 years and have never unpluged it for generator or engine use. I almost always leave the inverter on so the minder has power nearly all the time. Never had a problem and the engine/chassis batteries are always charged. Never needed the MOM switch to start the engine. Also still on original batteries..coach and chassis after 5+ years.


KellysRV
2003 Jouney DL 36GD
2004 Acura MDX and Brake Buddy
 
Posts: 49 | Location: Woodbury,MN,USA | Registered: April 29, 2003Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete MessageReport This Post
"Winnebago Coach Forum Member"

Picture of ichn2go
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Well, I took my own advice. "when in doubt go to the horses mouth."

I have a VDC Electronics Battery Minder Model 12117. The tech told me that you could start the engine, hook a larger battery charger to the battery and it would not harm the Battery Minder in any way.
When it gets a larger voltage it simply shuts down...Good to know and we have an answer at least for this make and model. Thanks again for all your help.


Happy Trails!
ichn2go, Seaford VA
02 Adventurer 35U Workhorse
1 Beautiful Wife
2 Beautiful Dogs
04 Vue V6 FWD Toad
"It all depends on who you talk too."
 
Posts: 1662 | Location: Seaford, VA | Registered: July 27, 2003Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete MessageReport This Post
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