Hi all,
Just took the Barth out for weekend of cold weather primitive camping and I have some questions and need some guidance
1. The generator doesn't charge the house batteries and they only last about 12 hrs(4 new 12v deep cycle)before I have to start the engine to recharge.
2. Should I have to run the Gennie to get the furnaces to run?

I know these are rudimentary questions but I spent two very cold days hunting
Thanks
Glenn
89Regency37'
Kansas city mo

The 4x12v batteries should run the furnace for a few days (depending on other loads).

The batteries are charged from the 120VAC to 12VDC converter.

If you didn't have the coach plugged into shore power for several days before you left, the batteries could have been discharged, and if the run to the hunting site were short, the engine alternator wouldn't have had time to recharge.

Your converter is probably the older style dual-output. This type on converter has one output to the coach 12V circuits and a second to charge the batteries. The charger side tends to be wimpy; the one I took out of my SOB was rated at 60A, but the charger's share of that was only 15A.

Assuming the generator is putting out 120V, the problem is between the standard 120VAC outlet into which the converter is plugged and the connections at the battery bank.

If you have a decent voltmeter, check the voltage with no 120VAC, then check it again with the 120VAC connected. You should see at least a .5V increase, and if so the converter's working, and I'd guess the issue is that the batteries were at a low charge state when you started your trip.

If not, then locate the converter and check the 120VAC outlet. If OK, then check the output fuses (there are two or three, and usually are outside the enclosure). Again check the voltage at the converter's output with the 120VAC disconnected and connected. If there's no voltage rise, the converter's not working.

I'd recommend replacing with a good one (I like the Progressive Dynamics Intelli-Power 9200 series; the 80 A version is less than $200 from ktm520racer on eBay. The Status Remote Pendant is worthwhile. The 9200 series has the Charge Wizard circutry built in - the 9100 series does not - it's an add-on.

Now is a good time to get this issue fixed, because a discharged battery's electolyte is nearly water, and will freeze.

Thanks rusty, the new batteries were in a discharged state, took 3 days to get fully charged eith a deep cycle, 10a , smart charger.
Will trouble shoot charging/converter next
Glenn