PDA

View Full Version : Transfer switch & batteries


Clifford
03-12-2012, 08:02 AM
Hello all - I just discovered y'alls forum and it looks like alot of knowledgeable members are here. I have a Raptor, date of manufacture July 2010, sold as a 2011 model in July 2011 that my wife, kids and I absolutely love.

My questions is pertaining to the electrical, charging circuits. We have an Onan generator and 2 (12v) batteries dealer installed ( No shore power), but have had a fairly recent problem of cranking the gen. We have used it about twice monthly from July until Dec. and have tried to crank the gen every 3 to 4 weeks....had to jump it off right before Christmas 2011, ran it 4-5 hours - trying to charge batteries. It cranked next few days, then after 2 weeks or so - late Jan. 2012, dead batteries again....jumped off again, ran it alot, no DVM to check charging @ that time, so assumed that the gen was putting out good volts....same deal, dead batteries after 2 to 3 weeks...this time, Feb. took it to dealer, who hooked in a kill switch into pos. side of batteries...How does the transfer switch work..? And, will the tow truck's 12volt system properly charge a double battery circuit, if one battery has a dead cell...? Thanks alot.

Festus2
03-12-2012, 08:15 AM
There has been a lot of discussion about transfer switches here on the forum of late. Keystone just recently issued a recall on one of its switches (Iota ITS-50R) so I would suggest that you do a forum search (transfer switch) and also check the section on Keystone Recalls for further information about this topic.
Welcome, BTW, to the forum!

BigCajun
03-13-2012, 08:18 AM
Sounds like your batteries were too low for the gen to charge with only running 4 hours or so. Your propane and CO detectors are still drawing current when you are gone as well as the TV booster or anything else that you leave on such as stereo, fridge, etc. The charging circuits are similar to trickle chargers. You should have a battery disconnect on the Raptor already(usually near the front door-silver pull switch). If you disconnect all of the load when you leave (and the batteries are fully charged) your batteries should keep a charge until you return. The tow vehicle will send some current to the batteries, however, it won't be enough to bring to full charge unless you are driving a very long distance. I hope this helps. :cool3: