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I have a 2002 Winnebago. I have tried to find out whether running the generator charges my starting ignition battery as well as the coach batteries. Nobody seems to be able to answer this with any convincing certainty. What is the case? --Pete Martin Dear Pete, Running the generator will not typically charge the engine start battery. The alternator is the only device that charges that particular battery in your case. And rarely does the generator itself charge any battery. What usually occurs is that the generator energizes the 120-volt AC to 12-volt DC power converter and the converter charges the auxiliary battery bank. The degree of sophistication of the converter/charger determines how effective it will be as a battery charger. Most are, quite honestly, not very effective at fully charging the batteries without the danger of overcharging. And it may take some time for attain a "full" charge. Some highly sophisticated chargers are equipped with a secondary charging circuit that can be wired to the engine start battery. So, though it is possible to charge the automotive start battery via the converter, only the top-end RVs are equipped with the computer controlled chargers with that capability. However, they are available in the aftermarket and can be adapted to any RV system. Though not inexpensive, they are the state of the art and you are virtually guaranteed complete battery charging without the fear of overcharging. It is one of my recommended upgrades. Gary Bunzer, The RV Doctor, is a well known RV author and the host of RV Roadtrips, the DIY Network cable television show. He is one of the RV industry's most sought after speakers and the host of the popular DVD titled Do It Yourself RV Care. Top of Page Get your FREE RV Travel Newsletter every week - sign up now.
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