12v Motorhome Battery

[PMB]

Good evening everybody, I am fairly new to this forum.
Can someone please advise if the leisure battery on my motorhome charges when mobile OR do I have to remove when in storage to charge at home?

Paul

 

[David and Sally]

Usually charges from the engine and electric hookup when you are plugged in.

 

[Lenny HB]

It will charge off of the alternator when but if fairly flat it will take 200 to 300 miles driving to fully charge. When stationary if you are plugged into EHU it will charge from the mains.

 

[autorouter]

Can someone please advise if the leisure battery on my motorhome charges when mobile

Yes it does. There are two charging methods.

Traditionally, a 'split charge relay' (an electrically operated switch) will automatically connect the leisure battery to the starter battery when the engine is running, and disconnects when the engine stops. The alternator charges both batteries as if they were one big battery.

The relay method doesn't work so well for the latest 'smart alternators', or if the battery is a different type to the starter battery. In that case, a device called a battery-to-battery (B2B) charger is used, which activates when the starter battery is being charged, and acts as a 'smart charger' to charge the leisure battery with the required voltage and amps. A B2B charger can also be called a 'booster'

do I have to remove when in storage to charge at home

In storage, both the leisure and starter batteries gradually discharge over a period of weeks, due to internal 'self-discharge' and the small drains due to alarm, tracker and other permanently connected electronics. This is a common recurring problem with motorhomes in storage. Solutions include connecting a mains electrical hookup (EHU), fitting a solar panel on the roof or inside the windscreen, or a short drive every few weeks. Or as you say, remove and charge at home.

 

[PMB]

Many thanks, my question has been answered.

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