Jump starting the generator

[cwenger]

I stored my 2013 Holiday Rambler Ambassador in Florida for 6 months while at home in Maryland. Needless to say, with the generator not having run for 6 months, neither the generator nor the engine would crank. After considerable hassle jump starting the chassis batteries, I finally got the engine started.

Next time after 6 months storage, I am wondering if I could jump start the generator instead of the engine. Could I keep both the house and chassis battery disconnect switches off and jump start the generator? Then if, and after, the generator is running, switch the disconnect switches on without screwing up anything?

[cwenger]

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions. I plan to replace the chassis batteries and then trickle charge the new batteries with a solar charger while in storage.

[rgatijnet1]

On my coach, the generator is powered by the house batteries but if they are low, I can use the chassis batteries, via the "boost" switch, to start the generator. Naturally this means that the chassis batteries must have enough left in them to power the boost relay.

[wa8yxm]

cwenger wrote:
I am wondering if I could jump start the generator instead of the engine.

Done it. Now your millage may vary

On my ONAN there is a big red capped bolt that says +12 on the left side "Front" .. That's where the Red lead goes from the jump pack.

The black lead goes to the chassis

Now do the start thing.. keep the battery connected for at least one minute after VAROOM (The fuel pump is a 12 volt device)

Turn off everything inside, if you have not already. first.

[olfarmer]

If you have access to 120 voltage I would connect the batteries to a battery trickle charger/ maintainer. If you don't the solar panel chargers sound good. If you don't do either then by all means unhook the negative terminal. If the batteries have been in an uncharged state for any length of time they are probably shot and w need to be replaced.

[MrWizard]

Disconnect batteries negative cables for storage

Start generator first

Use portable battery charger on weak chassis battery , power it from RV outlet powered by generator

[AllegroD]

CA Traveler wrote:
The batteries have loads that cannot be switched off which kills the batteries over time. Fully charge the batteries then remove the negative battery cables when storing. Mark and take pictures first. In 6 months the batteries should start the engine or gen w/o a issue.

I'd start the gen first and let it run for a hour assuming the charger charges both banks.

Also, the gen may not direct charge and trickle charge will not charge a depleted battery. With gen running it will still take up to 30 minute, with the boost/crossover switch engaged, to bring the chassis up to a state that it will start your engine.

[CA_Traveler]

Have the batteries load tested as they may be very weak.

[CA_Traveler]

The batteries have loads that cannot be switched off which kills the batteries over time. Fully charge the batteries then remove the negative battery cables when storing. Mark and take pictures first. In 6 months the batteries should start the engine or gen w/o a issue.

I'd start the gen first and let it run for a hour assuming the charger charges both banks.

[cwenger]

Thanks for the solar panel suggestion. I hadn't thought of that.

[wolfe10]

The generator takes a LOT less amps to start than the main engine.

BUT, by allowing your batteries to go dead, you are materially shortening their life.

Consider a couple of solar panels if stored outdoors or shore power if indoors (with smart charger or "work around" if just a "not smart" converter.

[cwenger]

I’m not sure my generator gets its cranking power from the chassis battery. With the house battery disconnect switch off and the chassis battery disconnect switch on, there is no power to the generator.

The reason for having the disconnect switches off, is that it took about ½ hour to jump charge the chassis batteries before the engine would start.

[Lwiddis]

Why don’t you maintain your batteries with a small solar system? Are your batteries toast?

[rockylarson]

Could you have started the genny first and then the engine? Would that have been any easier? They both draw from the same chassis battery so jumping would be the same. Don't know why switches are involved in the jumping process.