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E L E C T R I C A L S Y S T E M
Charging by the Vehicle's Alternator
The motorhome's electrical system is wired so that when the
vehicle's engine is running, and the chassis alternator is prop-
erly operating, charging voltage is supplied to both the chassis
and coach battery(ies). The master battery disconnect switch
must be ON in order for the coach battery to be charged by
the chassis alternator (see Chassis Alternator and Battery
Isolation Relay Sections).
Charging by the Converter
The Converter is a 12 volt power supply, which operates on
120 volts AC (see Converter section) and is designed to power
the 12 volt system when the motorhome is connected to shore
power or when the generator is running. The Converter also
provides charging energy for the auxiliary (coach) battery(ies).
If the battery condition is below its full charge, the charger will
begin recharging the auxiliary battery at a rate that reflects the
level of discharge. When the battery is fully charged, the char-
ger drops its charging level back to a maintenance or trickle
level to keep the battery fully charged.
Charging by Solar Energy
Your Thor Motor Coach motorhome may be factory-equipped
with a solar battery charging system. Consisting of a solar
charge controller, along with a roof-mounted solar panel. This
8
system is designed to provide an alternate battery charging
method for your auxiliary (coach) battery(ies).
The solar charging system seamlessly integrates with your
motor homes 12 volt DC power system. The auxiliary batteries
are automatically charged when the solar charge controller is
ON. The master batter disconnect switch must also be ON.
The solar charge controller provides monitoring of battery
condition, monitoring of the charge energy being supplied by
the solar panel(s), and regulation of the charging energy.
When the controller senses that the auxiliary battery(ies)
require a rapid-charge, the controller allows the full energy
from the solar panel to charge the battery. When the bat-
tery(ies) reach 100% state of charge, the controller reduces
charge energy to a trickle charge level, thus protecting the
battery(ies) from damage caused by overcharging.
The maximum input current rating of the solar controller is
10 amps (energy supplied by the solar panel(s). The typical
factory-installed solar panel is rated for 100 watts (peak), with
some installed solar panels having a rating of 190 watts (peak
power). The output charge voltage is up to 14 volts DC. Solar
panel(s) installed on your motorhome may vary from these
specifications; refer to your Owner's Packet for details.
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NOTES:
• The factory-installed solar charging system is de-
signed and programmed to work with the factory
installed battery system, whether the batteries are
lead-acid, AGM, or lithium. If you replace the fac-
tory-installed batteries with another type, be sure
to re-program the controller so that the charging
operation matches the batteries.
• The solar charge controller and associated solar
panel is not designed to directly power the appli-
ances and/or electric components installed in your
motorhome.
• All 12 volt systems and components are either
powered directly from the auxiliary batteries or
through the converter, which receives input pow-
er from either the on-board generator or external
shore power service.
• Peak solar panel power is obtained with full and
direct exposure of sunlight. Atmospheric condi-
tions determine the available power from the solar
panel(s).
• For details regarding your solar panel and solar
charge controller, refer to the manufacturers own-
er's manuals included with TMC Owner's Packet
or available through the in-line TMC Owners Re-
source service.
Solar Charging, 10 amp Controller
CAUTION
CAUTION
Battery type selection on the controller determines
charging parameters that best suit the battery type.
Incorrect battery type selection settings may damage
the battery.
When installed, a 10 amp solar charging system includes 1 - 10
amp solar controller and 1 - 100-190 watt solar panel. This
factory-installation is wired with 10 gauge wire from the solar
panel to the solar controller and to the auxiliary battery(ies).
Due to controller capacity, it is not recommended to add
additional solar panels to this system.
Operating Instructions
1.
Turn ON the solar charge controller. Check the battery
manufacturer's specification to select correct battery
type. The controller provides 4 battery types for selection:
Gel, AGM, WET (conventional lead acid), and Calcium.
Check the label on the battery to determine the type.
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