Reading a switch red light

[Okie 1]

The switch just inside the door which says "Use, Store" is confusing.Does a red light mean it is on for "in use?" Or does a red light mean it needs attention and should be turned off? The way the switch works, I'm not sure, and I'm having trouble charging the trailer batteries. It's a 25' Flying Cloud 2013, but I'm questioning if I need new batteries?

[PaulnGina]

From what I read in the manual, the switch needs to be in the "Use" position to charge the batteries.

"When the switch is turned to USE (on) and the trailer
is plugged into a 110-volt shoreline, the 12-volt
distribution panel will receive power from the converter
and the batteries will be charged through the converter
charging system.
When the switch is turned to STORE
(off) and the
trailer is plugged into a 110-volt shoreline, the 12-
volt distribution panel will still receive power from the
converter, but the batteries are disconnected from
the system. The batteries will not be drained with the
switch in the store position. The converter will not
charge the batteries with the switch in this position."

[Landrum]

Yes it is confusing. So much so I've forgotten about the light. I think it's on whenever you are plugged in to shore power regardless of the switch position. And you can't trust the battery monitor in the AS when you are plugged in. The monitor will show the voltage going to the battery from the converter, so if you are plugged in to shore power it will show a fully charged battery. I leave my AS plugged in all the time with the switch always set to "use". If you do that with the stock converter be sure and check the battery fluid monthly since the stock converter doesn't have a true float charge.



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[Rjpuckett]

Take your batteries to an auto parts store and have them tested.

[silverbp]

Well your not alone. I just replaced my batteries this week. I've asked a lot of questions about that switch and the entire system. I have a 2014 FC 25. The switch in question or the red light will stay on in either mode while your on house power. The only way of knowing for sure the switch Position is to disconnect the house power and run in 12 V mode. Then when you move switch the light will go out when it's moved to store. It's really not a very good design. I was also told that when you leave system in run mode and plugged into house power the batteries will charge. You need to keep an eye on this charging because the batteries can be overcharged and it will damage batteries.


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[Okie 1]

So, when traveling I should always have the light on? Is that correct? It was that the color red is often used to warn that there is a problem (like on the wall monitors,) so I just didn't know what to do. One problem at a time.........thanks.

[Landrum]

Well.....the switch should be in "use" mood but don't rely on the light. For instance you could be at camp site plugged into shower power with switch set to "store" but the light would be on. (Remember light is always on when connected to shore power. )Then when you unhook to leave you would loose power to frig. Does that make sense?


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[silverbp]

Well when your traveling and it's in run mode with light on you will be charging your batteries. In store with light off while traveling you will not be charging. The batteries are isolated then. So it's really up to you if you charge or not.


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[PaulnGina]

Here is the next paragraph from the manual:
"The charge in the 12-volt batteries is replenished,when towing, from the tow vehicle alternator through the 7-way cord. This charge will flow to the batteries regardless of the battery disconnect switch position. likewise, if on or off, the solar panel is still charging the batteries."

[StreamDog]

Put it in "store" when not hooked up to shore and not using the camper. Put it in "use" all other times.