Re: [A/S] Argosy Newbie

[Jim Greene <regjeg@xxxxxxx>]

I have some follow up questions related to Joy's post below.

> My tow vehicle was hooked up by an Airstream technician.  The tow and
> trailer batteries are connected in parallel when the umbilical is connected.
> This means that the tow vehicle charges the trailer battery.  Also, when the
> umbilical is connected and the generator is not working, the trailer draws
> from both batteries.


A battery isolator (diode) or a relay in the line to the trailer would
prevent the trailer from drawing power from the starting battery. Correct?

Next question: If there was a second battery in the tow vehicle, would
there be a second isolator or relay between the first and second battery
(in parallel) in the tow vehicle? Would the line to the trailer (and its
isolator) be off the second tow vehicle battery? 
 

> I've a lot to learn about this type of system and what the consequences are.
> I realize that if the trailer battery is fully discharged and I hook up and
> start my tow vehicle, the alternator could be damaged by overload.  


Is this true? Isn't there some electronics in the tow vehicle charging
system that prevents alternator overload/burnout?


> Also, if
> the tow vehicle battery is low and the trailer is hooked up with a fully
> charged batter, the charge wire could be fried if a time delay of at least
> 10 minutes is not observed.  


Wouldn't an  isolator in the tow vehicle prevent this? What is the
significance of the 10 minutes? What is happening during the 10 minute
delay?

I have a lot to learn about 12 volt systems too.

Jim Greene
'68 Tradewind #1148
Atlanta