Battery Charging Revisited
I am writing in response to a question from John Billups in the May 2015 “Tech Talk” column (“Battery Charging,” page 18). The 12-volt house batteries on his diesel pusher were charging only when the engine was running, and the generator and 120-volt connection produced no charge. You were right in recommending that he check that the inverter/charger is connected to the 120 volts AC from shore power and from the generator when it is being used. But, you did not tell him to check where it is plugged in. Some converters/inverters are on a ground fault circuit. If so, there would be no power where it’s plugged in.
Paul May, F243341
Kemp, Texas
The generator output circuits are not protected by a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) at the generator. Barring any unusual circumstances, the GFCI protects only certain outlets that might cause bodily harm, such as those near a sink or a bath, or that are accessible from the ground. Unless I am really missing something, I see no reason to put a converter/inverter on a GFCI, but a GFCI could be placed downstream of the inverter, which would not affect this scenario.
Silverado Towing Responses
An August 2015 “Tech Talk” letter focused on flat towing a Chevrolet Silverado equipped with the Even Brake braking system (“Towing A Chevy Silverado 1500,” page 16). The letter questioned whether it is necessary to disconnect the negative battery cable on the Silverado while towing it four wheels down, and also whether the cable could be disconnected via a simple “on-off” switch for the battery. The answer referred to a Chevrolet service bulletin (13-00-89-007A) that says when towing the 2014 Silverado with two-speed transfer case (that has a neutral and a four-low position), failure to remove the negative battery cable could damage the steering column. A Chevy representative also noted that the key must be in the accessory position to unlock the steering column, and disconnecting the battery helps keep it from running down.
Several readers responded as follows:
In late-model cars, the traditional steering column is being replaced with electronic steering. On a long trip, this will put a drain on the battery, which is what Chevrolet is referring to in its service bulletin.
I also have a 2014 Chevy Silverado and ran into the same situation. I use a Brake Buddy, which is similar to Even Brake. Through my truck dealer, I worked out a solution with a Chevrolet technical team. First, a marine disconnect switch was installed near the battery. Second, a 12-volt-DC cigarette plug was hardwired to the battery through the firewall to power the Brake Buddy.
I have been using this setup for 15 months without any issues. The AM/FM radio resets, but not Sirius XM. Any real-time gas mileage monitoring also resets.
Ken Jensen, F365163
Fairhaven, Massachusetts
I also had this issue after buying my new 2014 Silverado. I easily made a bracket for installing a battery disconnect switch, and I purchased a short cable. The switch has a red removable handle, which makes it quick and easy to disconnect. All the radio and computer presets return to normal after power returns, much to my surprise.
Buddy Bordes, F419267
River Ridge, Louisiana
I tow a 2015 GMC Sierra with a 300-amp disconnect switch on the negative side of the battery. I’ve towed the vehicle 5,000 miles with no glitches. Mileage is not recorded, and I am not aware of any presets that are lost. No power is available for electric door locks or for a braking system, so I installed an M&G Engineering air brake system.
Tom Homola, F431046
Lake Norden, South Dakota
When towing a Chevy Silverado 1500, it would be nice to know if you can keep the battery connected with the key in the accessory position and run a charger to keep the battery charged.
Bill Klatt, F289374
Ennis, Montana
A Chevrolet spokesman responds: “We could not recommend that, as we have no control over what charger is used or how it is hooked up. Aftermarket electrical modifications are a major source of under-hood fires, so we have to be super cautious.”
Wonky Cooling Unit
Since purchasing my Safari Panther in 2004, I have had to replace the refrigerator cooling unit three times. I question the quality of the Norcold product and wonder why no explanation has ever been provided as to why these units fail. What do you think?
Art Gray, F223762
Florence, Oregon
Cooling units are like batteries — their life is totally unpredictable and subject to misuse, a noncompliant installation, and a host of other variables. Norcold does not have a reputation for producing defective products. I have a friend who had three Dometic cooling units replaced in the span of 16 years, and he is a very knowledgeable RVer. I believe the average life is around 10 years, but average is no guarantee. I suggest you send a letter to Norcold, with documentation of the replacements, and ask for an explanation and some warranty consideration.