Your Generac 7.5kW diesel generator likely has a damaged starter solenoid or starter motor from extended cranking with a weak battery. Check connections, test the solenoid, and inspect the starter before seeking professional repair.
Essential guide for Ford E-Series Class C motorhome chassis covering suspension, maintenance, and common issues.
Master your RV electrical system from house batteries to shore power. Covers 12V DC, 120V AC, inverters, and charging.
Keep your RV generator running reliably with this comprehensive maintenance and troubleshooting guide for Onan, Generac, and Cummins units.
Guide to RV battery disconnect switches. Covers when to use, what loses power, and best practices for storage and daily use.
Protect alternator from lithium battery high current draw using DC-DC charger for current limiting or temperature-controlled relay. DC-DC charger is best solution. Direct connection without protection risks alternator failure.
Troubleshoot house batteries dying while on 50 amp shore power. Diagnose converter, breakers, and connections to restore proper charging.
House battery at 11.2V is critically low. Connect shore power immediately to charge via the Xantrex built-in charger. Investigate why solar and normal charging failed.
LiFePO4 lithium batteries like the Dyness can replace lead acid batteries, but you'll likely need to upgrade your converter/charger to a lithium-compatible model. The BMS protects the battery from overcharging and provides longer life with faster charging.
Even with disconnect switches engaged, phantom loads and battery self-discharge can drain RV batteries during storage. Installing battery maintainers, using master disconnect switches, and addressing phantom loads will solve this issue.
Your generator likely uses the chassis battery and may have a weak connection or failing starting battery. The main engine alternator charges the chassis battery when running, explaining why the generator starts after running the engine.
Use DC to DC charger for alternator charging of lithium batteries, not direct connection. Victron Orion or similar limits current and protects the alternator from overcurrent damage.
Ekko with 640Ah lithium and 450W solar can boondock 3-5 days easily, indefinitely in good sun. Monitor usage, charge devices during peak solar hours, and use propane for cooking.
Keep boost switch wiring separate from DC-DC charger circuit. Add dedicated chassis battery charger or use DC-DC second output for trickle charging. Boost switch remains for emergency use.
A lithium battery manager relay protects lithium batteries from overcharging by disconnecting them from the alternator when not needed. Installation involves wiring the relay between your alternator/converter and battery bank with proper fusing and control circuits.