Can someone explain to me how the house battery charge. I see the on board generac has an alternator light so it's safe to assume they charge when it runs, but how else do they charge. Do they charge when your hooked up to shoreline power? Do the batteries get charged by the alternator on the dodge engine while it runs?

Thanks Chris

On the right hand side of the battery enclosure you'll find a duplex J Box with a female 50 amp 120 volt receptacle. It's tucked in a bit on the top surface facing downward. You will also find a shore power cord coiled up in the same space. When this cord is plugged in to an appropriate shore power source, the AC will be connected to the AC load center inside the closet, which distributes AC to the various points of use. One of the points of use is the Power Converter located under the refrigerator next to the furnace. The converter includes a transformer that changes AC to DC, which powers the DC fuse panel inside the front panel of the converter.

To power up using the generator you simply plug the power cord into that receptacle.

I have replaced the ancient (and very inefficient) converter with a modern one that has a 3 stage charging algorithm and doesn't destroy the batteries every couple of years. I also had to replace the original fuse panel with something current in the process, which is also far better than the original. Most all of the period electronics are very poor compared to the stuff available today, and replacing them is a worthwhile project.

I forgot to answer the second part of your question!

All batteries are charged by the engine's alternator as well. There is an isolation switch located on the upper cross brace to the viewer's right in the engine room to the right of the radiator that distributes charging current to both banks, but separates them when the ignition key is in the "Off" position. These are actually solenoids that are energized when the ignition switch is "On". Because they are "dumb switches", both batteries are charged at the same rate regardless of SOC, which is why I changed it out for a more efficient "smart" diode switch. MUCH better and no parasitic draw when engaged.

Thank you so much! These halls really were well thought threw. My wife and i just started full time living in ours and s we have been shocked of how little we actually use the generator. The engine warms our water, charges our batteries. We just installed a 1600 watt inverter under the sink, to use for our small appliances when needed (coffee grinder, blender, rice cooker) and since then we have really only needed the generator occasionally... If only I had a manual for this thing.
Thanks again

I doubt that there ever was an actual owner's manual. At least nobody's found one so far! Full timing in a GTC, eh? Sounds tight - but fun.