Generator Exercise

[VTSweetpea]

This year I decided to remove my coach batteries and store inside as part of my winterizing. However, I would still like to exercise the genny periodically over the winter. This raises 3 questions:
1- Does the genny use the vehicle battery to start?
2- Can I damage the charge circuit for the coach batteries if the generator runs with no coach batteries?
3- Should I leave the main electrical switch in the cab overhead on Storage or In Use?

[BobW9]

In my 2000 Concourse:
1) The generator uses coach batteries for starting. If the coach batteries are depleted or not that great, I have started the engine and then the generator, but the circuit is still going through the wiring for the coach batteries then. If the batteries are disconnected, then the wiring from the engine alternator does not connect through to the wiring coming from the generator (they meet at the batteries).
3) Absolutely do NOT leave the main electrical switch on/'In Use' when disconnecting the batteries!!
I burned out my LVD by doing that. It explicitly states in the LVD docs that the ground MUST be connected when the LVD is on, or 'it may' burn out the LVD. It sure did on mine. Having the 'In Use' on when you disconnect the ground/negative off the battery is a big NO, especially if you remove the negative before the positive, which I did.

[VTSweetpea]

Thank you Bob! Appreciate the info.