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Topic: Battery charging (Read 2171 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Battery charging

Reply #50 –
Quote from: Yurre –
They are old style flooded with removable caps.
Your PD9180, after you add the Charge Wizard pendant, should work great with those batteries.  It will have a charging profile that is well suited to the flooded wet cells.  See page linked below.

Charge Wizard, 4-Stage Battery Charging System

It is imperative that you regularly check the electrolyte level in the batteries.  If you let them run dry it will ruin them.  Period.  See the excerpt below from the Trojan Battery web page:

Flooded batteries need water.

More importantly, watering must be done at the right time and in the right amount or the battery's performance and longevity suffers.

Water should always be added after fully charging the battery. Prior to charging, there should be enough water to cover the plates. If the battery has been discharged (partially or fully), the water level should also be above the plates. Keeping the water at the correct level after a full charge will prevent having to worry about the water level at a different state of charge.

Depending on the local climate, charging methods, application, etc., Trojan recommends that batteries be checked once a month until you get a feel for how often your batteries need watering.

1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Battery charging

Reply #51 –
You have to check to see if you have removable caps or two flat plates that would have to be pried off. The only others in most common use are AGM and GEL batteries and they will have that written on the side. Most cars come with "maintenance free" batteries and don't need to we watered. Here is a quote:

Non-maintenance-free batteries (also called a "wet-cell" battery) are easily identified by the removable filler caps on the top of the battery. Battery fluid in NMF batteries needs to be regularly checked and topped off. Non-maintenance-free batteries come with six individual fill caps or two caps covering three cells each.

Maintenance-free batteries are also easily identifiable because they do not have filler caps. A large, plain unremovable flat cover encases the battery housing and may be labeled with the words "Maintenance Free." Today, virtually all new cars come standard with maintenance-free batteries. While maintenance-free batteries do not need to be topped off, you may still want to test your battery from time to time to ensure good performance.

Our U300 has three 31 series conventional batteries that are maintenance free. I never check them and they should last 8 to 12 years if kept charged. Our six house batteries are AGM type and are also maintenance free. I also never check these. They are about 13 years old and work as well as when installed.

I do check the connections and battery posts on the engine batteries to make sure there is no corrosion a couple times a year.

Do I Need to Top Off My Battery Fluid? | The Family Handyman

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Battery charging

Reply #52 –
Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart –
You have to check to see if you have removable caps or two flat plates that would have to be pried off.
Yurre said (Reply #44):  "They are old style flooded with removable caps."


1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Battery charging

Reply #53 –
Additional clarification:

Most "Maintenance Free" batteries have removable flat cell covers that try to recycle any evaporation and can be checked for proper water level.

All "AGM" & "GEL" are Sealed and cannot be opened. In fact, opening them will destroy internal pressure required for them to work.

Re: Battery charging

Reply #54 –
 The pic shows the grounds connected. The red cable connects the outer positives but the center positive fades into the solenoid area. All 3 may not be linked . IMHO

Re: Battery charging

Reply #55 –
Quote from: Protech Racing –
The pic shows the grounds connected. The red cable connects the outer positives but the center positive fades into the solenoid area. All 3 may not be linked . IMHO
Good pick up Mike, I'll have to investigate further. 
1992 Silver U300 40
DD 6V92 Allison
95K miles

Re: Battery charging

Reply #56 –
Quote from: Yurre –
Good pick up Mike, I'll have to investigate further. 
Quote from: Protech Racing –
The pic shows the grounds connected. The red cable connects the outer positives but the center positive fades into the solenoid area. All 3 may not be linked . IMHO

Mike et al,
Well after all, it appears that the center battery is not connected to the other two.  On finding the coach with low power
for cranking, I tested the middle 8d and it was low.  I guess the middle battery is the start battery.
The booster enabled me to crank the engine.
So does the booster need to be on to charge that 3rd battery?  I now have the charge wizard connected and  I am connected to shore power.  What is the draw back to this setup?  Should I convert back to the original?
 Thanks in advance.  Y

1992 Silver U300 40
DD 6V92 Allison
95K miles

Re: Battery charging

Reply #57 –
Quote from: Yurre –
I guess the middle battery is the start battery.
The booster enabled me to crank the engine.
So does the booster need to be on to charge that 3rd battery?
Normally, the answer would be YES.  However, we don't know if (or how) the wiring has been altered (modified) on your coach.

In stock configuration, the BOOST switch activates a solenoid that connects the Start (chassis) battery to the Coach (house) batteries.

In stock configuration, the factory installed battery charger is only directly connected to the Coach (house) batteries.

In stock configuration, the BOOST switch must be ON if you want the factory installed battery charger to charge the Start battery.

In stock configuration, all three batteries should charged by the alternator, through the battery isolator, when the big engine is running.

1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Battery charging

Reply #58 –
Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie –
Normally, the answer would be YES.  However, we don't know if (or how) the wiring has been altered (modified) on your coach.

In stock configuration, the BOOST switch activates a solenoid that connects the Start (chassis) battery to the Coach (house) batteries.

In stock configuration, the factory installed battery charger is only directly connected to the Coach (house) batteries.

In stock configuration, the BOOST switch must be ON if you want the factory installed battery charge to charge the Start battery.

In stock configuration, BOTH battery sets should charged by the alternator, through the battery isolator, when the big engine is running.


I got ya. 
Well I turned on the boost and the 'start' battery shows a charge voltage.
I'll let it go for a while and see if it is taking the charge.  Also, what does the off/on switch at the door effect as far as battery usage?  Is it ok to leave it on while connected to shore power and not occupied?  Which batteries does it turn off/on?
1992 Silver U300 40
DD 6V92 Allison
95K miles

Re: Battery charging

Reply #59 –
Quote from: Yurre –
...what does the off/on switch at the door effect as far as battery usage?  Is it ok to leave it on while connected to shore power and not occupied?  Which batteries does it turn off/on?
The switch at the door is called the "Salesman Switch".  It is powered by the Coach (house) batteries.

Why is it called the Salesman Switch?  I was told:  When a coach is For Sale - sitting on a dealer lot - it makes a better impression on potential buyers to step into a brightly lite coach.  The salesman would turn on all the interior lights, then (to conserve battery power) turn OFF the Salesman Switch when he exited the coach.  Later, when he takes the customers to look inside the coach, he opens the door and cuts on the switch.  Voila!  Customers enter a bright cheerful coach.

Leaving the Salesman Switch on all the time is no problem.  The one on our coach has not been turned off in over 7 years.

The Salesman Switch occasionally gets turned off accidentally, by kids or pets or careless owners.  Causes considerable consternation until discovered.

You have to refer to the B-2126 Automotive Wiring Diagram for your coach to find out exactly what is controlled by the Salesman Switch.  It typically cuts power to such things as interior lights, storage bay lights, the water pump, some items on the dash, etc.

1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Battery charging

Reply #60 –
I just noticed this thread and found it quite interesting.
I do have three 8D AGM batteries connected together in one battery bank for "start" and "coach" needs.
I also have 1460 watts of solar with an 80amp Outback Solar Controller so the batteries are kept charged most of the time.
The M11 engine cranks faster with three 8D deep cycle batteries than with the OEM three size 24 start batteries. Eleven years with this Foretravel and six years with the previous coach, a boost was required to start the big engine on two occasions. This has not happened for circa 8 years because there is an amp hour meter on each battery and I monitor them frequently.
I have a Xantrex pure sign 1800 watt inverter and a separate Iota 55 amp dual voltage converter. Iota has a four stage smart charger module which does not work well because the voltages available for charging are 14 volts and 13.4 volts, not the 14.2 and 13.6 volts that Iota claims. Perhaps my Iota converter is too old to work with their smart charge module. I only use the converter when plugged into shore power on cloudy days or at night.
 
It seems that a Progressive Dynamics converter does become a battery charger with addition of their smart charger module.

For those of you interested in knowing the difference between a Battery Charger and a Converter, it is voltage/amperage control. A Converter provides current at a single fixed voltage (typically circa 13.5 volts) while a Battery Charger will provide current at 13.6 volts, 14.6 volts, or a voltage between 13.6 and 14.6 depending on the state of charge of the battery. Many Battery Chargers can also equalize at circa 15.6 volts when needed.



Wyatt
96 U320 40 WTFE, build 4943
84 Toyota Supra towd
2015 Jeep Wrangler towd
Victoria, BC, Canada

Re: Battery charging

Reply #61 –
Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie –
The switch at the door is called the "Salesman Switch".  It is powered by the Coach (house) batteries.

Why is it called the Salesman Switch?  I was told:  When a coach is For Sale - sitting on a dealer lot - it makes a better impression on potential buyers to step into a brightly lite coach.  The salesman would turn on all the interior lights, then (to conserve battery power) turn OFF the Salesman Switch when he exited the coach.  Later, when he takes the customers to look inside the coach, he opens the door and cuts on the switch.  Voila!  Customers enter a bright cheerful coach.

Leaving the Salesman Switch on all the time is no problem.  The one on our coach has not been turned off in over 7 years.

The Salesman Switch occasionally gets turned off accidentally, by kids or pets or careless owners.  Causes considerable consternation until discovered.

You have to refer to the B-2126 Automotive Wiring Diagram for your coach to find out exactly what is controlled by the Salesman Switch.  It typically cuts power to such things as interior lights, storage bay lights, the water pump, some items on the dash, etc.


Chuck,
according to the Diagram, I am supposed to have 3 start batteries and 3 coach batteries.
Not sure where they would all go.  Anyway, just trying to figure out a way to maintain these new $700 8d's
and not do any damage to the coach!  Also, is there a way to monitor or test each battery without having to
disconnect the heavy terminal lines.  They are also in the way of some of the water caps.  I think I need to rework
this whole thing.  Thanks for your input.  Y
1992 Silver U300 40
DD 6V92 Allison
95K miles
 

Re: Battery charging

Reply #62 –
Quote from: Yurre –
1.  According to the Diagram, I am supposed to have 3 start batteries and 3 coach batteries.
2.  Not sure where they would all go.
3.  Is there a way to monitor or test each battery without having to disconnect the heavy terminal lines.  They are in the way of some of the water caps.
1.  Foretravel often made running changes to how they built different models, so what a wiring diagram shows may not always match what you actually have in your coach.

2.  Other members (earlier in this thread) told you how their U300 has the engine start batteries mounted in the engine bay behind the engine.  If your coach had the same arrangement, you would have room for 3 start batteries and 3 house batteries.

3.  No way that I know of...unless you added a separate battery disconnect switch for each battery.  Don't be afraid to move the big battery cables around to make your watering chores easier.

1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"