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Topic: Chassis battery maint. (Read 632 times) previous topic - next topic

Chassis battery maint.

What is the consensus of kind of battery maintainer/charger for a 8d start battery.
Ken & Peggy
91 GV  U300 40'
DD 6v92
Build #3819
2023 Canyon Denali 4x4 crew cab

Re: Chassis battery maint.

Reply #1

Trik-L-Start and Amp-L-Start were THE solution...sadly both defunct and NLA.  Victron makes a nice 18amp b2b charger that I've seen used as an alternative, but 5 times the price.  Amazon.com: Victron Energy Orion-Tr Smart DC to DC Charger (Bluetooth) -...

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
2001 4010 U320 build #5865 "Bluto-d-Bus" since 09/18
2006 Honda Element ESP Toad
Full timing since 2016 in Western MT
Copilot: Sitka
1975 GMC 260 Avion: sold

Re: Chassis battery maint.

Reply #2
My inverter/charger drops to 13.6 volt float the lithium's are fully charged. I then just close the boost switch and let the chassis batteries float with it.  13.6 excellent float voltage for AGM.
Dennis Haynes
Bohemia NY
2008 Nimbus 342 SE Carlyle
Build #6475
Motorcade #19148

Re: Chassis battery maint.

Reply #3
I use a Progressive Dynamics converter/charger on our house AGMs and using a coiled jumper, connect the two lighter plugs on the dash and HWH panel to also keep the three engine conventional 31 series charged. The voltage is the PD default rate of 13.2V. The AGMs were new in '08 and the 31s are bout 6 years old. Twin digital voltmeters on the dash are on 24/7 at home or dry camping. See my old posts for photos.

The converter/charger does a desulfation higher voltage 15 minute shot every 21 hours. I called the AGM mfg and they said it wall well within limits for the house batteries.

In my opinion, Progressive Dynamics products are give longer life and more stable voltage than WFCO products.

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

Re: Chassis battery maint.

Reply #4
I made my own using two 40 amp diodes but now I use a 500 amp blues sea latching remote latching relay.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Chassis battery maint.

Reply #5
Can I get  reality check on what I am doing. I have a victron IP 22 for the 3 group 31 lead acid that I use to maintain them. I leave the 3 house 8D AGMs isolated. Is the B to B only important if you are doing a lot of boondocks? I don't see more than a week at a time in my future.  Is the primary reason for a B to B so you can stay isolated and not have the alternator overloaded if for instance I failed to isolate the batteries when on the road. I purchased a Blue Seas latching combiner but have not installed it. I may not so I can keep it simple and idiot proof.

Am I doing it correctly or is there a downside I am missing?
Mike and Loretta
Charlie our Cavapoo
1999 U320 3600 WTFE
Build 5499
Wrangler JKUR via Roadmaster and Air force One

Re: Chassis battery maint.

Reply #6
The B to B is just for the protection of the alternator when you have lithium. Not needed for your AGM's
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean


Re: Chassis battery maint.

Reply #8
AGM may accept 15 volts, but 15 volts to a GEL battery could permanently damage it.

Re: Chassis battery maint.

Reply #9
This battery is a flood cell. I was looking a 5 amp battery minder.
Ken & Peggy
91 GV  U300 40'
DD 6v92
Build #3819
2023 Canyon Denali 4x4 crew cab

 

Re: Chassis battery maint.

Reply #10
Any small smart charger will work fine. Amazon has them for about 50/60.  You should target around 4-8 amps , like you stated . Imho
Or a 60 watt solar panel should put out about 4 amps. I use a 35 watt / 3 amp panel for my airplane.