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Topic: Charging Issue (Read 690 times) previous topic - next topic

Charging Issue

My Heart Inverter/Charger isn't charging. The inverter is working fine though.
I recently installed 3 new Lifeline GPL-8DL, 255 AH batteries and want to insure proper charging to protect my investment.
They do charge from the alternator when the engine is running and I have 3 solar panels on the roof running through a Heliotrope RV-20 charge controller that came installed as original equipment. I provides 3 to 4 amps maximum.
To keep the batteries charged I have been using a 2/15 amp automotive charger. I understand I should be using a smart charger to maximize the life of my battery bank.

My long range plan is to replace my inverter charger with a Victron system and adding more solar, but short term I just want to properly charge the batteries.

Can someone recommend a good stand alone charger to accomplish this?
Thanks in advance for the help!
1997 U270 36'
Build #5115
2014 Jeep Rubicon towed
1972 Boston Whaler 16'
Charlie

Re: Charging Issue

Reply #1 –
Charlie,

Recommendations for battery chargers really depend on how you use the coach.

If you are on shore power most of the time, a much smaller capacity (in amps) smart charger is just fine.

If you dry camp alot (read that you have to run the generator to charged the batteries) a much larger smart charger is the correct choice.

Tell us more about how you use the coach and we can make recommendations.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Charging Issue

Reply #2 –
My preference is dry camping whenever possible. At this point for 2 to 5 days at a time.
1997 U270 36'
Build #5115
2014 Jeep Rubicon towed
1972 Boston Whaler 16'
Charlie

Re: Charging Issue

Reply #3 –
You need to get a newer inverter smart charger that works to be able to not lose battery capacity if you dry camp at all.
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: Charging Issue

Reply #4 –
You are probably going to want a smart charger similar in size to the charger capacity on the OEM inverter/charger.  Your solar will not keep up with dry camping use and you are going to want a bigger capacity charger for just a couple hours of generator time every day. 
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Charging Issue

Reply #5 –
I had my inverted rebuilt for $300.00 and it works perfect. Service company was a certified dealer for Heart. Check your area. I removed it and reinstalled not hard. Mine was done in Sarasota fl.
1995 U320 40', 2013 chevy sonic toad, my real love are corvettes have owned 30

Re: Charging Issue

Reply #6 –
You could call lifeline but my understanding of batteries is that they were designed to be bulk charged at a certain rate to restore/retain capacity.  Lifelines CAN take 1/4th C.  C being amp hours.

You have 765 so 1/4 of that is the max your batteries can be charged at. No idea of the minimum.

Your lifelines need 14.2 volts charging.  Same as gels.

Std AGM and flooded cells are 14.4

My magnum inverter has the correct program for lifelines and has a equalizer program in it if you lose any capacity.

Factory setup on three gel battery coaches was a 125 amp charger and a 160 amp alternator to charge the batteries at the optimum rate for a longer life and less gen run time.


"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Charging Issue

Reply #7 –
" 3 solar panels on the roof running through a Heliotrope RV-20 charge controller that came installed as original equipment. I provides 3 to 4 amps maximum."
Those panels must be tiny or else something is wrong. I have 500 (2 x 250) watts of panels and they produce as much as 20 amps.
1993 U225 Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Former 1981 Foretravel Travco
Retired, Full Time Off Grid Snowbird

Re: Charging Issue

Reply #8 –
I would worry more about the Heart charger portion of the inverter catching fire while plugged in. Mine smoked, luckily I was home and smelled it. I replaced the head, the tail.....the whole damn thing. (Jaws).
1994 U280, Build 4490
Deming, NM.

Re: Charging Issue

Reply #9 –
In my opinion, the only way to protect your battery investment is to remove Heart (today) and install one of the popular inverter/chargers.

Re: Charging Issue

Reply #10 –
Quote from: Barry & Cindy –
In my opinion, the only way to protect your battery investment is to remove Heart (today) and install one of the popular inverter/chargers.
Figure out what your ultimate goal is and plan accordingly. You may want to consider adding more solar power at this point. 
1993 U225 Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Former 1981 Foretravel Travco
Retired, Full Time Off Grid Snowbird
 

Re: Charging Issue

Reply #11 –
Your feed back has motivated me to make an appointment to have a Magnum pure sine inverter installed today!
Thanks!
I'll deal with the solar later since I'm getting near the end of my 10 coach buck reserve for my purchase in February!
1997 U270 36'
Build #5115
2014 Jeep Rubicon towed
1972 Boston Whaler 16'
Charlie