Batteries @ Q?

Topic: Batteries @ Q? (Read 2147 times) previous topic - next topic

Batteries @ Q?

December 31, 2016, 04:36:05 pm

We've not boondocked in the short time we've had the coach, but want to go to Q. The Airstream had rocker switches that indicated battery condition, and when the gen-set needed to be fired. The FT does not, that I can find, except the dash monitor, which I'm not sure of. Looks like the dash shows the coach batteries only. So at what voltage would be the time to fire the gen-set? I know we have the booster, so maybe a starter battery readout is moot. I like our "True Charge 40" when we're on shore power, but any insight on not starting the gen-set until it's time would be appreciated (by our neighbors, as well). Thanks, Happy New Year, All!

Re: Batteries @ Q?

Reply #1 – December 31, 2016, 04:41:58 pm

If you have a voltmeter for the coach batteries you are good to go. I generally recharge at 12 volts which is supposed to be 50% but let it drop lower temporally for coffee maker as long as it comes back over 12 volts when finished.

Re: Batteries @ Q?

Reply #2 – December 31, 2016, 04:52:06 pm

Quote from: craneman – December 31, 2016, 04:41:58 pm

If you have a voltmeter for the coach batteries you are good to go. I generally recharge at 12 volts which is supposed to be 50% but let it drop lower temporally for coffee maker as long as it comes back over 12 volts when finished.

Have not tested it, but will. I'm thinking my after-market dash read-out is a small voltmeter, so will tell me when it's time to fire. True?

Re: Batteries @ Q?

Reply #3 – December 31, 2016, 04:58:55 pm

Do you have any Meters above the entry steps? Should have Propane shut off, 110 voltage into coach, and 12 volt storage readout.

Re: Batteries @ Q?

Reply #4 – December 31, 2016, 05:02:18 pm

The reading in the audit screen is NOT accurate on any Foretravel unless you have calibrated it (never tried-- as I never paid any attention to it). The audit system gets its voltage reading a LONG way from the battery!

Doesn't your remote panel for the Truecharge 40+ give you a voltage reading when shore power is off?

I would turn off shore power. Read voltage at house battery bank, and compare its reading with that at the Truecharge remote panel and audit. Suspect the Truecharge will be a more accurate reading.

Re: Batteries @ Q?

Reply #5 – December 31, 2016, 05:22:04 pm

Quote from: wolfe10 – December 31, 2016, 05:02:18 pm

Doesn't your remote panel for the Truecharge 40+ give you a voltage reading when shore power is off?

We've had power outages, and have never seen the Truecharge light up. Will double check, but it seems blank in a no power situation.

Re: Batteries @ Q?

Reply #6 – December 31, 2016, 05:22:58 pm

Not to be argumentative but 12.17 volts is fifty percent discharge for a 12V battery. Google "battery percent discharge versus battery voltage" should get a chart. Really is best to stay above fifty percent discharge and that .17 volts does make a big difference as measured at the battery.

Roland

Re: Batteries @ Q?

Reply #7 – December 31, 2016, 05:34:09 pm

So I don't look like a horse's ass at Q, what battery voltage (yes I have a VOM) should I measure before I fire the gen-set?

Re: Batteries @ Q?

Reply #8 – December 31, 2016, 05:37:39 pm

Here are some Pictures of mine;

Re: Batteries @ Q?

Reply #9 – December 31, 2016, 05:47:08 pm

Mike, 12.20 with no load would need recharging.

Re: Batteries @ Q?

Reply #10 – December 31, 2016, 05:47:08 pm

Quote from: mike leary – December 31, 2016, 05:34:09 pm

So I don't look like a horse's ass at Q, what battery voltage (yes I have a VOM) should I measure before I fire the gen-set?

Check the chart start your generator when you are comfortable with the state of discharge.

Roland

Re: Batteries @ Q?

Reply #11 – December 31, 2016, 06:33:40 pm

My experience is that the best time to run the generator is in the afternoon while most people are away doing other activities. The worst time is after bed time and in the evening when everyone is setting around the campfire. You will find that many folks run their generators in the morning after 9:00 AM for cooking and coffee. I feel preemptive use of the generator is the best bet. Run it when it will annoy the fewest number of neighbors, not when you have emptied the batteries.

Re: Batteries @ Q?

Reply #12 – December 31, 2016, 07:08:54 pm

We stayed at Organ Pipe N.M. many times, a dry camp. I'd wait until someone else fired their gen-set, and then it was open season. Most of us that have them are very aware of our neighbors. I have posted before about some high liners with ATS that switched over to gen in the middle of the night.

Re: Batteries @ Q?

Reply #13 – December 31, 2016, 08:26:48 pm

Also, Mike, you will find there is quite a bit of parking space in the area where we gather. Unless you like bumping elbows with your neighbor (some do), you can usually park so as to leave plenty of room between yours and the next coach. This helps to decrease worrying about the noise factor when running your generator. If you just use a little common sense about when you fire it up, it simply will not be a problem. And, if you happen to park next to a coach that runs their generator excessively, just pick up and move to a quieter spot. No problem!

Re: Batteries @ Q?

Reply #14 – December 31, 2016, 08:34:11 pm

Quote from: bbeane – December 31, 2016, 05:47:08 pm

Mike, 12.20 with no load would need recharging.

Trying to get a straight answer on what an AGM can be discharged to on the web is a joke. I have read everything from they can be discharged down to. Many saying 40% and then others showing different voltages for the 50% mark. Frustrating

Battery Voltage vs. State of Charge | SailboatOwners.com Forums

Re: Batteries @ Q?

Reply #15 – December 31, 2016, 08:45:38 pm

Quote from: craneman – December 31, 2016, 08:34:11 pm

Trying to get a straight answer on what an AGM can be discharged to on the web is a joke. I have read everything from they can be discharged down to. Many saying 40% and then others showing different voltages for the 50% mark. Frustrating

Battery Voltage vs. State of Charge | SailboatOwners.com Forums

You can discharge as low as you want, the problem is more deep cycle discharges affects your battery life. Generally if you keep your discharges to 80% battery capacity, you might get 2000 cycles on an agm. The more you go over that, the shorter the battery life [less cycles before losing capacity]. Best bet is to buy a trimetric battery monitor and use it to control your discharges.
Personally I do not go below 70%, which is approx, 12.3 volts on a resting battery. If I have to go below 70% before recharging, I try to add more capacity.

Re: Batteries @ Q?

Reply #16 – January 01, 2017, 10:25:19 am

Thanks, all, I'll look at your suggestions, 'cause I need something more than I have. I shut the power down and the True Charge goes blank, but the dash screen shows battery condition. I'm not going out with my VOM to check the batteries every time I boondock. I don't even know how to get that shroud off!

Re: Batteries @ Q?

Reply #17 – January 01, 2017, 10:40:44 am

What about one of those cigarette lighter voltmeters? They be reasonable price wise on e bay. Not sure what battery bank those outlets are on though. May be worthwhile to check.

Roland

Re: Batteries @ Q?

Reply #18 – January 01, 2017, 11:01:35 am

To remove the battery cover, just pull on the top of the black rubber "T" handles. Remove the PVC vent at the back and the cover comes right off.

You do not have to access the battery each time you want to check-- all you have to do is a "deviation table" between accurate "at house batteries" reading and at the Audit screen (which is also house battery). Do this through one dry camp/discharge cycle and you can get pretty close to the "at battery reading" from the Audit plus deviation table. Your Audit uses a LOT less power than the OE CRT that it replaces, but still some.

Furnace fan is the BIG draw in propane-furnace equipped coaches, so minimizing heater run time will extend battery charge life.

Re: Batteries @ Q?

Reply #19 – January 01, 2017, 11:52:55 am

Quote from: mike leary – January 01, 2017, 10:25:19 am

Thanks, all, I'll look at your suggestions, 'cause I need something more than I have. I shut the power down and the True Charge goes blank, but the dash screen shows battery condition. I'm not going out with my VOM to check the batteries every time I boondock. I don't even know how to get that shroud off!

Mike these are cheap but seem to work, I bought 2 for the dash

LED Display Cigarette Lighter Electric Voltage Meter For Auto Car Battery New F5

Re: Batteries @ Q?

Reply #20 – January 01, 2017, 12:26:33 pm

Quote from: wolfe10 – January 01, 2017, 11:01:35 am

To remove the battery cover, just pull on the top of the black rubber "T" handles. Remove the PVC vent at the back and the cover comes right off. Furnace fan is the BIG draw in propane-furnace equipped coaches, so minimizing heater run time will extend battery charge life.

Was not sure what this was, so a vent? It is loose (though someone calked the thru-wall) . I'll tell Judy YOU suggested we keep the heater time down when boondocking, I'm sure she'll appreciate the suggestion!

Re: Batteries @ Q?

Reply #21 – January 01, 2017, 12:29:55 pm

Yes, that 90 degree black PCV is the vent for the battery bank-- all quite stock.

It "wiggles" out before removing the fiberglass battery cover and easily wiggles back in as the last step in reinstallation.

Re: Batteries @ Q?

Reply #22 – January 01, 2017, 12:30:23 pm

The cigarette lighter digital voltmeters work great. The dash plug is engine battery voltage, with the side panel plug for the house.

I installed a couple of voltmeters using the wiring for the old Audit system. You can tap into wires 8 and 9 for engine and coach batteries respectively. See PDF A-2701.01 below. It's easy to get to the wires right under the flip up dash top.

I use the digital meters all the time while I'm driving or when parked to see where the house voltage is. Avoids nasty surprises!

Pierce

Re: Batteries @ Q?

Reply #23 – January 01, 2017, 12:44:16 pm

I've been concerned about keeping the RV hooked up to shore power long term, especially with an older converter. Would it be better to add a modern 3-stage battery charger to the system? If so, I would be interested in any recommendations.

Re: Batteries @ Q?

Reply #24 – January 01, 2017, 12:46:27 pm

Sven,

First a question: are you only looking for a "smart charger" or are you wanting to upgrade to an inverter/charger? So, what do you have now. Many inverter chargers in 2000 did include smart chargers

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