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Topic: Load Testers? (Read 787 times) previous topic - next topic

Load Testers?

So, now that I have these new 8D's, I'd like to maintain them properly.  I found this one so far, but although it seems to be the Whizz Bang device I can use, is there one out there that others recommend, that has more useful Gizmo's/Features, on the one you are using?  Is a Carbon Pile Tester really needed, or is this one Good for checking CCA's as well?  It has a range 0-9555 CCA's it's capable to read?

Amazon.com: Digital 12V Car Battery Tester Automotive Battery Load Tester...

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Tom & Barb Root
'95, 40' U-320C SE, bought from Dave Head, 8/2017  FT Motorcade # 18196 Coach Build# 4663 October '94
2015 VW Golf Sportwagen, 1991 Suzuki Samurai, Off-Road Custom Build-Up, W/Toyota 22re mill, and a 2005 Chevy 2500HD, Duramax/Allison TOADS Will also pull a MacGregor 26X Powersailor 2001 Model, owned since new!

Retired SR Rocket Mechanic, FT Sales Associate @  FT of California, Escondido CA.!  and Retired USMC Gunnery Sergeant (Hence Retired Guns! ) Avionics Tech, on A6E Intruder & OV-10 Bronco Aircraft!  V/N Era Vet, and Desert Storm Participant.  Happily Retired now!

Re: Load Testers?

Reply #1 –
Seems like your inverter/charger should do that.  You may consider installing a battery monitor like a Trimetric by Bogart Eng.  Victron and others make these as well.  It will monitor your battery bank via a shunt and display amps in, amps out and show State of Charge.
Scott & Carol Seibert
2001 42' double slide U320 - Sold
Previous - 2002 36' U320

Re: Load Testers?

Reply #2 –
Don't know how much good that's going to do for load testing big deep cycle batteries. My last set of house batteries lasted 8 years, I never felt the need test them. The new ones are 3 years old and still work like new. As long as your charger is working correctly and you don't abuse your batteries they are pretty much trouble free for a long time
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: Load Testers?

Reply #3 –
I replaced my original (2001) house batteries in 2013.  They are working fine, we boondocks a lot and with our 500 Watts of solar, they stay charged up very well.  I like simple things that work-KISS.

Cya down the road              ^.^d
Ted & Karen
2001 U270 36' - sold after 12 years full timing

Re: Load Testers?

Reply #4 –
If you have new batteries, why do you need a load tester?  Better to invest in a battery monitor that will keep track of the condition of the batteries.
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.

Re: Load Testers?

Reply #5 –
Quote from: jcus –
If you have new batteries, why do you need a load tester?  Better to invest in a battery monitor that will keep track of the condition of the batteries.

Well, I guess more to see if the Original Claim of CCA's are there, and to give updates, as to what I am getting in performance, I'd say, but yes, Improved Battery Condition Monitor would be good, and also if made...possibly an audible alarm when these batteries reach their 50% usage limit perhaps???  Is that available, folks?  I have not seen that yet?
Tom & Barb Root
'95, 40' U-320C SE, bought from Dave Head, 8/2017  FT Motorcade # 18196 Coach Build# 4663 October '94
2015 VW Golf Sportwagen, 1991 Suzuki Samurai, Off-Road Custom Build-Up, W/Toyota 22re mill, and a 2005 Chevy 2500HD, Duramax/Allison TOADS Will also pull a MacGregor 26X Powersailor 2001 Model, owned since new!

Retired SR Rocket Mechanic, FT Sales Associate @  FT of California, Escondido CA.!  and Retired USMC Gunnery Sergeant (Hence Retired Guns! ) Avionics Tech, on A6E Intruder & OV-10 Bronco Aircraft!  V/N Era Vet, and Desert Storm Participant.  Happily Retired now!

Re: Load Testers?

Reply #7 –
 Speaking of battery monitors, an update on my smartgauge. Have always used a shunt type of monitor that actually reads amps in, amps out, and tells you battery SOC, [state of charge]. Because my new coach has three negative cables from battery and almost no room to install a shunt, decided to try a smartgauge. It uses some sort of voltage algorithm [way over my head] to learn what your batteries use and receive. I cannot compare it to a shunt type, but after using it for about 10 days, and letting batteries discharge to about 75% [by my previous observations from a shunt type monitor] it appears to be fairly accurate. It does not give much information, basicly SOC and voltage, but does have alarms. As I like real time information, would have a shunt type if possible, but the smartgauge appears to be the next best thing, and only needs 18 gauge wires to your battery positive and negative. 
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.

Re: Load Testers?

Reply #8 –
Thanks for the info on the Balmar Smartgauge.  This now is on my want list.  I've used Balmar products for over 10 years, (alternator regulators to protect from overcharging twin 8d batteries).  Balmar has an excellent reputation and is often used in marine environments where life on battery power can often be critical.
97 U295 40, Build #5040, 6C8.3 325 HP
Oregon Continuous Traveler
Samsung Residential #RF20HFENBSR,
Xantrex SW2012, (3)AGM8D Hse, (2)AGM Grp24 Eng, Victron BMV-712, 1800w Solar 4 LG & 2 Sunpower
Extreme Full Body Pt w/hdlmps, new furn/floor, 4 down Lexus 2004 GX470 AWD curb weight 4,740 lbs
Prev: 1990 Barth, 10L 300 2 yrs; 91&92 Monaco Signature, 10 yrs, 10L C 300 &  6C8.3 300; 1997 ForeT 6C8.3 325 since May 2017.  Employed by Guaranty RV 14+ yrs.  Former VW New Car Dlr/Service Dlr, Sales Mgr, Rv Sales, and Service Adviser from 1968-2017
"Don't criticize what you can't understand" Bob Dylan

Re: Load Testers?

Reply #9 –
I use the Balmar SmartGauge, had one in our (ex) U300, and now in our Roadtrek. According to Balmar these are accurate to 3% after it dials into your battery capacity and system usage. Easy to hook up, and eliminates shunt(s) and additional lugs and terminal connections in the circuit. Another advantage is this will automatically adjust for the reduced capacity of your battery as your battery ages.

http://www.balmar.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/PDS-44-SG-1224-3.pdf


Peter and Tammy Fleming
1991 U300 GV 40 - Sold, owned for 4 years
Downsized to Roadtrek Popular 210 class B