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Topic: Power consumption question (Read 1115 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Power consumption question

Reply #25 –
If a lead battery reads 12.2 volts under load, it is more than 50% charged. 50% is not a magic number.

Going below 50% State-of-Chrge will reduce your battery life some, but life is short, so enjoy your lead batteries, exceeding the speed limit and eating at McDonalds while you still can.

Personally, I just acquired four 400 Amp Hour LiFePo4 (LFP-Lithium Iron Phosphate) cells to replace the engine battery and will be removing the alternator.
1997 U270 34FT Build 5140 Cummins 8.3 Allison 3060R
Solar 1920Watts, 14KWH lithium. Orion BMS.

Re: Power consumption question

Reply #26 –
Quote from: Tim –
If a lead battery reads 12.2 volts under load, it is more than 50% charged. 50% is not a magic number.

Going below 50% State-of-Chrge will reduce your battery life some, but life is short, so enjoy your lead batteries, exceeding the speed limit and eating at McDonalds while you still can.

Personally, I just acquired four 400 Amp Hour LiFePo4 (LFP-Lithium Iron Phosphate) cells to replace the engine battery and will be removing the alternator.
Will you use your 48 volt solar to charge them?
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.

Re: Power consumption question

Reply #27 –
A clamp on Ammeter would be invaluable in measuring parasitic drain.

Disconnecting the batteries and individually measuring voltage would point to a dead battery or cell.

I highly recommend  Trimetric or other battery monitor.
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer