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Topic: coach batteries (Read 488 times) previous topic - next topic

coach batteries

if i put generator in auto mode it runs for about 4 hours then shuts down sitting there watching tv on sat and gen will restart around 45 min later i'm presuming the batteries are not hold good voltage. I can just drydock and never lose the inverter for over 8 hours. 
anybody have an opinion whats going on.

Re: coach batteries

Reply #1 –
 What do you have your inverter cutout set at? The auto start only comes on when voltage gets below 12.2

Re: coach batteries

Reply #2 –
Quote from: bvectra –
if i put generator in auto mode it runs for about 4 hours then shuts down sitting there watching tv on sat and gen will restart around 45 min later i'm presuming the batteries are not hold good voltage. I can just drydock and never lose the inverter for over 8 hours. 
anybody have an opinion whats going on.

Without knowing amp-hr capacity of the batteries, their age/condition and what loads you are running, even a GUESS could be way off in left field.

Re: coach batteries

Reply #3 –
As Craneman said you first need to know what voltage the batteries have when the generator stopped and also what Wolfe said.

Re: coach batteries

Reply #4 –
Quote from: craneman –
What do you have your inverter cutout set at? The auto start only comes on when voltage gets below 12.2
What Craneman said is key here.  If you're running lead acid batteries of any flavor, flooded, Gel or AGM, their chemistry is sluggish.  As it is, the voltage will drop while under load and then bounce back while resting.  As we see here, under load the battery voltage may drop below the generator auto start voltage set point and begin charging, long before you have reached a state of charge that would require a charging cycle.

Or you have dirty connections, or your batteries are s**t.

Re: coach batteries

Reply #5 –
Some auto starts had preset cut in points.  Not adjustable.  Not sure if they have a delay built in to compensate for quick short loads. 

 I would test the batteries to see their condition?

As an example a  networked Magnum auto gen start is adjustable.  Some are not

Re: coach batteries

Reply #6 –
The factory Dynogen auto start on my coach has adjustable voltage and delay.