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Topic: New Batteries Needed/ looking for recommendations (Read 268 times) previous topic - next topic

New Batteries Needed/ looking for recommendations

Hello all,

It seems to be a rough start to the season for my bus "Nellie"!! Although I have multiple issues going on I though it would be best to separate the topics.  Any and all information, and fingers crossed that the issues stop, will be greatly appreciated.

This thread is more geared to the house batteries though. I added the below batteries in September of 2019 and they simply will not keep a charge anymore. So I will be replacing these very soon and would appreciate any suggestions on whether I keep with the same type of battery or do I consider another.

For some reason my inverter was switched for a converter and I do not believe the converter is working properly. Being I will eventually (likely this winter) add solar I am thinking that switching back to a inverter would be best being I like boon docking. I am wide open to suggestions concerning any of this.

--Tom
2000 U320 36'
Build #5705

Re: New Batteries Needed/ looking for recommendations

Reply #1 –
That converter doesn't even look like it connected.

Hard to blame a battery if there is no charger connected.

You need to pull out your digital voltmeter and trace your battery/charge system.
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: New Batteries Needed/ looking for recommendations

Reply #2 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
That converter doesn't even look like it connected.

Hard to blame a battery if there is no charger connected.

You need to pull out your digital voltmeter and trace your battery/charge system.
I will look up the proper hook up for the converter and check as expressed. I do still think I will change back to the original inverter though. With my little knowledge it seems it would be best for me.

I certainly am not blaming batteries. In fact I might get the same ones again just thought I would seek the perspective of others far more educated on the system, especially since I plan to add solar.

2000 U320 36'
Build #5705

Re: New Batteries Needed/ looking for recommendations

Reply #3 –
BTW, OE was an INVERTER/CHARGER (both functions in one unit).

From the picture, looks like the 12 VDC output wires are taped off.
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: New Batteries Needed/ looking for recommendations

Reply #4 –
I don't like the idea of a combo inverter/converter at all. We dry camp 95% of the time and would never put all our eggs in one basket. After I didn't like the voltage variation, I purchased a Progressive Dynamics converter from Amazon Amazon.com : progressive dynamicas converter charger  It keeps the maintenance/float voltage exactly at advertised 13.2V.

Organize your installation better than in the photo. High amperage potential is no place for unsanitary wiring.

Good to have a pure sine wave inverter over a modified sine wave type. Size it so it operates about at 2/3 rating except for starting higher loads. They last longer this way. Read all reviews before plunking the CC down as many seem to have a high failure rate.

Read as much as possible before buying solar components. Ours has been operating flawlessly for 13 years.

Pierce

Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)