Battery down to 9.7v ??
We have one 12v battery in a travel trailer. After driving for 5-6 hours on Friday, we boondocked in Texas. 40s at night, 50s during the day. We only used 1 led light in the evening and the water pump a few times. The fridge is on all the time (battery/propane).
Yesterday Saturday, in the morning when we used the water pump, it kept rattling away as if it didn't have enough power. Fridge and lights worked.
We plugged in the portable 100w solar panel. The charge controller read 9.7v! After a few hours of solar charging, it went up to 12.2v but by the time the sun set, it showed 11.57v even though nothing but the fridge was on in the camper.
This morning (Sunday), when we plugged in the solar, it read 9.7v. Water pump kept rattling away after we washed our hands and the led lights were dimmer with the pump on.
Some facts:
- flooded battery dated 2013
- type marine (it shows cranking amps on the label)
- fluid level is ok
Is the battery dead / beyond repair? How come the fridge and lights still work?
Based on my limited knowledge, a battery shouldn't be below 12.3v ... Based on the past experiences, one night of light usage after driving, the battery should still be around 12.6v...
Yesterday Saturday, in the morning when we used the water pump, it kept rattling away as if it didn't have enough power. Fridge and lights worked.
We plugged in the portable 100w solar panel. The charge controller read 9.7v! After a few hours of solar charging, it went up to 12.2v but by the time the sun set, it showed 11.57v even though nothing but the fridge was on in the camper.
This morning (Sunday), when we plugged in the solar, it read 9.7v. Water pump kept rattling away after we washed our hands and the led lights were dimmer with the pump on.
Some facts:
- flooded battery dated 2013
- type marine (it shows cranking amps on the label)
- fluid level is ok
Is the battery dead / beyond repair? How come the fridge and lights still work?
Based on my limited knowledge, a battery shouldn't be below 12.3v ... Based on the past experiences, one night of light usage after driving, the battery should still be around 12.6v...
