goducks10 wrote:
That's exactly my scenario. I need to charge everyday. Batteries start out at around 12.8v and by the end of the day are around 11.8 to 11.6. I have a 1000w Samlex invertor with a remote digital readout in the 5er that I monitor the batteries with. We usually run the gen everyday for 2-3 hrs around dinner time. Wife likes the hairdryer, so we kill two with one gen run.
My concern initially was how long I could use the 4-6V before I would have to run the gen for way longer than 2-3 hrs. I suppose I don't need to run the gen for 2-3, but that's what I do. I don't want to get my self in a situation where I need to run the gen 1/2 the day to recharge 4-6V. Sounds like either way I go it's just good practice to recharge daily, regardless of the charging method.
If that's the case then I may as well just use 2-6V since I'll be running the gen anyway.
If you're running a 1k inverter, I feel more strongly that you should have 4 batteries. What are you using that for, and are you leaving it active all the time?
I think your estimate of charging time is excessive. I find it is not productive to charge more than 1-2 hours at a time. If I needed more charge time, I would go to an hour in the morning and an hour in the afternoon. Also, you are going to use a certain amount of AH, and you have to replace that. Whether it goes back into 2 batteries, or 4, doesn't make much difference in charge time, assuming you recharge daily.
Another way to skin this cat is to go with 4 batteries, and add a couple of disconnects, one on each bank. You would have the ability of running from 2 or 4, as well as the ability to run off one bank while charging the other. Not much money involved in that, other than the 2 extra batteries. To charge independently I would probably go with a stand-alone charger, which are more efficient anyway.
I'm like you on solar. I've kind of lost interest in putting that kind of money into a vacation trailer. Might be different if we were full timers.