Nexus class C battery issue
ok...here goes. currently own a 2013 nexus 32p class C motorhome. On Tues. tried to start generator as unit has been sitting awhile.click click click nothing. message board stated batteries were close...
Forum Discussion
Charge meter reads battery voltage as a measure of charge state, but not capacity. If a large part of the battery plate area is damaged (sulfation, drying out) they will come to full voltage quickly, and run down quickly, because the capacity has been lost.
My experience is that with only occasional use, long periods of storage, and at best casual maintenance, the RV/Marine flooded cell batteries most often used in C's will last 2-3 years. They'll do a lot better in continuous service with proper multi-stage chargers, but long periods of storage and self-discharge, or continuous charging at RV converter float voltages will damage them or shorten their life.
The other thing that can happen, if you have two 12V batteries in parallel and one gets a shorted cell, it will quickly bring down the battery that is good. The charging and monitoring systems will see only the good battery. I have a pair in parallel, and find that I have to disconnect the two to learn much of anything about the actual condition of either.
I am on my third pair, at 11 years, ready for a fourth, or a better battery technology, or better use and storage conditions.
You will note that these usually sold with 24-month or shorter warranties. That is a realistic service life without exceptional care. You can do better by using actual deep cycle batteries, usually a pair of 6-volt.
My experience is that with only occasional use, long periods of storage, and at best casual maintenance, the RV/Marine flooded cell batteries most often used in C's will last 2-3 years. They'll do a lot better in continuous service with proper multi-stage chargers, but long periods of storage and self-discharge, or continuous charging at RV converter float voltages will damage them or shorten their life.
The other thing that can happen, if you have two 12V batteries in parallel and one gets a shorted cell, it will quickly bring down the battery that is good. The charging and monitoring systems will see only the good battery. I have a pair in parallel, and find that I have to disconnect the two to learn much of anything about the actual condition of either.
I am on my third pair, at 11 years, ready for a fourth, or a better battery technology, or better use and storage conditions.
You will note that these usually sold with 24-month or shorter warranties. That is a realistic service life without exceptional care. You can do better by using actual deep cycle batteries, usually a pair of 6-volt.
