Forum Discussion
Canadian_Rainbi
Jan 26, 2014Explorer
I don't understand how 2 GCs won't run the furnace for one night UNLESS, as has been suggested, they are not fully charged when you start or they are toast. I would suspect the former. We used to do several days easily on 2 GSs in our previous rig.
Before you invest in anything, check your batteries with 1), a voltmeter at the battery terminals WHEN NOTHING IS RUNNING OR CHARGING and has been at rest for a few hours. They should read at least 12.6 or 12.7 when charged and at rest. (12.1 or 12.2 is about 50%, which as as low as you should let them go.)
And 2) a good hydrometer. NOT one of those with little floating balls. A hydrometer is really the only practical way to accurately check battery state of charge.
If you are boondocking a lot, you really need to invest some $$ on a reasonable solar system. For 2 GC batteries, minimum 120 watts, up to about 360 or 400 watts. This will ensure that on a reasonably sunny day your batteries will be fully charged, or nearly so.
But first, check those batteries.
and second, check your charging methods.
Before you invest in anything, check your batteries with 1), a voltmeter at the battery terminals WHEN NOTHING IS RUNNING OR CHARGING and has been at rest for a few hours. They should read at least 12.6 or 12.7 when charged and at rest. (12.1 or 12.2 is about 50%, which as as low as you should let them go.)
And 2) a good hydrometer. NOT one of those with little floating balls. A hydrometer is really the only practical way to accurately check battery state of charge.
If you are boondocking a lot, you really need to invest some $$ on a reasonable solar system. For 2 GC batteries, minimum 120 watts, up to about 360 or 400 watts. This will ensure that on a reasonably sunny day your batteries will be fully charged, or nearly so.
But first, check those batteries.
and second, check your charging methods.
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