I am still a little green with the RV world. I needed to replace my batteries on a 1983 travel trailer. I had room and decided to go with a set of 210 amp hour 6 volt batteries from Costco. They are set up in a series (Thanks Dad!). I will be visiting both Yosemite and the Grand Canyon this year and will have 3 nights at each location where I will have no hookups.I do have a 1600 W Generator (WEN 56200i) from Amazon. My plan is to use my generator to recharge my batteries and run mainly off battery power. I don't have a microwave or coffee maker so no need for the 120 volts that I can foresee.I am trying to figure out at what voltage on my multi meter should I start recharging my batteries off of my generator and when should I stop using the generator to charge my batteries. I have an old school converter (not a 3 stage) so I know I am going to be doing some damage to the batteries but I want to not discharge too far or overcharge if possible.Also, I am hoping to run the propane furnace with furnace fan at night. Do you foresee that being a problem with running my 210 amp hour batteries down too far?I don't think I will need Air Conditioning but if so, I only have a small Window Unit that is 360 Watts so I should have enough juice to run off the Generator.Thanks for your input and I appreciate you helping me with my learning curve.

Everything you need to know about 12 VDCTo answer you question specifically, see the charging table. Start charging at 11.9 and stop at 12.7.On the A/C, it's not the running current, but the compressor starting current. The 1600 W genny should be able to handle that if it's the only thing running.

Upgrade the converter to something like a progressive dynamics that will go to 14.4 volts or one of the models that may go up to 14.8 volts. You will basically consider 12 volts as being time to recharge but you may want to charge before that if you have limitations on generator hours. The converter will go into float at 13.2 volts when the charge is complete.

Yes under light load you should be recharging as the battery hits 12.3 to 12.0 range. The lower it gets the higher the urgency. You will be restricted in Yosemite on generator run time. Best to start 2 to 4 hours before quite time.To reduce generator run time consider replacing your converter with a PD9260-14.8http://www.bestconverter.com/9200-148-Volt-Deck-Mount_c_227.htmlUnless of course you already have something pretty good. Or if Dad has a portable 25+ amp portable charger to put direct on the battery would also work well.

I like to recharge at about 12.2, and run the generator for 30 minutes, wait to see what you get up to. It's easier to get up to 12.5, then quit. Nobody likes to hear a generator going for hours, but a little bit each day is much easier on your neighbors. Your batteries will likely last a few days, but a little every day is just fine.It's also well worth it to record the voltage a little after you arrive, and then keep a chart to see how it drains away, and how it fills back up again from the generator.

rjxj wrote:Upgrade the converterx2, and forget about harming your batteries.JoyNoelle wrote:Also, I am hoping to run the propane furnace with furnace fan at night. Do you foresee that being a problem with running my 210 amp hour batteries down too far?That depends on how cold it is, how cold your batteries are, how well they're charged, and how warm you like it. Easy huh?Generally, you can make it a night with 2 batteries. Some experience will tell you what to expect.

Help me understand my 6 volt batteries | Good Sam Community

Artum_Snowbird
Explorer
Apr 10, 2017
I like to recharge at about 12.2, and run the generator for 30 minutes, wait to see what you get up to. It's easier to get up to 12.5, then quit. Nobody likes to hear a generator going for hours, but a little bit each day is much easier on your neighbors. Your batteries will likely last a few days, but a little every day is just fine.

It's also well worth it to record the voltage a little after you arrive, and then keep a chart to see how it drains away, and how it fills back up again from the generator.
time2roll
Nomad
Apr 10, 2017
Yes under light load you should be recharging as the battery hits 12.3 to 12.0 range. The lower it gets the higher the urgency. You will be restricted in Yosemite on generator run time. Best to start 2 to 4 hours before quite time.

To reduce generator run time consider replacing your converter with a PD9260-14.8

http://www.bestconverter.com/9200-148-Volt-Deck-Mount_c_227.html

Unless of course you already have something pretty good. Or if Dad has a portable 25+ amp portable charger to put direct on the battery would also work well.
azrving
Explorer
Apr 10, 2017
Upgrade the converter to something like a progressive dynamics that will go to 14.4 volts or one of the models that may go up to 14.8 volts. You will basically consider 12 volts as being time to recharge but you may want to charge before that if you have limitations on generator hours. The converter will go into float at 13.2 volts when the charge is complete.
jplante4
Explorer II
Apr 10, 2017
Everything you need to know about 12 VDC

To answer you question specifically, see the charging table. Start charging at 11.9 and stop at 12.7.

On the A/C, it's not the running current, but the compressor starting current. The 1600 W genny should be able to handle that if it's the only thing running.

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