6V deep cycle batteries

No worries, you didn't do major disservice to batteries by charging them to 95% for a few weeks.
Double the battery bank if you can. Then it would be 97% in low overcast - good enough.
Add another 200-250W solar and install adequate controller, and you wouldn't have to start this thread as the batteries would charge 99.999 in this weather.

This is, more-less what it takes to properly set up your system. Like other posted noted, you will then need generator rarely, if ever.

Big compressor fridge puts you in a category where in the worst weather scenario a minimum solar size (to camp without generator) would be more than your RV roof can handle. This would be when it rains heavily all day or you are parked in really dense shade. Solar homes anywhere South of Wa use generators in emergency only, when something breaks, which doesn't happen often. They can ride a bad weather spell out, battery bank big enough for 7-10 days of zero charging. For RV it is difficult to carry a bank bigger than 5 days worth without going into expense of Li batteries.

My bank is 300 AH @12V, it will run 4 days before it drops to 50% because fridge is propane. 490W solar and there is room for more. Purchase of a generator is unlikely.

I will say this again... I see no issue with charging a Lead Acid battery to 80 or 90 percent (True Deep Cycle) several times in a row, say 2 or 3 weeks, but DO bring it up to 100% ASAP.. It does need to be full (and then some) at least once a week if possible (use generator)

Beyond that.. Little comment.

I ran my original Interstates 9 years,, But then I charge with a Progressive Dynamics 9180+ Wizard.. The new DEKA's are slightly largerm and I've also added more batteries.. The Interstates I had to water every Mother's day when new (mnore frequently after the first few years) the Deka's. Well I got 'em about 4 years ago watered them the first time last month.

allen8106 wrote:

Lwiddis wrote:
Frank, Frank, I believe you may have missed a day in solar school. Solar doesn’t always completely fill your batteries. Clouds, rain etc. A back up small inverter generator is essential. And a genny isn’t always ready...no gasoline, fouled spark plug and the genny doesn’t work! Next, RV batteries aren’t a legacy to pass to your great-grandchildren...nor Biblical. Use them respectfully and buy new ones.

A properly set up system will rarely if ever require a generator.

Going into year 7 ( heading out for 2 months next week), of almost 100% dry/ boondock camping with running genny a few times the first year out. The few times we have electric hookups are not because of lack of power in our 4 6V GC-2 batteries.

Dave

Almot I have newer got below 82% so far, as my hybrid magnum can charge op to 125A if I run a generator I don’t think I have to do much to bring solar op I have seen 14,8V on the display, my 45A Progressives multi stage charger don’t do a bad job when on the pedestal power & the solar.
Only wanted to make sure I didn’t do any major disservice to batteries.
Frank.

Slownsy wrote:
Ravioli? Now popcorn? How long can I run my microwave on my depleted batteries. I think ?? We may have to bye a new generator.

Metaphores, as usual.

Translation - think and change settings as needed.

Sure, buy a new generator, service and exercise it, and hope that it will work when your solar (not properly set or not big enough) won't do the job.

Between servicing and exercising the genny - or before buying it - take time to bring solar to where it should be, considering your energy use, so that the generator will be rarely needed to rely on.

Ravioli? Now popcorn? How long can I run my microwave on my depleted batteries. I think ?? We may have to bye a new generator.
Frank.

No electro-chemical variance / cycle life relationship can be charted. You may put a huge period after that.

If a flooded battery does not revert all cells to original density that battery is not charged. Put a period after that as well.

BFL13 tried his best to show what happens of 50/90 % recharging was performed on a repetitive basis.

When I encounter a shumdit smart charger that can not fully recharge a battery, which means nearly all Einstein programmable frauds, I chop interest right then and there. The product is a failure.

Advertising does not win, opinion does not win, hypnotic lights and psychotic buttons do not matter. What matters, the only thing that matters, is IS THE ELECTROLYTE RESTORED TO FULL DENSITY. Either it is or it isn't. This isn't rocket science.

Yeah MICROWAVE SMART BUTTONS. Buy a thousand dollar microwave oven. One that advertises it has a central processor and inverter. Would give a CRAY II a run for it's money...

Then buy any one of five dozen brands of microwave popcorn. Read the instructions

FIRST AND FOREMOST

DO NOT USE THE POPCORN SETTING ON THE MICROWAVE OVEN.

DO NOT LEAVE POPCORN UNATTENDED. WHEN POPPING CEASES SHUT OFF THE OVEN.

The oven manufacturers are in the same league with the smart charger crowd.

The manufacturer of the popcorn has everything to lose

The microwave manufacturer has ZERO to lose.

Need I distill this down even further?

Lwiddis wrote:
Frank, Frank, I believe you may have missed a day in solar school. Solar doesn’t always completely fill your batteries. Clouds, rain etc. A back up small inverter generator is essential. And a genny isn’t always ready...no gasoline, fouled spark plug and the genny doesn’t work! Next, RV batteries aren’t a legacy to pass to your great-grandchildren...nor Biblical. Use them respectfully and buy new ones.

A properly set up system will rarely if ever require a generator.

Thanks all for the reply’s, I get 5-10 days max before a 100% recharge, in-line with my thinking ?? but newer to old to learn, as I am now back in Australia ???? and power hear 240V things a bit different, I did plan on getting a new 110V generator but freight a big issue, as I also now has some 240V appliances I think I will go with the new Honda 2200 240V which will work true a step down transformer already in place for all 120V items.
Frank.

Slownsy wrote:
TM-2030 Trimetric absorb 14.5 Amp set pt 2% 520A. time 4h high V15.9. float V13.5 Overcharge 10%. Finish A 3.5%
Solar 600W I am running a domestic 314l Samsung inverter fridge. Overnight all op usage around 14-16% 80A. As my generator was stolen I just wanted to check how long without damaging batteries. Back on a powered site for now. Thanks all.
Frank.

I'd sugget to set your absorption voltage higher. 6V batteries will thrive on higher voltages. I have mine set at 14.8V and temp control, while in Winter storage, will increase that to 15V. Batteries do well with these voltages.

I would suggest a full charge every two weeks or whatever fits your schedule. The difference in battery longevity between 75% of capacity, recharged to 100% every few weeks and 100% of capacity, recharged daily is probably a few days.