Another battery question
So many threads here about batteries and charging, I can't believe I'm starting another! Well, I've learned a ton, and actually if I was starting from scratch I know pretty much what I'd do to create ...
Forum Discussion
Lots of great info! Thanks everyone!
So first off, good to know that I can in fact parallel a new battery and a used battery. I'll do that whenever I go dry camping. A group 24 should be about 80Ah I think, so between the 2 of them going down to 50% SOC, I'll have about 80Ah usable, right?
I've got a good handheld volt meter and totally agree about the $3.00 installed ones being inaccurate. I put one in the pup and it was always off by at least .2V making it pretty useless. Don't want to always have to use the handheld to get a good reading, so a quality installed VM will happen.
Regarding the WFCO, I agree it's not great compared to other options, however it "claims" it has a bulk mode that charges at 14.4V. Will have to test that...
Now, regarding getting a full charge upon returning home - the TT will be in storage, so I plan to always keep the batteries at home in the garage. Can I just use my Battery Tender to achieve a full charge? Also, I know the WFCO can't equalize. What if I get a VEC1093DBD to charge/equalize the batteries at home?
Also, regarding the VEC1093, what if I bring it camping and then split the 2 batteries for charging? Charge one with the WFCO and the other with the VEC1093. A 2000 watt genny should be able to do both, presumably cutting my run time in half. Am I figuring that right? (I think I'll go with the 2000w anyway over the 1000 so we can use the microwave if needed and a hairdryer for my wife)
Again, thanks for all the help. Such a wealth of knowledge here!
So first off, good to know that I can in fact parallel a new battery and a used battery. I'll do that whenever I go dry camping. A group 24 should be about 80Ah I think, so between the 2 of them going down to 50% SOC, I'll have about 80Ah usable, right?
I've got a good handheld volt meter and totally agree about the $3.00 installed ones being inaccurate. I put one in the pup and it was always off by at least .2V making it pretty useless. Don't want to always have to use the handheld to get a good reading, so a quality installed VM will happen.
Regarding the WFCO, I agree it's not great compared to other options, however it "claims" it has a bulk mode that charges at 14.4V. Will have to test that...
Now, regarding getting a full charge upon returning home - the TT will be in storage, so I plan to always keep the batteries at home in the garage. Can I just use my Battery Tender to achieve a full charge? Also, I know the WFCO can't equalize. What if I get a VEC1093DBD to charge/equalize the batteries at home?
Also, regarding the VEC1093, what if I bring it camping and then split the 2 batteries for charging? Charge one with the WFCO and the other with the VEC1093. A 2000 watt genny should be able to do both, presumably cutting my run time in half. Am I figuring that right? (I think I'll go with the 2000w anyway over the 1000 so we can use the microwave if needed and a hairdryer for my wife)
Again, thanks for all the help. Such a wealth of knowledge here!
