Forum Discussion
SJ-Chris
Jan 16, 2018Explorer II
I wanted to post an update...
After installing my 3 new 12v deep cycle house batteries I was able to determine that the solenoid from the chassis (alternator) was bad. Once I replaced that it seemed to fix that issue. Now when the chassis engine is running after about 20 seconds the solenoid kicks on (I can hear the 'click') and my house batteries get charged with a nice ~14volts from the chassis alternator. Problem #1 solved.
Question: Assuming I have the standard 95amp alternator in my Ford e450, does anyone know approximately how many amps are getting pumped into my batteries when I'm driving down the highway? I'm trying to get a sense for how long it might take to fully charge my 315AH battery bank if let's say it was drained to about 50%. Any thoughts?
Next, I had an RV shop test my converter. The max voltage it was putting out was only about 12.55v. This seemed much too low to provide a charge to the house batteries (...I would expect 13.5v or higher when charging). So I bit the bullet and bought a new converter (upgraded to 75amps from 45amps while I was at it). Now when I'm connected to shore power or running the generator I do see a ~13.5v charge being delivered to my house batteries. Problem #2 solved.
Question: If I'm plugged into shore power (or running the generator) and I don't have any real load using power in the RV(ie plugged in at night), does anyone know how much of the 75amp capacity of the converter is getting pumped into my battery bank? I'm trying to get a sense for how long it might take to fully charge my 315AH battery bank if let's say it was drained to about 50%. Any thoughts?
Thanks all!
After installing my 3 new 12v deep cycle house batteries I was able to determine that the solenoid from the chassis (alternator) was bad. Once I replaced that it seemed to fix that issue. Now when the chassis engine is running after about 20 seconds the solenoid kicks on (I can hear the 'click') and my house batteries get charged with a nice ~14volts from the chassis alternator. Problem #1 solved.
Question: Assuming I have the standard 95amp alternator in my Ford e450, does anyone know approximately how many amps are getting pumped into my batteries when I'm driving down the highway? I'm trying to get a sense for how long it might take to fully charge my 315AH battery bank if let's say it was drained to about 50%. Any thoughts?
Next, I had an RV shop test my converter. The max voltage it was putting out was only about 12.55v. This seemed much too low to provide a charge to the house batteries (...I would expect 13.5v or higher when charging). So I bit the bullet and bought a new converter (upgraded to 75amps from 45amps while I was at it). Now when I'm connected to shore power or running the generator I do see a ~13.5v charge being delivered to my house batteries. Problem #2 solved.
Question: If I'm plugged into shore power (or running the generator) and I don't have any real load using power in the RV(ie plugged in at night), does anyone know how much of the 75amp capacity of the converter is getting pumped into my battery bank? I'm trying to get a sense for how long it might take to fully charge my 315AH battery bank if let's say it was drained to about 50%. Any thoughts?
Thanks all!
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