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gdsterrett's avatar
gdsterrett
Explorer
May 03, 2015

House battery readout on panel

We have an 05 Holiday Rambler Admiral. I am checking things out and noticed on the control panel that everything reads as usual except the house battery voltage. Chassis battery reads what I think it should, tank levels read as they should, slides work, everything reads as usual except house batteries. I unplugged MH from shore line and still have lights, put a slide out. Could I be so lucky as just the readout doesn't work? Checked water level in batteries and they are good. they are not down. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated. Getting ready for a few summer week long getaways after our wonderful Indiana winter! Thanks, Dan
  • tenbear's avatar
    tenbear
    Explorer
    May 03, 2015
    I assume you are looking at the idiot lights to determine your battery voltage. These are notoriously lousy. Get yourself a voltmeter and measure the voltage. Everyone should have a multimeter and know how to use it. I think I paid about $5 for one on eBay.

    Many of us have installed a voltmeter, or/and other meters, for a more accurate battery monitor.
  • MEXICOWANDERER's avatar
    MEXICOWANDERER
    Explorer
    May 03, 2015
    Well, your temperarure's normal...

    Looks like you do not have a broken leg...

    An amp hour meter (remember the one I posted here for 39 dollars?) Is the only way that's reasonbly accurate.

    "Gotta go start the generator - lights don't work" is not the preferred way to enjoy a vacation. With the NORMAL two to three tenths of a volt error original equipment battery "monitors" are a cruel joke.
  • jrnymn7's avatar
    jrnymn7
    Explorer
    May 03, 2015
    I generally refrain from telling folks what voltage equals what % soc. For example, 12.37v on my bank is more like 65%, as opposed to 75%... a difference of over 40 Amp hours. Moreover, charging voltages effect the resulting resting OCV. It's all very battery specific. The OP needs to become familiar with his own system.
  • MNtundraRet's avatar
    MNtundraRet
    Navigator
    May 03, 2015
    You did not say what the reading was. 3/4 full would be 75% charge or 12.37 volts read at the battery terminals.

    Based on the multimeter reading versus the MH monitor reading you will then know if the monitor reads : low, corrrect, or high. The error should be consistant over time. I know mine reads "high " which is the worst condition.

    I would rather know ahead of time with a consistant low battery monitor reading if not accurate. My past trailer read that way.
  • jrnymn7's avatar
    jrnymn7
    Explorer
    May 03, 2015
    While you were checking water levels, you could have checked Specific Gravity and Resting Open Circuit Voltage. All you need is a Digital Volt Meter and a (turkey baster style) Hydrometer.

    What did the remote meter say your battery voltage was?

    At what voltages do you charge your bank?
  • RWDIII's avatar
    RWDIII
    Explorer
    May 03, 2015


    Get one of these Free at Harbor Frieght with coupon.
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  • Dakota98's avatar
    Dakota98
    Explorer
    May 03, 2015
    If you want to know the REAL status of the house batteries, do not rely upon the control panel.

    At minimum, get a decent led or analog volt meter. At best get a Trimetric meter.

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