How to Increase Battery Capacity
After spending 10+ years studying RVs prior to buying one I’m amazed at what I still don’t know! Turns out the cure for that is this amazing forum. The latest issue I’m lost about is a LOT more ...
Forum Discussion
Right off the bat, you mean 100 WATT solar kit, and no, it won't help keep a usable charge. Something like that is good for charging and maintaining while the trailer is in storage.
The amount of time a battery lasts is directly related to its capacity in Ah (Amp-hours). If the new battery has more capacity than the old battery by that Ah rating, then it will last longer. Ah is the key.
The refrigerator and water heater don't use much power unless something is very very wrong. They have electronic control boards that monitor temperature and light the burner when the temperature gets too cool/warm, depending on heater or fridge.
I don't understand where you think you need to spend so much money. A pair of 6V golf cart batteries will cost you <$200, double your battery capacity, and won't require special charging equipment. You can get them at Sam's Club if you are a member.
Even so you need to adhere to the discharge less than 50% rule, and you need an effective way to charge the battery. Your trailer is wired to pull a charge from the truck's alternator, but your truck may need a fuse or relay installed to activate that feature. With factory wiring its effectiveness is limited, but you can install a heavy charge line directly from the alternator to charge while you're on the road.
The amount of time a battery lasts is directly related to its capacity in Ah (Amp-hours). If the new battery has more capacity than the old battery by that Ah rating, then it will last longer. Ah is the key.
The refrigerator and water heater don't use much power unless something is very very wrong. They have electronic control boards that monitor temperature and light the burner when the temperature gets too cool/warm, depending on heater or fridge.
I don't understand where you think you need to spend so much money. A pair of 6V golf cart batteries will cost you <$200, double your battery capacity, and won't require special charging equipment. You can get them at Sam's Club if you are a member.
Even so you need to adhere to the discharge less than 50% rule, and you need an effective way to charge the battery. Your trailer is wired to pull a charge from the truck's alternator, but your truck may need a fuse or relay installed to activate that feature. With factory wiring its effectiveness is limited, but you can install a heavy charge line directly from the alternator to charge while you're on the road.
