Ok, there are graphs galore that show open circuit voltages for condition vs voltage. My question is: "What readings do you see on you panel with a moderate load?"Let's say you're boondocking. A few things are running on you 12v circuit such as your CO monitor, the circuit board in the reefer, etc. perhaps a fan or 2 is running and it's evening so you have a couple of lights on. Now what do you read on the panel if your battery is in good condition? When would you start to feel its time to recharge with the generator? How about during winter with the furnace running?

My voltage drops as i'm sure most do. The question is kind of unanswerable since battery bank size has a lot to do with how much drop is comfortable. Does your panel have just lights or do you have a battery monitor?

westend wrote:My voltage drops as i'm sure most do. The question is kind of unanswerable since battery bank size has a lot to do with how much drop is comfortable. Does your panel have just lights or do you have a battery monitor?I have a full monitor in the current rig that's part of the solar panel setup. My previous rig was a Lance TC that had a battery monitor as std eqpt. As remember in the Lance I was happy with an AM reading in the 12.2v range during the summer and the 12v range when the furnace was operating.

With solar the voltage sits at 13.4 most of the day.Before solar yes the voltage would drop about .1 or .2 under light load and I would run the generator when voltage was dropping close to 12.2 12.0 zone. Especially if the furnace was to run overnight and we are not leaving in the morning. LED lighting was a huge improvement on voltage and effective battery capacity. Verify your converter is charging at 14.2+ volts (at fuse panel) to minimize run time.

The monitor is only accurate with no load. If i am running a lot of stuff it can drop down tto the L (low)light. I use my monitor and check in the morning when nothing has been running and lights off etc... When mine hits the L light I am at 11.9 volts or so. Then its time to charge..( I did a test. Spent time in the camper during the weekend in my driveway like I was camping. testing the battery with my multimeter as the battery drained. This way I knew what the lights mean..All I know from my testing is when the last bottom low light comes on im at 11.9 volts and either charge or dont run anything further to draw the battery down past 40%.Most say those panals are not accurate. But they are actually. Just need to know what your voltage is..For the people that need help get a reader like this...plug to cig lighter outlet

I don't let mine drop below 12.1-12.2 volts.

I know, a full battery reads 12.8 open circuit but ...

94 Replies

lawrosa
Explorer
Jun 01, 2014
The monitor is only accurate with no load. If i am running a lot of stuff it can drop down tto the L (low)light.

I use my monitor and check in the morning when nothing has been running and lights off etc... When mine hits the L light I am at 11.9 volts or so. Then its time to charge..

( I did a test. Spent time in the camper during the weekend in my driveway like I was camping. testing the battery with my multimeter as the battery drained. This way I knew what the lights mean..

All I know from my testing is when the last bottom low light comes on im at 11.9 volts and either charge or dont run anything further to draw the battery down past 40%.

Most say those panals are not accurate. But they are actually. Just need to know what your voltage is..

For the people that need help get a reader like this...plug to cig lighter outlet
time2roll
Nomad
Jun 01, 2014
With solar the voltage sits at 13.4 most of the day.

Before solar yes the voltage would drop about .1 or .2 under light load and I would run the generator when voltage was dropping close to 12.2 12.0 zone. Especially if the furnace was to run overnight and we are not leaving in the morning. LED lighting was a huge improvement on voltage and effective battery capacity. Verify your converter is charging at 14.2+ volts (at fuse panel) to minimize run time.
jmcgsd
Explorer
Jun 01, 2014
westend wrote:
My voltage drops as i'm sure most do. The question is kind of unanswerable since battery bank size has a lot to do with how much drop is comfortable.

Does your panel have just lights or do you have a battery monitor?

I have a full monitor in the current rig that's part of the solar panel setup. My previous rig was a Lance TC that had a battery monitor as std eqpt. As remember in the Lance I was happy with an AM reading in the 12.2v range during the summer and the 12v range when the furnace was operating.
westend
Explorer
Jun 01, 2014
My voltage drops as i'm sure most do. The question is kind of unanswerable since battery bank size has a lot to do with how much drop is comfortable.

Does your panel have just lights or do you have a battery monitor?

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I know, a full battery reads 12.8 open circuit but ...

94 Replies

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