Forum Discussion
MNtundraRet
Sep 23, 2013Navigator
Generally no since the items such as lights, water pump, control-boards for refrigerator, furnace, some detectors, exhaust fans may be used some over any 24-hour period. These item might cause a 0.1 to 0.2 amp load on the batteries.
If you are also using an inverter to power some 120v ac items off the house-batteries than thing can get very confusing since they can have a much larger load drop on the battery voltage.
If you are dry-camping more than one day (24 hour period), time to check batteries would be to cut off any unnecessary usage for 1/2 to 1 hour in the afternoon and check the voltage against the chart in the first reply.
You will have a good estimate of what will happen in the next 24-hour period if conditions don't go for the worst (colder weather).
I run my inverter of a separate Trojan 12v battery for my TV, phone, shaver, and Kindle Fire charging. Since my 1000 watt inverter will show voltage and amp readings, I can check the voltage shown initially before plugging items into the invertor. Then I can log the voltage shown while running the items under load. If you know how much the voltage dropped and log the time used, you can have a good idea what the battery state of charge will be if you allowed them to rest at least 1/2 hour under no load. Checking batteries at the battery-terminals with a reliable multi-meter is best. Separate gauges are okay if they compare with a multi-meter reading.
I have 2 new Trojan T105's used for house items which I know what the normal 24 load is, and accounting for furnace of powered vents use. The old one I replaced lasted 10 years.
If you are also using an inverter to power some 120v ac items off the house-batteries than thing can get very confusing since they can have a much larger load drop on the battery voltage.
If you are dry-camping more than one day (24 hour period), time to check batteries would be to cut off any unnecessary usage for 1/2 to 1 hour in the afternoon and check the voltage against the chart in the first reply.
You will have a good estimate of what will happen in the next 24-hour period if conditions don't go for the worst (colder weather).
I run my inverter of a separate Trojan 12v battery for my TV, phone, shaver, and Kindle Fire charging. Since my 1000 watt inverter will show voltage and amp readings, I can check the voltage shown initially before plugging items into the invertor. Then I can log the voltage shown while running the items under load. If you know how much the voltage dropped and log the time used, you can have a good idea what the battery state of charge will be if you allowed them to rest at least 1/2 hour under no load. Checking batteries at the battery-terminals with a reliable multi-meter is best. Separate gauges are okay if they compare with a multi-meter reading.
I have 2 new Trojan T105's used for house items which I know what the normal 24 load is, and accounting for furnace of powered vents use. The old one I replaced lasted 10 years.
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