MEGAWATT 60-AMP INTRODUCTION

Hi Phil,

I would lean to poly if there is any cloud cover.

For a small system PWM makes much more financial sense than MPPT.

PWM is not wire size sensitive between panels and controller. MPPT is.

I do agree with the idea of having the controller near the bank.

Do get a controller that will allow future expansion. That was about my only mistake.

pnichols wrote:
I'll look for a 100-130 watt portable/foldable solar system at Quartzite, but won't buy unless it's a "just right" system: The two panel sections wired in series instead of parallel and an MPPT controller that can be remounted and used back at the RV close to the batteries instead up out at the panels. Still haven't decided on poly or mono ... I'll listen carefully to the hype at Quartzite on this issue ... right now I'm leaning towards mono but am a solar-amateur on this.

Hi,

A battery that is not "in use" ought to be stirred once a day. Driving down the road accomplishes that for chassis batteries.

While it is true that chemical activity drops significantly for each ten degrees C the temperature drops, it is still necessary to stir the batteries.

I agree that the Progressive Dynamics "equalization" every 21 hours is stirring. It is a bit of swindle--but better than nothing.

For flooded deep cycle batteries, using at least 5% of the capacity and recharging will accomplish stirring.

I don't think float charging (as I understand it) does much stirring at all. You need to have some bubbles. Bubbles happen when voltage is raised.

My next battery bank is probably going to be agm. One of the reasons is because stirring is not needed.

jrnymn7 wrote:
There seems to be some playing fast and loose with terminology, on the part of "4 stage smart charger" purveyors. They say an occasional "boost" charge will eliminate (or at least limit) sulfation... but if I understand correctly, the term used should be stratification.

On that note, how fast will any significant stratification occur, if one does not float their batteries over the winter months?

NinerBikes wrote:
propane prices in The Q For pnichols.

Thanks much for the pricing info link.

I'll probably fill the P-tank here in CA and we can usually make it through the whole trip without refilling anywhere else - 18 gallon tank.

However, we're noticing that the Quartzite nights are chilly now. I hope they start warming up soon - as we do keep the propane furnace on a low setting all night long.

We're going to do other sight-seeing in AZ after Quartzite, but hope to keep the altitudes low so we don't get into freezing nights if we wind up drycamping some of the time. Maybe we'll have to use the 12 volt tank heaters on this trip!

I'll look for a 100-130 watt portable/foldable solar system at Quartzite, but won't buy unless it's a "just right" system: The two panel sections wired in series instead of parallel and an MPPT controller that can be remounted and used back at the RV close to the batteries instead up out at the panels. Still haven't decided on poly or mono ... I'll listen carefully to the hype at Quartzite on this issue ... right now I'm leaning towards mono but am a solar-amateur on this.

jrnymn7 wrote:
There seems to be some playing fast and loose with terminology, on the part of "4 stage smart charger" purveyors. They say an occasional "boost" charge will eliminate (or at least limit) sulfation... but if I understand correctly, the term used should be stratification.

On that note, how fast will any significant stratification occur, if one does not float there batteries over the winter months?

It is what it is, but if up in Ontario, where it's as cold as a welldigger's butt in the Yukon, the temps negate much chemical damage and activity. Which is why your voltage drops off so much in really cold weather and your cars won't start very easily.

Stir it up when the late spring arrives or the snow and ice melts.

There seems to be some playing fast and loose with terminology, on the part of "4 stage smart charger" purveyors. They say an occasional "boost" charge will eliminate (or at least limit) sulfation... but if I understand correctly, the term used should be stratification.

On that note, how fast will any significant stratification occur, if one does not float their batteries over the winter months?

propane prices in The Q For pnichols.

mena661 wrote:
Again, you think I spend lots of time on my batteries. I guess there's just some misunderstanding on your part.

Mena,

No misunderstanding on my part. I was just razzing ya a bit to help make a point to other posters on that inexpensive, but effective (IMHO) little BatteryMINDer charger/maintainer unit. I've use one for years on the main engine starting battery with good results.

I know you are trying to just use your RV batteries without spending a lot of time tweaking them and/or their system as a hobby. I feel the same about my RV's batteries - except I take it a step further by using AGM.

I wish I could afford a state-of-the-art lithium ion battery system with built-in charge control for our RV so I could install them and forget them for the rest of (my) life.

Hi,

I got remote water filling and found the plastic was brittle. It was nearly as costly as purchasing a new battery, too. That is why, next time around, I'll go AGM (unless LI becomes affordable and usable at low temperatures).

How have you wired the "extra" bank?

Stirring the batteries is a good idea. Most of us drive down the road. Stirring in storage can be accomplished with 60 watts of solar per 100 amp-hours of battery bank when using a good charge controller.

gmelton2 wrote:
I just replaced my battery bank on my MH and went from four to six GC batteries. To do this, I had to remotely mount the two new GC batteries. These batteries are fairly inaccessible so I am looking at installing a remote water management system. Have any of you had any experience with these, good or bad? My previous batteries had the Pro-Fill on them and they crapped out near the end of the life of the batteries.

Thanks,

Greg

Who does manufacture costco's "trojan clones", or is it an industry secret?

I am going to go off topic a little bit. If it is too far off topic just ignore,move on, and I will start a separate thread. I see this group as a very knowledgeable group when it comes to batteries and would value you experience.

I just replaced my battery bank on my MH and went from four to six GC batteries. To do this, I had to remotely mount the two new GC batteries. These batteries are fairly inaccessible so I am looking at installing a remote water management system. Have any of you had any experience with these, good or bad? My previous batteries had the Pro-Fill on them and they crapped out near the end of the life of the batteries.

Thanks,

Greg