New Battery Gone Bad?

NinerBikes wrote:

Boon Docker wrote:
WFCO converter: Abs 13.6v, Bulk 14.4v, Float 13.2v

Show me a WFCO converter that goes and charges in 14.4V Bulk mode. That rarely if ever happens. Go out and actually measure it with a volt meter and take pictures of it happening.

Don't see any real need to do that. ;)

Boon Docker wrote:
WFCO converter: Abs 13.6v, Bulk 14.4v, Float 13.2v

Show me a WFCO converter that goes and charges in 14.4V Bulk mode. That rarely if ever happens. Go out and actually measure it with a volt meter and take pictures of it happening.

WFCO converter: Abs 13.6v, Bulk 14.4v, Float 13.2v

Without knowing the maximum temperature and voltage this battery was subjected to, everything reply is just a guess.

here's my guess,

The battery's vent cap on that one cell is defective.

Warranty battery, and get a charger/converter which can at least approach the Deka Intimidator specs as to absorption and float voltage.

Would be interesting to mail that Pic to Eastpenn/deka with a big bold question mark and hear their reply.

WFCO is the worst converter, its biggest drawback is a too low voltage. It will will never fully charge a battery that was less than 90-95% full initially. Read on 3-stage charging.

Though - since WFCO can only run 13-something volts, I doubt it could cause the kind of damage pictured here. Maybe. AGM are care-free, no gassing or watering, but they are sensitive to correct setpoints AND to everyday full charging. You want to bring them to 99% full at least once a week, and WFCO can't do this, period.

Should've bought a decent 3-stage solar charger months ago.

$$$ AGMs should have more care than common flooded batteries.

1. Read the manuals online.
2. Use a accurate voltmeter on the battery terminals, plugins even if accurate reflect the voltage at the plugin not at the battery.
3. It doesn't appear that your charger has remote voltage sense or temperature sense so it's likely not charging the AGM correctly.
4. Battery charging voltage is lower for hot batteries.

So you may not be charging your AGM correctly based on voltage and temperature. Plus you may not be able to change the charger parameters to match the AGM. Or it may be OK, read the manuals.

AGM? Looks like a defective battery. Take a picture and warranty exchange it.

WFCO is fine with AGM as long as it does not stick in boost mode. At 13.15 your WFCO sounds fine.

red31 wrote:
Does your charger (power center / converter) have a name? What is it?

Can you measure the voltage while charging and report the voltage?
The air temperature may help also.

WFCO 8955-PEC.

I had a 12V outlet installed and I have plugged in right now a little voltage meter. It is reading 13.15V. I am connected to shore power.

Outside temps are HOT HOT HOT...lower to mid 90s all week, but I'm in a lot of trees/shade.

Does your charger (power center / converter) have a name? What is it?

Can you measure the voltage while charging and report the voltage?
The air temperature may help also.

2chiefsRus wrote:

xyzHollyxyz wrote:

2chiefsRus wrote:
Previous thread about settings for charging batteries

This thread is what I was referring to. Selecting settings that do not match your battery type can damage the battery.

Those were me trying to learn questions. Like I said above, this battery has ONLY been hooked up to the trailer's charger. Never to solar anything.

You mentioned in the previous thread that you purchased a new battery. You mentioned in this thread that your battery is only two months old. Was the battery you just purchased identical to the one that you were replacing? I ask, because IF it was a different type, then maybe the charger settings should have been charged when you changed the battery type.

I didn't know that settings could be changed on the trailer's charging system. And if they can be changed, I am in FL right now, not at home, so can't read a manual.