SoundGuy wrote:
Andonso wrote:
The battery that was previously low on electrolyte was low again so I removed it and now have only two RV batteries temporarily connected to an Xantrex 10 amp charger which brought the two RV batteries back up to ~12 volts.
Elsewhere you said - "The battery loosing electrolytes is dated 01/06 while the other two 01/07"
... so along with the fact you weren't able to restore these batteries to any more than ~ 12 volts that would indicate these 10+ yr old batteries are pooched, regardless of whether your PD converter works properly or not.
No not necessarily RV Batteries can sometimes last more than 10 years. I've seen some last up to around 15.
I haven't really well maintained the three RV batteries purchased new over 10 years ago.
Didn't regularly check the electrolyte levels, voltage and specific gravity.
currently the two RV batteries are reading 13.40 volts while connected to an Xantrex 10 amp truecharge charger that currently trickle charging at 1 amp or less.
To obtain a true voltage measurement one needs to remove the charger and allow the battery or batteries to sit for a while.
One really should take regular voltage measurements, check electrolyte levels, specific gravity with a hydrometer.
All of which I didn't do I just installed the RV batteries and perhaps checked the electrolyte levels two or three time a year.
quality deep cycles if maintain can last from around 15 to 20 years.
I have an Optima Yellow Top (purchased new from Costco for around $150.00) in my Jeep with a date code of 04/08 and still working well has never exhibited any problems.
Of course AGM starting batteries typically outlast open cells. I think in part because they don't require any maintenance. nationwide AGM starting batteries last approx. twice as long as open cell starting batteries.
Vehicle generators are becoming more sophisticate. Most all automobile alternators now have a temperature sensor and most new charge based on a frequency same or similar to PWM (pulse width modulation), some say helps to extend the life of a batteries. Most all solar controller use PWM such as my MorningStar TRI-Star 45. Newer ones now use Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT).
RV converter charger imo are a step behind solar users who spend thousands of dollars on there battery banks. A quality (single) 12 volt open cell deep cycle battery often cost around $350.00+ and usually will outlast your RV battery which potentially you can get over 10 years of use from.
If you often drain your RV batteries below 50 percent will shorten it's life.
Anyway as I mentioned in one of my previous posts. I'm getting rid of the batteries in the C and going to rely on an Onan 4000 watt geny instead.
The C is connected to shore power year around which goes out perhaps once or twice a year from a few hours to up to a day and half when there is a wind / rain storm. I'm located next to the Pacific Ocean. The wind rarely gets over 60 mph, though once over 10 years ago we had a storm that produced winds to around 120 mph. Flip over one or two 5th wheels in the area that weren't properly tied down.
