westend wrote:
My take: Connect both batteries together in parallel, having a master disconnect switch that interrupts the batteries from any 12V except for the break-away system.
OK - No idea how I would do that but I'm sure there is a Youtube on it.
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If you have solar, connect it and leave it connected for storage considerations.
Gotcha - two panels to one controller - one connection to the parallel bank of two batteries.
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Replacing the converter would obviate the use of a trickle charger as the newer converters will have the same function. The converter will also offer the capability of charging the batteries in a shorter time, something that is very important to those with generators. About the only thing "wicked" with the Genius charger is that the "boost" function operates at 16V (how many amps is unknown). That would be helpful to equalize an untended battery.
EXcept I got the "GENmini" which does not have the Boost feature - it is just two "smart" 4 amp chargers smucked together and waterproofed for marine or RV installation in the elements (mine is on the tongue) But I also figured out that when the batteries are in parallel I should only connect One of the two chargers hence making the 2 part of the GENmini-2 rather useless. - Taking that unit back to the store and going to replace the Converter after all. In the meantime the Solar can charge them up, or my "smart" marine 5 amp charger if they get low.
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The OP doesn't state what's wrong with the original WFCO converter but I wouldn't replace it with the same as there are many testimonials as to the superiority of the PD converters.
The WFCO is not putting out any Volts. Tested the unit with my multi-meter. 120 going in, zip coming out. Fan does not operate at all. Checked all fuses. Tested the unit directly touching the probes to the output wires on the bottom of the unit. Also tested it following the WFCO manual instructions. Nothing. I do think it is toast.
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It sounds like the SOC of the battery has been a guess (battery is dead on occasion).
My trailer does have a four LED battery test - I also test with a multi-meter. We tried to dry camp for a weekend with one battery - that's when it died. Heard later from some "friends" that they noticed in the middle of the night one of our outside lights was on - but they didn't want to wake us to tell us. Oh bother. Now I know why the battery died overnight. But one 27 DC battery is a little tight for a weekend.
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This is a bad situation as even a hybrid marine battery will eventually have an early death from discharging it to less than 12V, especially if no immediate manner of charging is present. A battery monitor, an inexpensive 12V panel mount gauge, or a hand-held meter will indicate the state of charge so that early battery death is not imminent.
