What is Eating Those Batteries?
I went to Quartzite yesterday to visit an old friend who is dry-camping on BLM land and has been having some electrical problems with his travel trailer, a 2001 KZ model. The problem is that even wit...
Forum Discussion
Ron Nielson wrote:
Progressive Dynamics PD9260 is on it's way. Wiring will be reviewed at install time, probably not optimal since it's a 2001 model. I understand the sentiment about the WM batteries, and suggestion to get Sam's GC batteries, which can easily be done.
One thing that my friend has told me is that one battery is in considerably better shape than the other, and he will seek a (free)replacement for the weaker one at WM when he gets to a WM that has 29's available. Parker AZ didn't have any when he went there. Of course, it's always best to have a matched pair, both in age and condition.
My friend and I have learned a lot through this situation and realize there is a lot more to know. Thanks to all who contribute their thoughts and suggestions.
I assume your buddy is going to use the solar panel as much as possible, and the generator as little as possible? Find out what kind of generator he is running, and that it makes a true 120V when that PD 9260 is running. PD chargers do not like voltage much under 120v, which some older generators do.
I'd run that generator with the new charge controller for a couple of hours, first thing in the morning, and do solar the rest of the day. If that's not enough, run the generator the last hour or hour and a half before lights out to get him through to the morning.
He really needs to keep an eye on his specific gravity readings on the batteries when topped off and first thing in the morning. The Progressive Dynamics will handle 40-90% charged with pretty good efficiency of the gallons burned in the generator. It will suck gas in huge amounts to get that last 90 to 100% SOC, which has to be done every 10 to 14 days.
