Wire gauge recommendation
To get the most efficent charging to my batteries, with cost kept in mind, what wire gauge should I use between the batteries and charger? I have a pair of 6v gc batteries. They're about 12-15 fee...
Forum Discussion
So much info here and not everyone agrees so lets see if I'm close ...
My assumption is that I need to keep the 75A charger that I installed as it's now used electronics. It's not camped with yet but installed and powered up and as long as I'm not going to hurt my batteries, I'm OK with that.
1. Replace the 6 gauge with the 2 gauge that Mex suggested. Would keeping the factory 6 gauge be bad? That'd give me close to 3/0 cable.
2. Don't go to the frame for the Neg wire as there are to many connections and it's not a "clean" way to do it.
3. Get an infrared pyrometer (non-contact thermometer) to check battery temps. It can do double duty and used to keep an eye on the tire and hub temps as well.
4. Keep the batteries watered.
5. Check charging voltage at the charger and batteries and track what's going on to get a better feeling as to how my system is performing.
6. Add a 2nd bank of batteries if needed for dry camping longevity without running the genny.
7. After doing some, or all, of the above, have fun with the family and not worry too much about it ... we've both had cancer before age 50 and life is too **** #&%^$*%@ short!
I almost forgot the most important one - Don't forget to charge the battery BEFORE I try to start the travel trailer (toy hauler). The wife would NOT be happy with me if I voided the warranty! I might print up a label like that just for fun.
Well, how'd I do?
My assumption is that I need to keep the 75A charger that I installed as it's now used electronics. It's not camped with yet but installed and powered up and as long as I'm not going to hurt my batteries, I'm OK with that.
1. Replace the 6 gauge with the 2 gauge that Mex suggested. Would keeping the factory 6 gauge be bad? That'd give me close to 3/0 cable.
2. Don't go to the frame for the Neg wire as there are to many connections and it's not a "clean" way to do it.
3. Get an infrared pyrometer (non-contact thermometer) to check battery temps. It can do double duty and used to keep an eye on the tire and hub temps as well.
4. Keep the batteries watered.
5. Check charging voltage at the charger and batteries and track what's going on to get a better feeling as to how my system is performing.
6. Add a 2nd bank of batteries if needed for dry camping longevity without running the genny.
7. After doing some, or all, of the above, have fun with the family and not worry too much about it ... we've both had cancer before age 50 and life is too **** #&%^$*%@ short!
I almost forgot the most important one - Don't forget to charge the battery BEFORE I try to start the travel trailer (toy hauler). The wife would NOT be happy with me if I voided the warranty! I might print up a label like that just for fun.
Well, how'd I do?
