RangerEZ wrote:
sfpcservice wrote:
Update:
*** I discharged by batteries yesterday and then charged them via the converter overnight, much like I did before the start of our trip. I went out this morning with the hydrometer and the batteries are only showing a charged state just above dead!!!
After reading the handy bob article, I started thinking about my stock converter placement. It's towards the rear while the batteries are near the front. So my thoughts are the converter is seeing the voltage come up high enough to drop into float mode, but due to the long wire run and voltage loss the batteries never get the charge the converter thinks they have. I'm guessing we left for our trip with nearly dead batteries and whatever charge we did get was from the truck on the drive down.
My next project will be relocation of the converter within a couple feet of the battery box...
That project may be worthwhile, but maybe not necessary. Let's get some basics covered so we can better help you.
1) What kind of batteries do you have?
2) What kind of RV do you have?
3) What kind of converter is in that camper?
My Trojans took far more than overnight to get back to full charge on the camper converter. I used to give them two full days. Even out of the camper with a smart charger, it took 24-30 hours. 6 volt batteries take a while...
When you say you discharged them, what was their measured voltage at discharge?
What was the measured voltage after your overnight charge?
I have two costco GC2 batteries. I didn't measure the voltage, just a hydrometer check. The converter is a wfco 8845. It bulk charges to 14.4v and then drops to 13.6v... The problem is due to the long wire voltage drop on the bulk charge the batteries never get close to 14.4v before it kicks down. I think it would take a week to finish the charge like this. Right now I have the batteries disconnected and I'm charging them with a regular automotive charger, which shows they are low on the ammeter.
