Jun-04-2017 05:34 PM
Jun-04-2017 09:44 PM
Sandrider2 wrote:
25 amps should be plenty for your converter. I have a 40' Class A, with a monitor that shows how many amps I am drawing from the converter, and its very rare I draw more than 1.5 amps. All my lighting is LED, and that makes a big difference, but that big difference is still less than 5 amps.
I presume you had hookups this last weekend? Or were you running generator? At any rate, as the other posts noted, finding your short/ground issue, and getting some new batteries are in order. If you choose to get 6v golf cart batteries, or L16's your batteries have the potential to last you many years.
The problem we all face is how we get the batteries charged. Although there are some new "next generation" converters available that have a good 3 stage charger built in, they are certainly not the standard. Most converters just trickle charge your batteries.
If you are running a generator, and using the converter to charge the batteries, that is a highly ineffective and expensive effort, that will likely never get them charges. Understand that a 25 amp battery charger is completely different than a 25 amp converter in that the converter will never charge the batteries at 25 amps. Consider buying a good battery charger. It will be a good investment for more than just your RV. Walmart sells one by Stanley that a decent 25 amp 3 stage charger, has an equalization setting as well (after you have a good battery bank, and a good charger, learn more about equalization). That Stanley sells for about $80. West Marine also has a charger, its their West Marine house brand, its a 30 amp and sells for about $130. If your batteries are low, and you choose to run your generator for power, a good charger helps give the batteries a good kick in the relatively short amount of time we run our generators.
If you enjoy dry camping (boondocking, camping without hookups) you become power conscientious. LED lights are great, try to put them in the light you leave on the longest.
Solar panels are battery chargers. They have become quite inexpensive in the last few years. I just added 1100 watts on the utility trailer I pull, for only $527. Brand new, first quality panels, at a dealer. Up to about 250 watts, they are trickle chargers for your batteries, your batteries will always be full and ready for your next outing, and that helps them last longer too. If you can fit 250-500 watts of panels, You will have up to 25 amps of charging for your batteries for 4 or 5 hours a day. This is a huge difference, and almost enough to live on. Make sure they are mounted on racking made for solar panels or something equivalent, that allows air to circulate under the panels and keep them cool. They are much less efficient if you don't do this, and they help heat up the rv instead of providing shade like they should be doing.
Good Luck to you, I hope my opinions on these topics help. I admit I am a bit biased after 20 years of work in the solar industry. IMO there is just no substitute for good quality batteries (Trojan T-105's or L16's), and a good quality charger. If you can keep them from dropping below 12.2 or 12.3, then the T105's can last you 5 years, and the L16's almost 10.
Jun-04-2017 08:31 PM
Jun-04-2017 06:43 PM
Jun-04-2017 06:30 PM