Shaft0201 wrote:1L243 wrote:
1. Get a Voltminder. Connect it directly to the battery and it will give you a accurate read of what your battery level is at. It has a low battery alarm that you can set.
https://www.amazon.com/VoltMinder-Digital-Volt-Meter-Batteries/dp/B001IQ1XW4
2. If your draining two batteries in two days you have a significant drain. If you use your furnace batteries won't last long.
You will need to run your generator longer. Watch your Voltminder and try and keep it between 12.4 and 12.7 when not charging and batteries rested.
3. Add more batteries. Two group 24 12 volts will have about 170 amp hours, two 6 volts will have about 220 amp hours. If you add two extra batteries to the two you already have you will double the amp hours. You can see you will end up with more amp hours with 6 volts.
4. Solar would be nice but you will need at least 300 watts to do any good. That will cost you around $1000+
Thanks for the detailed response. The batteries are charging, but they are just a couple of old crappy car battery’s. I will be upgrading to good dual 6v setup. I was running the furnace nonstop, so I’m sure that was a big draw. Don’t think the solar panels would be worth the investment since the place we boondocks are heavy with trees and then on shore power when at campgrounds. You talk about batteries being rested, how long are you meaning? When at home and not using the trailer so I leave it plugged in all the time or is this hard on the battery’s? Thanks again.
After charging your batteries will need to rest for about a hour for a accurate read on what your battery voltage actually is. For example if you run your generator your batteries will be charging at what ever output your Converter is charging at, let's say 13.7 volts. When you turn off your generator your batteries will read probably 13.2 volts and you will grab your fishing pole and run out the door. But when you come back in about a hour your batteries will read their more accurate level(depending on how long you have been charging) let's say 12.5 volts because they have had time to rest.
Voltminder you can order it from Amazon or direct from the company
When you open up your Converter you will see where the battery cables are connected. This would be the best place to connect your Voltminder. These cables go directly to the battery with the least amount of voltage drop.
Who ever put car batteries in your trailer made a mistake. Two 6 volts will be better but if your going to do a lot of dry campingand running your furnace you will need more.
My 300tq had two new 12 volt deep cycle batteries so I added two more. This gives me about 370 amp hours. Four 6 volts would have given me 440 amp hours but I could not see throwing away new batteries. I will replace them when the day comes with 6 volts.
I got the battery box from Harbor Freight. I also put in a battery disconnect switch.
