Basic battery charging and solar question
I have a Surveyor 245BHS with 2 6v batteries wired in series. The RV dealer told me that when I'm plugged in to charge, the trailer doesn't recognize when the batteries are fully charged and will kee...
Forum Discussion
If you want to understand how your 12V system is operating, you'll need to have a hand held meter. The meter will also serve as a diagnostic tool if you ever have a problem in the future. Harbor Freight either gives away at events or sells a $3 meter that is adequate for basic troubleshooting and voltage measurement. The learning curve is shallow.
The battery aficionado (I include myself, here) will also have a hydrometer to test the specific gravity of each cell in the battery. A hydrometer is the most accurate measuring device for measuring battery state of charge or establishing a baseline measurement for new batteries. Hydrometers are available online, the best being a Freas glass tube type. It costs $25 or such. Cheaper ones can be had.
Since the OP is just starting out with battery management, looking at the Mfg's website for charging procedures and levels will give a good head start. It makes no sense to advocate a three stage charger replacement if the charger only outputs 13.6 V and the Mfg calls for a charging voltage of 14.8 V on a regular basis. Most pairs of 6V in series that I've seen require charging voltages of 14.8 or higher. Feeding them 13.6 for long time service will shorten their life and reduce capacity.
I believe the necessity of a disconnect switch has been covered.
The battery aficionado (I include myself, here) will also have a hydrometer to test the specific gravity of each cell in the battery. A hydrometer is the most accurate measuring device for measuring battery state of charge or establishing a baseline measurement for new batteries. Hydrometers are available online, the best being a Freas glass tube type. It costs $25 or such. Cheaper ones can be had.
Since the OP is just starting out with battery management, looking at the Mfg's website for charging procedures and levels will give a good head start. It makes no sense to advocate a three stage charger replacement if the charger only outputs 13.6 V and the Mfg calls for a charging voltage of 14.8 V on a regular basis. Most pairs of 6V in series that I've seen require charging voltages of 14.8 or higher. Feeding them 13.6 for long time service will shorten their life and reduce capacity.
I believe the necessity of a disconnect switch has been covered.
