03-23-2019, 10:34 AM
I didn't intentionally run the batteries down to 11. But by the way you are asking, maybe I need to learn to reset the parameters of my magnum energy monitor. It currently shuts the whole coach down at 10.2 volts. Should that be higher ? Should I try and set the generator to start at 12V or more ?
After driving for about 8 hrs yesterday, I thought I would be fully charged again. I was boondocking for the night. I woke up with about 12.2 volts and pulling about 27 to 30 amps and at times only 18. Not sure what was cycling on and off. No HVAC, no water, occasional compressor every 1/2 hr to 45 minutes, mostly due to air usage not leaks. The refrigerator does run most the time.
This morning I started the generator and it ran for about 20 minutes showing 12.7 volts going in at 100 amps. then 12.9, then 13.0 then it began to stumble after about an hour. It died, I went out and reset the switch at the generator and it started back up. Then after about 15 minutes began to stumble again and I started the chassis engine and the generator stopped stumbling. After about an 1/2 hr I turned off the chassis engine off and let the generator carry the load. It stumbled about 10 minutes latter and died. I restarted everything and let it run for about 15 minutes, I shut the chassis engine off, and now 1/2 hr later, generator running only, the Magnum says float charge at 13.0 v and +30 amp and is running fine (knock on wood).
I think I may need to update my batteries. I went looking for date stamps on my batteries and couldn't find anything. They are AGM, APEX brand. If my batteries were new, shouldn't I have 250 amp/hrs x 6 batteries =1500 amp hrs and then only 1/2 of that due to allowable discharge = 750 amp hrs ? If I have understood this correctly then I should, IF new, have about 25 hrs at the average draw of 30 amp/hr ?
I'm really interested in going to Lithium batteries if and when I change out, I'm just not sure I want to change the batteries until I know my recharge system is 100%.
The wife is not happy without some power.
After driving for about 8 hrs yesterday, I thought I would be fully charged again. I was boondocking for the night. I woke up with about 12.2 volts and pulling about 27 to 30 amps and at times only 18. Not sure what was cycling on and off. No HVAC, no water, occasional compressor every 1/2 hr to 45 minutes, mostly due to air usage not leaks. The refrigerator does run most the time.
This morning I started the generator and it ran for about 20 minutes showing 12.7 volts going in at 100 amps. then 12.9, then 13.0 then it began to stumble after about an hour. It died, I went out and reset the switch at the generator and it started back up. Then after about 15 minutes began to stumble again and I started the chassis engine and the generator stopped stumbling. After about an 1/2 hr I turned off the chassis engine off and let the generator carry the load. It stumbled about 10 minutes latter and died. I restarted everything and let it run for about 15 minutes, I shut the chassis engine off, and now 1/2 hr later, generator running only, the Magnum says float charge at 13.0 v and +30 amp and is running fine (knock on wood).
I think I may need to update my batteries. I went looking for date stamps on my batteries and couldn't find anything. They are AGM, APEX brand. If my batteries were new, shouldn't I have 250 amp/hrs x 6 batteries =1500 amp hrs and then only 1/2 of that due to allowable discharge = 750 amp hrs ? If I have understood this correctly then I should, IF new, have about 25 hrs at the average draw of 30 amp/hr ?
I'm really interested in going to Lithium batteries if and when I change out, I'm just not sure I want to change the batteries until I know my recharge system is 100%.
The wife is not happy without some power.
Dave, Karen, w/Buddy and Moose.
06' Newell #784
towing a 05' Featherlight enclosed trailer for toys and tools,
or a 21' F350
w KTM 300, and MTB in the back35' Packard 4 dr convertible
59' Nash Metropolitan
+ 4 more cars and 8 motorcycles
Carpe Diem. Have Fun
Tomorrow is not guaranteed.