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RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> Boondocking, Solar Power, and Related Items -> Another Battery Question
Post Info TOPIC: Another Battery Question
Cowdog353


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Another Battery Question
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I have two interstate 6v batteries of unknown condition with 280 watts of solar thru a trimetic sc3020 and I'am trying to check system out.. Mainly battery condition. I started with freshly charged batteries this morning and started a single serve coffee pot drawing 88a DC which ran for about 3 min total . The trimetic started at 100% charge and 12.8v. After the coffee pot run it showed 98%charge and 12.8v . During the brew time the voltage dropped to 11.2v. There was no other load on the batteries other than 1 led light and the inverter itself. My question is. Does anyone think that the voltage drop while brewing was excessive? This was done before any sunlight was available to panels. I just brewed another cup. Same results dropped % full to 96 from 98% I do not have a load tester so this is my only means of testing. I am thinking the batteries are weak? Will be heading to Yellowstone for camp host position and site will not have electric so I want to have the solar providing as much as possible, I will have a genset for back up but do not want to run it very much if possible. Anyone's thoughts would be appreciated . Thanks

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PIEERE


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You can purchase a low cost battery load tester for about $29.95 from Harbor Freight or Pittsburgh tools! Hold the load on in for about 10 seconds at full charge! If it doesn't come back to 12+ volts withing 15-30 seconds most likely they need replaced. Also if the acid/water level is below the plates they may have shorted!

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LarryW21


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“so I want to have the solar providing as much as possible”

Not the right plan IMO. Revise to “I want my solar system to recharge all my batteries fully everyday the sun shines for five to six hours.” Install a system sufficient to do so after an energy use survey tells you what you need. Then multiply by 1.5.

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Cowdog353


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Maybe my question got lost in my rambling.
My question is: Does anyone think the voltage drop was excessive considering the small amp draw for relatively short amount of time.
Any thoughts?
Thanks

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Rickl


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It may help if you identified the coffee pot amp draw which is posted somewhere on the machine. As you state in your original post, your batteries started at 12.8 and when the coffee cycle finished they where were back at 12.8 volt. The coffee pot obviously will draw down but without knowing more info it’s really an assumption if 11.2 is ok or there may be issues with your batteries. The suggestion of having a load test done on the batteries would be a good starting point in my opinion. 



-- Edited by Rickl on Friday 4th of May 2018 06:59:10 AM

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Cowdog353


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The "boiler plate" indicated 1000 watts at 120 v. But that does not really mean it pulls 1000watts. Real draw was about 6.5 a with the inverter drawing another amp or so. Guess I am missing something. Why do I need to buy and use a load tester when what I did put a load on the batteries. The Trimetic meter told me the total amp draw on the batteries which included the coffee pot and the inverter, ( everything else was off). It also told me the starting voltage and the voltage during the draw down and the voltage afterwards.
Not trying to be a smart a$$ but what am I missing ?
I guess I was looking for someone that could or would just give me an opinion.
Thanks for the input., I do appreciate it.
Jim

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