House batteries

[BarryD0706]

Originally Posted by kittyskeeper

Doesn't 200 amp/hrs mean 10 amps for 20 hours or another way would be 1 amp for 200 hours??

No, because of something called the Peukert effect. The amp-hour capacity is reduced at higher currents. (See graph below.) That is why it is common to quote the amp draw when stating amp-hours (often done at 20).

[garbonz]

Originally Posted by BarryD0706

No, because of something called the Peukert effect. The amp-hour capacity is reduced at higher currents. (See graph below.) That is why it is common to quote the amp draw when stating amp-hours (often done at 20).

X2. Thus at 10 amps for 20 hours which is where they are tested, they would have 200 amp hours. at lower discharge rates they would have slightly more, and higher they would have less.

Good battery monitors have this programmed in so they can give us an actual % used or remaining.

Also, be careful if you keep them plugged in to the house charger as that may force some water out and need to be replentish. Better to unplug them and just charge em up every month or so. or use a battery maintainer which will not cause this problem.

[Lizmcmillan]

We have 2002 Windsong. We can't tell if our batteries are 6 volt or 12 volt. Is there a way to tell?

[Maddog378]

If you have 2 each 12 volt batteries, and one battery has a bad cell or short, you should still have a full 12 volts in the other battery, provided you catch it early enough to keep both batteries from being drawn down to less than 10 volts. But with 2 each 6 volt batteries, if one battery dies or loses a cell, you would be down to 10 volts or less, and only one battery would only provide 6 volts, not enough to start the generator or run the slide motors. What am I missing? Sure, 2 each 6 volts gives you more amps, but a problem with either battery (or cables) and your voltage might be too low to operate most 12 volt accessories. Help me figures this out, as my 12 volts are getting a little old.

[Mikegjax]

If you have 3 filler openings (ports) it is a 6 volt. 6 filler openings it is a 12 volt.

[VinceU]

Originally Posted by Mikegjax

If you have 3 filler openings (ports) it is a 6 volt. 6 filler openings it is a 12 volt.

Careful sealed batteries = no caps! Better to measure voltage...

[mogman]

I leave the mh plugged in to the house when we are not on the road. So far this year I've put 3/4 gallon of distilled water in the 2x 12v batteries. I check them every 2 months.

[BarryD0706]

Originally Posted by mogman

I leave the mh plugged in to the house when we are not on the road. So far this year I've put 3/4 gallon of distilled water in the 2x 12v batteries. I check them every 2 months.

Wow. I suggest you read this post (and other earlier experiments by this gentleman): http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...tml#post482734

I suggest that you either upgrade your Converter to a Progressive Dynamics, or unplug your MH except for about a day a month.

[Mikegjax]

VinceU,
Your are correct. I must have had a flashback to my younger years.

[VinceU]

Originally Posted by Mikegjax

VinceU,
Your are correct. I must have had a flashback to my younger years.

Ha me too 1953 once equaled 3 caps- 1954 on was high voltage- 6 caps 12 volts!