Boondocking

[Scheinin]

I am running off my 4 six volt batteries while boondocking. I have a number of questions that I am hoping others with 36CKTS can assist:

1. When fully charged my batteries read 12.8 volts. After using about 12 hours, the idiot lights show 3 lit, 2/3 charged. The reading off my lippert control panel says 11.9 volts. What should the reading show for 50% battery charge?

2. I have a residential refrigerator which uses a 1000 watt inverter while on battery power. When I turn on my 5.5 kilowatt generator to charge the battery do I need to turn off the inverter which has an automatic transfer control?

3. With those with the same set-up, how long do I need to run the generator to fully charge the batteries from 50%?

4. Finally, how long can I expect the generator to run off of a 30 pound propane tank?

Thank you in advance for your assistance.

[spock123]

Originally Posted by Scheinin

I am running off my 4 six volt batteries while boondocking. I have a number of questions that I am hoping others with 36CKTS can assist:



1. When fully charged my batteries read 12.8 volts. After using about 12 hours, the idiot lights show 3 lit, 2/3 charged. The reading off my lippert control panel says 11.9 volts. What should the reading show for 50% battery charge?



2. I have a residential refrigerator which uses a 1000 watt inverter while on battery power. When I turn on my 5.5 kilowatt generator to charge the battery do I need to turn off the inverter which has an automatic transfer control?



3. With those with the same set-up, how long do I need to run the generator to fully charge the batteries from 50%?



4. Finally, how long can I expect the generator to run off of a 30 pound propane tank?



Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Look at 12 volt side of life. At 11.9 it is at 40%.


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[Scheinin]

[QUOTE=spock123;1264796]Look at 12 volt side of life. At 11.9 it is at 40%.

I don't understand. If a 12 volt battery puts out 12 volts, how can a drop of .1 volts be over 50% of the battery power. Where can i verify this?

[NMWildcat]

I believe Spock was saying to google '12 volt side of life'. That site should answer all your questions about 12 volt.

[Scheinin]

Thank you, I will do that.

[wanderer69]

The 12volt Side of Life (Part 1) part 1

The 12volt Side of Life Part 2 part 2

Above are the links for "The 12 Volt Side of Life.

If you really want to make life easy while boondocking, install solar. I did this winter and it was the best purchase I've made for my 36CKTS. Only time I run the generator is to use the microwave and once when it was cloudy and raining for 3 days.

[spock123]

I plan to install solar as soon as I learn how to install it on my camper. I plan to use my microwave without running the generator


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[Campingnut]

The generator will use approximately this much propane: No load 1.8lb/h, Half load 3.3lb/h, and Full load 4.6lb/h. Yes it is on the high side but it is a propane generator.

As mentioned solar is the way to go if boondocking.

[Flybob]

Here is a good chart.