Batterry drains on XLR Viper

[sberard]

Hi there,

Looking for a few opinions before I start trouble shooting this problem that I'm experiencing with my 2013 305V12. Had this unit only a few months when I decided to hook up a set of cdn tire "Natulus" group 27 Batteries. I do alot of boondocking with it, and I prefer not to listen to the generator all day long. Problem is these marine batteries claim they have 100 amp hours each with reserve. I go to bed at night in the mountains and with nothing else running other than the furnace (except that blue XLR light in the switch panel) they won't even last the night. Sucks having to get up, boost the RV off the truck just to start the generator to have a cup of java.

Opinions? anyone else draining batteries overnight? Guessing one or both of these batteries might be bad, only thing that seems to make sense.

[bikendan]

furnaces are the biggest power drains of anything on a RV.
plus there are a number of other power drains, that you don't see.
i don't think 100 amp hours is that good.

i think you should go to two 6v golf cart batteries.

[KMP44]

Originally Posted by bikendan

furnaces are the biggest power drains of anything on a RV.
plus there are a number of other power drains, that you don't see.
i don't think 100 amp hours is that good.

i think you should go to two 6v golf cart batteries.

The whole 6V vs 12V debate is topic unto itself - but just going to 6V doesn't automatically increase your amp hour reserve. There are some other benefits from the 6's, but we have had good luck with two 100AH 12V batteries wired in parallel.

Its the capacity of the batteries, regardless of voltage that is going to make the difference. Having 2 batteries at 100AH each is about what you would get from a similar pair of 200AH 6 volt batteries in series. Not sure what model furnace you have, but typical draw is probably 8-9 amps. And that is a big drain.

If your Nautilus batteries are by Exide, they make several types under that name, including deep cycle, cranking, and combination. Seems confusing that they do that, and now most deep cycles seem to have CCA ratings, which is also confusing when you are trying to find a true deep cyle. The type of battery and the age/condition will impact how much usable energy you get.

If you have a meter, it would be worth checking the draw when the furnace is on. Knowing that would get you to a maximum theoretical run time to compare to what you actually get.

[KaDaIdeas]

Hey I hear ya. Have noticed the original battery (smaller Interstate) seemed to discharge quicker than my thinking. However, currently using a bigger marine battery (size 31, group 94 I believe will have to check) and really have had no total battery drain through a night of boondocking. That is with the blue XLR light (laughing) in galley, a 12v fan, and two CPAP machines. Now, that is with it being charged, while driving, during the day. Have night boondocked two days in a row only not long term as of yet. Plus the 'other' boondocking we have done required the AC so generator was running so a different scenario. Definitely do use the master disconnect when RV sits over a week. Because if not, will have to connect to TV to start generator. Pain? ... yes but has not be unrecoverable as of yet. Have always had TV to start, LOL. Additionally, the original battery is kept in tray. Connected when driving (charging by TV) then quickly disconnected when hooked to shore or boondocked. So it is a 'reserved' source but not continuously used. Just because I have no other use for it. Does more good as a tag along than staying at home.

KaDa Ideas
2007 Chevy 2500HD, 6.0 "Joe"
2013 XLR Viper 305V16 "Debbie"
2008 XL1200C "Mater"
2006 XL883L "Tater"

[Great Horned Owl]

The fan it the furnace will always be a big drain. You might consider adding a ventless heater that uses no electricity at all.

Be aware, that some of them need an oxygen sensor and will not operate at altitudes over about 5500 ft. The Olympic Wave series from Camco will work at high altitudes.

Joel

[XLRViper305V16]

I had the same issue. It ended up being the battery charger / converter was not charging fully.