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We’ve had some problems with habitation batteries running down and I’d like some advice/opinions from those with more knowledge than I have – which will include just about everyone!
We have 2 x 110 amp batteries, have no TV. Batteries are used mainly for lighting (all LED); a 12v computer cooling fan that’s on intermittently to cool the fridge (but seems to be on quite a bit); tanking up mobile phone (3) and kindle (1) batteries; and the laptop, though I do that very seldom now.
We’ve been on the road over 4 months, most of that off EHU, and most of the time we don’t travel a whole lot of miles and sometimes very few. I know our style of motorhoming doesn’t do the batteries any favours, but I’m wondering – given that this is the style of travelling we like – how can we best maintain battery life – would we be better with a Sterling B2B charger, or with a solar panel?
To give you an idea of just how bad we’ve been to the batteries recently, here’s a breakdown of our previous 3 weeks or so [km travelled in bold, followed by the (ensuing days stayed put), in brackets. So 150km (3) means we travelled 150k then stayed in the one place for 3 days.] We don’t normally travel quite such short distances but we’re so enjoying the region we’re in (Lauragais-Revel-Sorezois) we don’t want to move much!
At the end of this the 12v cut out and the habitation battery showed amber on the green/amber/red scale. I ran the engine for half an hour and it went back to green. But it knocked itself off around 8am next morning. We’ve spent 24hrs on a site on EHU so I expect we’ll be good to go for another while. We are going to have to move north soon so our dilly-dallying will come to an end.
As a matter of interest, how many km, or miles, should we be travelling to keep the battery topped up, if we’ve no other input?
For that type of touring, I'd recommend a B2B, as even at engine idle speed, the unit will charge at a rate of 50 amps.
Although we do have a 70 watt solar panel (4 amps max), it isn't enough to keep the 3 x 100 amp batteries charged up, nor is the alternator at low daily mileages. That's where the B2B comes into it's own.
For example, after a long weekend away using a laptop, TV, Satellite receiver, blown heating, etc, etc, we can be fully recharged by the time we arrive home, ie, a two hour journey. We are very pleased with ours.
HTH,
Jock.
______________________________________________________________ For "Our Mavis."
... after a long weekend away using a laptop, TV, Satellite receiver, blown heating, etc, etc, we can be fully recharged by the time we arrive home, ie, a two hour journey.
Is it the miles covered or the time travelling that charges the battery?
Be careful though, before forking out on a b2b. Modern alternators charge with a higher voltage then old ones, putting more current in, and so making a b2b less of an improvement .
... after a long weekend away using a laptop, TV, Satellite receiver, blown heating, etc, etc, we can be fully recharged by the time we arrive home, ie, a two hour journey.
Is it the miles covered or the time travelling that charges the battery?
As PaulW2 posted, it's the time running. We met a chap on a stellplatz in Germany who had just fitted his, and his short daily hop from stellplatz to stellplatz was enough to keep him fully charged, and when he didn't move for a day or two, he ran the engine whilst stationary for about 20 - 30 mins.
Our MH is a 99 model, so probably an old style alternator.
Before the B2B was fitted, even after a four hour journey home, the MH would need hook up, to fully recharge the batteries, and even then it would still take anywhere from 12 - 24 hours to complete the charging process.
Cheers,
Jock.
______________________________________________________________ For "Our Mavis."
I am surprised that you have had problems with your batteries while doing that kind of driving, stopping with the usage you have given them.
I would think that you have a battery or charging problem.
I'm with Jez on this one. You should have "roughly" 110 amps at your disposal, using it quickly seems way over the top for what you say you have connected. I would have thought that from full, you would get about a weeks use out of them.
Are you using an Inverter to charge the phones / kindle / laptop or do you use a 12v cigarette lighter type charger?
I agree with previous 2 posters. Before doing anything I would get your batteries checked out with a load tester and check the alternator/split charge relay is actually charging at all.
Trevor
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Italy
For "Our Mavis."
