Battery Types and Charging
Only similar batteries should be connected together in one bank.
Do not connect old and new batteries, or wet and gel cell batteries
together. Deep-cycle batteries are usually rated in Amp-hours,
which is based on a 20-hour discharge rate. Therefore, a 100 amp-
hour battery can deliver 5 amps for 20 hours. Deep-cycle batteries
can be discharged about 80% of capacity before damage occurs.
Shallow cycling (50%-60% drain before recharge) will result in
much longer battery life.
To find out how long your batteries will last when using various
equipment in your coach, research the amperage of the items in
use, and use that number to gauge what size amp-hour battery you
think you need. Keep in mind that you should recharge your
batteries when they are 50% discharged, so only half of the amp-
hour rating is actually used.
Completely charging wet cell deep-cycle batteries requires the
battery voltage to be raised beyond what is known as the gassing
point. This is the voltage at which the battery begins to bubble and
gas is given off. If charging stops short of this point, sulfate is left
on the plates and deterioration of the battery begins. The gassing
point will vary with battery temperature. At 77 degrees F, the
gassing point of a 12-volt battery is about 14.0 volts.
Monitor Panel
Your vehicle has an electrical panel that can provide you with
important information about various systems on the RV including
the condition of your batteries.
The panel is most often located above the stove or on the wall near
the stove. The monitor panel will give you information including:
•
How much potable (fresh) water remains.
•
How full your black (sewage) tank is.
•
How full your gray (waste water) tank is.
•
How much LP gas is in your LP tank.
•
How much charge your battery has.
The monitor panel may give a false reading on the waste tank
(black and gray) levels if those tanks have not been properly
flushed or recently cleaned.
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