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need education on batteries and inverter/charger

Yahoo Message Number: 78670
I'm just learning about our "new" 1997 Intrigue. We've had it about 2 1/2 months and I need to be educated about batteries and the inverter/charger.
I've gone back thru old posts and read a lot about batteries, but I would welcome comments about my specific situation.
The coach has 3 batteries that are all the same type. They are all Trojan batteries labelled "8DS - 1440 CA - 1150 CCA". Two of the batteries are connected in parallel. I guess those are the coach batteries. The other is hooked up separately. I guess that's the chassis battery.
The coach is equipped with a 2000VA inverter model Freedom 20 by Heart Interface.
I'm concerned whether this type of battery is proper for the coach battery bank. The manual for the inverter says "Do not use engine starting batteries of any kind with the inverter" and to "beware of any battery that is rated in Cold Cranking Amps, as this is a rating which applies only to engine starting batteries". Also the manual says to "beware of 8-D batteries which are commonly used for starting diesel engines, these batteries are often not deep-cycle." Did the previous owner trusted the wrong battery guy? What do you guys think? What kind of batteries do you use for the coach?
From reading the manual on the inverter, it appears that the unit charges the coach batteries when plugged into shore power, but it doesn't charge the chassis battery, right?
On occasion the chassis battery has been so low that I've had to "strap" the batteries together to start the engine. There's a button on the console to do that. This typically happens after a short (2 -3 weeks) period of non-use, so I don't know if I have a bad chassis battery or a drain or a bad alternator. The alternator gauge shows it is charging when the engine is running. All battery cables have been removed, cleaned and tightened and water levels checked so I don't think I have a problem there.

Information and suggestions would be much appreciated.

Thanks for your help.

Re: need education on batteries and inverter/charger

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 78681
Look at the data on the Trojan Battery web site to see what they say about your batteries. Normally, you are correct about CCA rating is an indication of a starting battery and not a deep cycle. Deep cycle batteries are normally rated by duration of a specific amp load.
As far as the condition of the batteries, do or get a load test done on the batteries. Sounds like they are wet cell. So, a specific gravity test on each cell can be done and that could identify a dead cell as well. You could have a bad cell in one of the batteries and it is causing a problem for the whole bank.

2-3 weeks is not unusual depending on what loads are on the batteries. Even with battery switches turned off there is always a small current draw.

Jim Hughes

2000 Allure #30511

Re: need education on batteries and inverter/charger

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 78712
I've had a 1996 Intrigue for about seven years and it has served us well. As these RVs come from the factory the inverter / charger does not charge the chassis battery. I believe my RV is set up exactly the same as yours, (three 8Ds and 2KW Heart Inverter / Charger.) I had the same issues with the chassis battery dropping when in storage and plugged in to shore power. For about $50 I added a product called a "Trick-L Charger." This is a small circuit about the size of a match box which bleeds a small charge from the house batteries to the chassis battery. After I installed the Trick-L, I have never had to clamp the house to chassis to start. The other change I've made is replacing the two 8Ds house batteries with six Trojan deep cycle 6 volters. I now have 675 AH house bank. I think once you learn the system and make some small adjustments you will find it to be a very fine robust system.

Don

Re: need education on batteries and inverter/charger

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 78714
Check out 'Battery Balance' in the "Files". There is so much out there, it will make you dizzy. Happy reading.

Gil B

'05 Inspire
51322
 

Re: need education on batteries and inverter/charger

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 78717
Don - Why not visit the Battery University here: http://batteryuniversity.com/ You'll find a very complete treatment of all kinds of batteries there. Discussions of lead-acid (flooded, sealed and AGM) are included covering deep cycle and starter types. Charging methods and techniques are also covered in detail. What you learn will help you make informed decisions. Good luck.

At 08:35 AM 4/21/2012, you wrote: