Battery life while dry camping

[John Churchill]

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Eric Perplies" wrote:
>
> If I am slightly careful I can get by with running the generator once a day
for 2 hours +/-. I don't like being careful, so I usually charge the batteries
twice a day for 1 to 3 hours.
>
> To determine how long you can go with your lifestyle and batteries you have
you must monitor the voltage on your batteries. In a hyper condensed summary:
You don't want to have the capacity drop below 50%. When you are dry camping
monitor your batteries several times a day with a digital voltmeter. When you
hit the 50% charge level it's time to recharge your batteries. (It's 12.05
volts on my AGM batteries.) If you keep doing this you will eventually learn
what your recharging point should be, which will depending on your lifestyle and
battery capacity.
>
> Note: This issue is MUCH more complicated that this. You should research
this issue. It is quite uncomfortable to live on your batteries and not know if
you are abusing them. Here's a couple of links:
>
> http://www.phrannie.org/battery.html
> http://www.amplepower.com/primer/index.html
>
> Incidentally, in the future it would be helpful if you sign your post along
with the year and type of coach you drive. Some people may know you but likely
most do not. It's often hard to respond without that information.
>
> Eric Perplies
> 96' 42' WBWL
> currently in Gallup, NM

I always enjoy spending other people's money, so if you really wanrt to know
about your batteries, there are pretty high tech monitoring systems available
incorporating charger/inverter and monitor. Xantrex is one brand name.

John Churchill
1980 FC33
Sanibel FL
>