Battey Banks, how much is enough?/ Wash State WL get together.

[hsaddock]

Tony:
While I agree with you that a set of starting only batteries would
be better, most early through late 80's FC's were equipped with only
the 4 six volt bank in the front left and a separate battery in the
generator tray to start the generator. This configuration has
worked really quite well for the last 20-30 years for most FC
owners, especially if you spend the majority of your time where
shore power is available. It does require more thought regarding
battery management and care not to run your main bank down below its
ability to start the engine or you will have to wait for the
generator and chargers to re-charge your batteries. (shouldn't
anyway to prolong battery life) However, if you spend a lot of time
dry camping (especially if you camp off the beaten path) or if would
like a third level of battery redundancy, a starting battery is a
good addition. But as Frank stated, you give up storage space that
is MUCH needed on a FC33 and some of the folks who have "stuck" the
starting OR extra main batteries in a lower compartment have not
done so with a lot of planning. This could lead to a number of
problems – 1) lead/acid batteries give off hydrogen, especially as
they re-charge – very explosive - if kept in a closed environment
and an ignition source becomes present (compartment light switch,
match, items clanging around in the compartment) big explosion –
these batteries really need to be kept in a location with free air
movement, 2) how do you keep them watered if they are way back in a
compartment, 3) how do you connect them to the coach electrical
system – they need to be recharged via the alternator but isolated
from the rest of the batteries or you will not have any redundancy
as they will all go dead together. (In your case, I would not leave
the battery selector switch in the both position as normal operation
as both banks will go dead together defeating the primary reason for
having separate banks)

All this said, I would like to install a set of starting batteries
(a third battery bank) as I do a fair amount of dry camping and
would like assurance that I can start the coach whenever I want to
if I mess-up and run the main battery bank too low. I would
appreciate any info you can share on how your starting bank is
installed especially if it address's items 1,2 &3 above. Thanks!

Harry Saddock
83FC35
South Windsor, CT


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Anthony Louis Pawley
wrote:
>
> Ahhhh, but I disagree strongly my fellow FC33 colleague. This
is the first I've heard of FC's only having 6 volt batteries. My
FC33 has four 6 volts, and one 12volt 8D battery. I really like
this set up. Above the four 6 volts in the left front compartment
thee is a selector switch for either side, or both, which I usually
leave on the latter.
>
> Its helped, and saved my ass a few times. When I bought my WL
in 2003, litle did I know, but the batteries(along with alot of
other things) were on their last legs. It didn't help when the
alternator went out when I was living in Flagstaff, but having that
extra 8D on the right front compartment sure has helped.
>
> By the Way, does anyone on the list know who owneed my coach
previously? I bought it in Mt. Vernon, Wash. and the dealer said
the couple lived in Blaine. I know there is a couple here on the
list who have a FC35 and live in Blaine, would they or anyone else
in Wa State have a clue? The FMCA plate on the front is in the low
forty thousand digit if that helps.
>
> Also to Jon "Bremerton Rebel Bird", and Dave Beatty. I would
very much like to mmet you guya at the Tokeland get together, but I
already have that weekend tentatively planned for Colo Springs
unfortunately. Haven't decided whether to take the whole week off
and drive the Bird out there or just fly yet, but I really regret
not making it out to the coast to see you guys!
>
> Have a good one!!!!
>
> Sincerely, Tony Pawley
> 1979 FC33 with 3208T
> FullTimin' it in Ballard for two and a
half years now!
> Frank wrote:
>
> In my mind
> it
> would be a waste of battery capacity to dedicate a pair of batts
> to
> soley engine start.
>
> frank
> 85FC33
> Woodbridge, va.
>
>
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