Residential fridges

[Pete Masterson]

OK... I do concede that the batteries were, no doubt, likely to have been seriously abused by the dealers. Indeed, the former owner mentioned that when he left the dealer (in Oregon) who accepted the trade, that "every light was left on" and it was not hooked up to shore power. 

I observe that the dealer (Mr. Oliver's) who had the coach when I bought it, does keep every coach on his lot attached to shore power. (Indeed, he 'grumbled' about the cost of electricity during our conversations.)

It's been a while since I went through the Link 2000R manual -- but I originally found the system in "default" mode after taking delivery -- and it took me an additional 4 months, or so, to figure out how the Link controller worked. (What with every thing else I was learning about the beast.) I carefully followed the instructions to set the Link controller for AGM batteries. The only significant difference I see is that the float voltage as shown on the display went to 12.95 volts vs. 13.5 volts in the default setting. The only parameter (necessary) that was changed was AGM vs. wet cell. 

I've subsequently found the information booklet for the AGM batteries  and I see what you're referring to. Now, I'm wondering why the Link controller is charging at such a low voltage, since at current ambient temperatures the float voltage should be about 14.6 instead of 12.9 <sigh> ... I guess I'll have to go back to the Link controller materials and try to figure it out.

I guess my main point is, as a practical matter, the 6 large batteries I have do not power my coach for very long before the voltage drops quite significantly, causing concern that battery damage will soon follow. Apparently, the major draw is from the home-style 22 cu ft, 1995 model two door, side-by side Amana refrigerator.f

For whatever reason, as received, the batteries didn't seem to be holding their charge very well. However, the replacements aren't significantly better.

Pete Masterson

'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42

El Sobrante CA

"aeonix1@mac.com"

On Feb 6, 2008, at 7:07 PM, Don Bradner wrote:

Pete, I note that in the past you've said similar things, and suggested they were the reason your batteries were shot when you purchased your Bird.

Having purchased a new RV in the past with shot batteries I understand that is not uncommon to find bad batteries at purchase. Salesmen are very poor at leaving coaches hooked up, and they routinely run the batteries to full discharge (10.5 volts or so); no battery likes that very much. Your coach sat on at least two lots prior to your purchase, and that's a possible explanation, but not charge voltages.

I think if you review the Link 2000 manual you will find that what you quote below is AGM float at 120 degrees, and Liquid float at 70 degrees. Apples and Oranges.

At 70 degrees, Wet-Cells are 13.5, and AGM 13.3. At 80 degrees they float at an identical 13.1. Nowhere is there enough difference to damage an AGM with wet-cell settings, and AGM manufacturers generally don't make strenuous pleas for owners to have programmable controllers - the difference will at most be a small amount of battery life.

Don Bradner

90 PT40 "Blue Thunder"

Posting today by satellite with AGM power in Quartzsite, letting the voltage drop to 11.9 before charging (by choice)

On 2/6/2008 at 5:34 PM Pete Masterson wrote:

Nope... AGMs must be charged at a lower voltage to avoid damage. I  

note that the Link 2000R would float at about 13.5 volts with the wet  

cell setting, but floats at 12.9 volts with the AGMs. (The charging  

rate is preprogramed -- you simply (well, it's not _that_ simple) set  

the kind (wet, AGM, gel cell) and the battery size (amp hour rating)  

into the controller and it chooses to do whatever it is it does.)

The dual inverters in my coach have 4 breakers that control what they  

serve. I've not gone to the trouble to figure out what each breaker  

serves individually.

I can see the advantage of having a smaller, true sine wave (my  

inverters are modified sine wave, which is less efficient for the  

refrigerator) dedicated to the refrigerator.

While parked in Oregon, I checked temperatures in the refrigerator  

during the day (when the generator was unusable) and it took about 6  

hours for the interior to get into the 'danger' zone on the  

refrigerator thermometer I use.

Pete Masterson

'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42

El Sobrante CA

"aeonix1@mac.com"

On Feb 6, 2008, at 4:56 PM, Ross MacKillop wrote:

Hi Pete,

Aren't the charger settings for AGM the same as  Lead/acid.? (not  

like Gel)

The new 450 LXi has a single smaller inverter for the fridge (1500  

true sine wave.) I turn the 2, 3600 watt ones off and turn the  

fridge down(really up) for night.

Ross

Palm Desert

..<snip>

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