Community Forums

htg3 · 01-29-2006, 06:05 PM

Has anyone done an equalizing charge on their batteries? Is it as scary as the manual makes it sound? Apparently there are many CB's and fuses that need to be pulled so that you don't fry anything.
Does it equalise the chassis batteries as well?
Thanks.

htg3 · 01-29-2006, 06:05 PM

Has anyone done an equalizing charge on their batteries? Is it as scary as the manual makes it sound? Apparently there are many CB's and fuses that need to be pulled so that you don't fry anything.
Does it equalise the chassis batteries as well?
Thanks.

Indio · 01-30-2006, 01:15 PM

Harvey:

I run the equalizing cycle on a monthly basis, unless I forget, which is often. All I do is switch off both the dis-connects, one in the battery compartment, and the other in the door well. In addition I make sure the water level is up on all cells, and leave the caps open for expansion. It takes six to eight hours for it to go through the entire cycle. I notice that after doing this I am able to maintain the the entire coach for almost twenty four hours without having to start up the gen set. I never read the book, but this procedure was related to me by another Alpine owner, and I have used it for two years wihtout any problems. Hope this is of help.

Take care...... and you should make the Borrego Springs rally.

Walt

SteveS · 01-31-2006, 05:57 PM

The manuals recommend about once per year. I do it at least once per year and sometimes twice. I don't disconnect the house and chassis switches and have never had a problem. Make sure there is enough water in the cells, but not too much because it will overflow.

lundy · 02-01-2006, 05:08 AM

When equalizing, do you have to do anything about the auto watering system? Battery boiling does not seem like a good thing for the system.

sandy1 · 02-01-2006, 11:19 AM

i was looking through all my papers and i can't find anything about doing an equalizer charge. what is the procedure. I assume it is to ballance all of the house batteries. also will it effect the roof solar panels. i can't find any disconnect for them. 2 50 watt installed by factory.

2001 34fdds

Dale777 · 02-01-2006, 04:02 PM

Assuming you have the Xantrex control panel, then you can download the charger/inverter or control panel manual at this link: http://www.xantrex.com/web/id/88/p/d.../7/product.asp

Dale
2001 Alpine Coach 38FDDS

SteveS · 02-02-2006, 11:17 AM

Sandy - Just briefly, equalizing the batteries is a process to minimize the sulfate that forms on the plates of the batteries. The sulfate 'blocks' the battery's ability of receiving a full charge and supplying energy at its rated capacity. The inverter systems usually do this by charging the batteries at a higher than normal level, causing excessive boiling, which causes the sulfates to come off the battery plates (cells). Sulfates form on the cells primarily as a result of the batteries being low on charge for an extended period of time, or allowed to discharge too deep. If the batteries are always maintained at float (fully charged) level, equalization is usually not needed because the cells have not sulfated. Equalizing too frequently is not good for batteries because of the extra stress and heat it puts on them, and more 'junk' comes off the cells and falls to the bottom of the battery where enough 'build up' can cause internal shorts.