Batteries-hydrometer reading.

[paty]

I tested the two batteries and the reading came up in each cell as between 1225 and 1250, also read Fair.

Can I depend on my batteries (Interstate) for awhile? No corrosion. Both look brand new/clean. They are 4 years old.

[RJay]

Hi Paty,
This is from the Trojan Battery Company on specific gravity tests. Before you give up on the batteries try equalizing them.

[Kurmudgeon]

Quote:

Originally Posted by paty Can I depend on my batteries (Interstate) for awhile?

You probably can as long as they're not starting batteries. If they're your house batteries they may work for a long time yet, but you'll notice the lights won't be quite as bright and your water pump won't run as fast. Being a DC motor, low voltage is not going to hurt it or the lights though. But you probably shouldn't try to run the refrigerator. If they're weak, the fridge will drain them very quickly.

[ralper]

To properly test with a hydrometer you should have a temperature compensating hydrometer. No more expensive to buy but harder to find. I found mine on the internet.

[paty]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ralper To properly test with a hydrometer you should have a temperature compensating hydrometer. No more expensive to buy but harder to find. I found mine on the internet.

Have a compensating hydrometer. Just lucked out that is what I purchased, as at that time I didn't know about temp. compensating.

If shopping for one online Google EZRed.

Lifetime warranty.

[paty]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kurmudgeon You probably can as long as they're not starting batteries. If they're your house batteries they may work for a long time yet, but you'll notice the lights won't be quite as bright and your water pump won't run as fast. Being a DC motor, low voltage is not going to hurt it or the lights though. But you probably shouldn't try to run the refrigerator. If they're weak, the fridge will drain them very quickly.

House batteries. And yep, am running the fridge off of them also

[Dave78Chief]

Just to be sure,
You are positive the batteries were fully charged prior to the mesurement correct? Like indicated in the Table on the Trojan site, those numbers indicate approximately 80% capacity. Is that due to not being fully charged or the most they can accept?

Dave

[paty]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RJay Hi Paty, This is from the Trojan Battery Company on specific gravity tests. Before you give up on the batteries try equalizing them.

Don't have a charger. I understand not all chargers have an equalization setting, which one needs.

Interesting articles...thanks!!

[paty]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave78Chief Just to be sure, You are positive the batteries were fully charged prior to the mesurement correct? Like indicated in the Table on the Trojan site, those numbers indicate approximately 80% capacity. Is that due to not being fully charged or the most they can accept? Dave

No to your first question. I was new to RVs when I had to make one my home. Batteries came with it. As I stated in another reply, I do not have a charger with equalization settings (or a charger at all). Batteries are trickle charged via being on A/C electricity full time. Yes saw the table. Unless a charger was made available, I guess I'll have to accept 80%.

[Dave78Chief]

Many later model converters have 3 stage charging capability. Are you able to determine what converter you have?

Dave

[Ray,IN]

That is not unusual for the low-end converter/chargers. They will not charge at a rate to "top-off" a battery charge. You might borrow a battery charger that will re-charge your batteries to a full charge. Pull the negative cable to protect sensitive electronics. Battery Basics might help explain things. An equalization charge is nothing more than leaving the charger running for a few hours longer than reaching full-charge as read by your hydrometer.

[paty]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave78Chief Many later model converters have 3 stage charging capability. Are you able to determine what converter you have? Dave

Much info on the panel. Anything specific I should look for, to determine what converter I have?

[Dave78Chief]

Not sure who Keyystone used for their AC/DC distribution panel and 12VDC converter. Could be Progressive Dynamics, WFCO, or Parallax to name just a few. As you can see here BestConverter - Converters, Inverters, Electrical Supplies, Electronics there are a lot of possibilities. Would need to know what converter manufacture and model number you have in order to say what abilities you have. The owners manual at the Keystone site did not list the information.

Dave

[paty]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave78Chief Not sure who Keyystone used for their AC/DC distribution panel and 12VDC converter. Could be Progressive Dynamics, WFCO, or Parallax to name just a few. As you can see here BestConverter - Converters, Inverters, Electrical Supplies, Electronics there are a lot of possibilities. Would need to know what converter manufacture and model number you have in order to say what abilities you have. The owners manual at the Keystone site did not list the information. Dave

Keystone is pretty mum,on most of their RV info.

Ok Converter info. (Possibly more than needed)

World Friendship Co., LTD
Model WF-8955AN w/Plastic
Power Converter with panel 70VF

Electrical Rating:
Panel Input 120VAC
60Hz 30am
Converter Input 105-130 VAC, 950 watts
Output 13.6 VDC
55 Amp including charging and load.