Not enough battery capacity with 4 6V batteries

[garym114]

Just because you have that many lights doesn't mean you have to have them all on.

[Dunner]

The most I saw out of my Parallax 55A converter was ~13.6V. I'm gonna try using one of my Smart chargers the next trip to see if I get a better, longer lasting charge.

[Mr_D]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dunner My understanding is that to "equalize" means to stir up the electrolyte. Me thinks just driving a MH would be enough, but what do I know?

Not according to the manufacturers. It also de-sulphates (removes the deposits) from the plates, which driving won't do.

[Dunner]

I really hate to "equalize" batteries. It seems undue stress on them. The "Smart" charger due here next Wednesday has both. Gonna have to read up on what they and the manufacturer of the batteries say.

[Shadowcatche]

Conservation is indeed the name of the game. I provided the marine LED light fixtures that went into the building of our trailer. I also opted out of having a Fantastic Fan installed and used two three speed computer case fans. I also am using an Eberspacher diesel heater and I am working on the design of a small motor powered AC unit.
My situation is different as the trailer is small but the principle is the same.

One other big issue is that batteries in a bank must be virtually identical, same age same manufacturer same AH. This comes in the Peukert's Law category, internal resistance varies as batteries age. The way around this is by having separate battery banks that you can switch between.

[Dunner]

Keep us informed on how that goes. The diesel generator sounds interesting.

[jauguston]

There are several incorrect assumptions in post #33.

[BryanL]

re: "I really hate to "equalize" batteries. It seems undue stress on them."

An equalization charge is an intentional overcharge for the purpose of equalizing the charge level in all cells in a battery. The classic version requires careful battery monitoring including hydrometry which gets into significant hazmat territory. Equalization is needed only when battery charging is weak and often insufficient for a full and complete charge. That is why it is most often seen in solar power forums.

In RV usage where the batteries get connected to grid with a decent battery charger and maintainer, given 8 to 12 hours for a full and complete charge, then provided with a storage maintenance charge that implements a sulfation inhibiting technique, equalization charges are not needed.

A classic equalization charge will mix up the electrolyte like any vigorous charge will and will reverse some sulfation as that is what battery charging does. In the classic version, it also does as any overcharge does and tend to enhance plate shedding and electrolyte loss.

Note that Progressive Dynamics refers to their periodic charge bump as an equalization charge. The thing is that it is for only a very short period so all it does is to mix things up a bit, inhibiting sulfation, and assure a full charge, again inhibiting sulfation.

re: "There are several incorrect assumptions in post #33." -- I'll call. IMHO it does no service in these discussions to make vague statements that tend more towards the person than towards the issue. If you think a correct assumption is made, quote the part of message you see as making the assumption and explain why it is incorrect. Then we can all learn.

[jauguston]

I framed my post that way so that some that care might want to check further to determine if the provided information is in fact correct. If I give you my opinion of why I believe some of it is incorrect it has no more value than the OP. If you take the time to verify one way or the other whether it is right yourself you will have information you can trust.

Jim

[Shadowcatche]

And what do you feel is incorrect?