Question on AGS, automatic generator start

[Wooder]

So I use the AGS on our Tiffin 2021 37BH, great tool. My question is, it comes on about 11.4 volts to start to recharge batteries, will it shut off at predetermined point, and stay in AGS mode so if needed again thru out night it is set, as so I don’t get up at night to reset it, or do I need to get up, or wake my wife to do it?

[Ricci]

Hi - Definitely have your wife do it and post the audio of her response. ;>). More seriously if you do not start the generator manually the setting should be held, so you won't need medical care or a lawyer when you wake her.


Tom

[Warhorse6]

Only exception is if your fuel level drops below 1/4 of the tank.

[Lt Dan]

Originally Posted by Wooder

So I use the AGS on our Tiffin 2021 37BH, great tool. My question is, it comes on about 11.4 volts to start to recharge batteries, will it shut off at predetermined point, and stay in AGS mode so if needed again thru out night it is set, as so I don’t get up at night to reset it, or do I need to get up, or wake my wife to do it?

IMO I would change that start voltage to about 12.0-12.1 volts. At 11.4 the batteries might not have enough juice to start the generator since that's only about 15% SOC. It will run for the preset amount of time then it will restart when the voltage drops back to minimum.

[alank]

My settings are to start the generator at about the 70% charge voltage and then shut it off at the full charge rate knowing that when the generator shuts off at near the 12.6V point, the battery may not actually be fully charged, but not running the generator for extended periods of time trying to get that last little bit of full charge before it shuts off. Getting to the 95% area is just fine.

Don't know if my thinking on the subject is the best, really haven't been able to find any specific information on what the settings should be to maintain best battery condition.

[rgwarren718]

Hi

I have my Phaeton for over ten years now. I have always set it to automatically go on at 12 volts. I have it run for a hour then shut off. We were down in Galveston Texas when they had a hard freeze a few years back. RV resort lost power for 4 days. Had the generator set up like I mentioned and just let it do its thing. All was fine.

[Wooder]

Thank you for the imput to all that gives me good information, it is now, from when we bought new set st 11.4 to start, I will change to 12v to start.
I will consider, on a case by case on whether to disturb my wife! Thanks sgain

[jaydee325]

Many times, people overlook that a battery under load will show a lower voltage than at no load steady state charge. For example, I've seen 11.6 VDC with a significant load on the inverter and when the loads were shed (turned off) battery voltage recoverd to 12.4 VDC. Certainly acceptable.

My Magnum owners manual suggests 11.5 for AGS. I've had that value suggested my several people who know way more about it an I. That is where mine is set (11.5 VDC).

I'm talking FLA batteries here and that is the batteries referenced in the chart above. LIFEPO batteries are a whole different discussion.

[Tony Ramirez]

"LIFEPO batteries are a whole different discussion."

You've got that right!!! More like ~12.9 or so.

I want to be a fly on the wall when the OP tells his wife it's her job to monitor the batts all night. I can imagine what it would be like if I said that to my wife.

[alank]

One thing to consider is the voltage that the inverter shuts OFF at, due to low voltage. My manual says my inverter will shut off when the batteries get down to about 10V, (9 to 12V) after a 1 min. delay, so my batteries won't become totally depleted. It shuts off immediately if the battery voltage drops to 8.5V. So, my start voltage is set at 12.4V for some safety margin, 12.2 would also be fine.

You'll just have to check the specifications on your inverter to get a good start voltage.