Community Forums

steinjef · 01-31-2014, 04:42 PM

I am not using my 2014 Sport Coach Cross Country at this time. I do like to check the status of things periodically though. I have noticed that all of my batteries go dead in about a week. I jump started the engine batteries and got the engine running, then I used the boost button on my dash to get the generator started and managed to get the house batteries charged. It has been so bitter cold here that I have not done anything for about 2 weeks. It warmed up to about 45 today so I went to check things out. I had turned off the master switch for the engine batteries and that worked, because I was able to start the engine. The house batteries were again dead. (I did not turn off the coach battery switch). I used the boost button, started the generator, all is good.

Ok, so here is the question.....I have two cigar lighter outlets on the dash. When i turn off the master engine switch, the one has no power. The other one does, telling me this one runs on the house circuit. I purchased a small solar charger with adapters.

Do you think if i plug the solar charger into this cigar outlet, will it keep the house batteries topped off?

Does anyone have any experience with trickle charging the batteries in this manor with a small (13 Watt) solar charger?

Thanks for your input.
Jeff

nforus · 01-31-2014, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steinjef

I am not using my 2014 Sport Coach Cross Country at this time. I do like to check the status of things periodically though. I have noticed that all of my batteries go dead in about a week. I jump started the engine batteries and got the engine running, then I used the boost button on my dash to get the generator started and managed to get the house batteries charged. It has been so bitter cold here that I have not done anything for about 2 weeks. It warmed up to about 45 today so I went to check things out. I had turned off the master switch for the engine batteries and that worked, because I was able to start the engine. The house batteries were again dead. (I did not turn off the coach battery switch). I used the boost button, started the generator, all is good.

Ok, so here is the question.....I have two cigar lighter outlets on the dash. When i turn off the master engine switch, the one has no power. The other one does, telling me this one runs on the house circuit. I purchased a small solar charger with adapters.

Do you think if i plug the solar charger into this cigar outlet, will it keep the house batteries topped off?

Does anyone have any experience with trickle charging the batteries in this manor with a small (13 Watt) solar charger?

Thanks for your input.
Jeff

Every time these batteries are allowed to go completely dead, it takes some of the life out of them that never comes back. If this has happened to you several times, then I would have them tested to see if they're still any good. We stay plugged in, but when we didn't the batteries we're always disconnected and on a trickle charger when in storage.

steinjef · 01-31-2014, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nforus

Every time these batteries are allowed to go completely dead, it takes some of the life out of them that never comes back. If this has happened to you several times, then I would have them tested to see if they're still any good. We stay plugged in, but when we didn't the batteries we're always disconnected and on a trickle charger when in storage.

thanks nforus
was trying to find out if batteries can be kept charged through cigarette lighter port. Hoping to install roof solar this summer.

camaraderie · 01-31-2014, 08:23 PM

A 13 watt panel through the cigarette lighter should be able to MAINTAIN your batteries. NOT charge them.
Sounds to me like you have:
1. Already done some significant damage to the batts.
2. Have a PARASITIC load or two which are sucking your batteries dry in a short time when in storage. Suggest that you identify the parasitic loads...first step is a clamp meter measuring amps on the main battery red cable. Then remove fuses one at a time till the parasitic draw stops. Failing this ...simply charge the batteries fully and then remove the black cable while they are in storage. (This will prevent the solar panel from charging...but will INSURE your batteries stay charged once charged fully for at LEAST a month in any weather. )
3. Once you know the AMOUNT of amps in your parasitic loads...then you can figure out how many amp hours a day you must put back in them to keep them level. Example...if you have a 1 amp parasitic load...then you will use 24 amp hours of battery storage each day. Multiply THAT number by 4 to figure out what size solar panel you need to maintain the batteries. In my example...that would be 100 watts...but most parasitic loads are quite a bit less.
Your proposed 13watt panel will provide around 3 amp hours a DAY on average...which when divided by 24 = a .125 amp parasitic load. Any greater parasitic load and the panel is worthless.

Hope that helps.

al2ride · 02-08-2014, 05:18 AM

Your batteries may still be okay. I would get a load tester to check them before you count them out. They may not be 100%, but if they hold a charge you can still use them. You can also get a multimeter and check each battery when fully charged which should be 12.6v. Disconnect them from the house and keep a meter on them. If they are weak the voltage will keep dropping and then stop somewhere. For example, I have a battery in my garage that will charge up to 12.6, but then drops down to 12.3 and stops. That's about 50% charged and it's still useable for some stuff. I wouldn't use it to start an engine, but still useable. Also, don't forget to check the water levels.