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Showing results 1 to 50 of 631
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Search: Posts Made By: BryanL
Forum: RV Systems & Appliances 05-15-2012, 04:35 PM
Replies: 19
Views: 18,926
Posted By BryanL
Homepower magazine did a look at ...

Homepower magazine did a look at Off-Grid Inverter Efficiency (https://homepower.com/article/?file=HP113_pg36_Perez) that would be a good resource for someone...
Forum: RV Systems & Appliances 05-15-2012, 10:51 AM
Replies: 19
Views: 18,926
Posted By BryanL
re: "there has to be lots of inefficiency in the...

re: "there has to be lots of inefficiency in the conversion from 12V to 120V, then back to 12V internally in the TV"

Many electronic doodads use a 12v power feed that they then convert to 5v or...
Forum: Monaco Owner's Forum 05-14-2012, 03:02 PM
Replies: 20
Views: 7,151
Posted By BryanL
re: "And do not take CHEAP shots at anyone...."...

re: "And do not take CHEAP shots at anyone...." -- me neither, nor do I feed people BS, nor do I go around proclaiming authority or expertise to support my views, nor do I go around looking for...
Forum: Class A Motorhome Discussions 05-13-2012, 01:46 PM
Replies: 24
Views: 11,522
Posted By BryanL
Need to keep sanitizing separate and distinct...

Need to keep sanitizing separate and distinct from disinfecting ...

Sanitizing is intended to clean things out and may use poisonous levels of whatever is doing the cleaning.

Disinfecting is...
Forum: Gear and Product Discussions 05-10-2012, 08:23 AM
Replies: 11
Views: 5,600
Posted By BryanL
re: "Most CO detectors sound off at levels which...

re: "Most CO detectors sound off at levels which are too high for safety."

This one is interesting. Why have a detector for safety if it doesn't detect for safety? I think an allegation like this...
Forum: Class A Motorhome Discussions 05-08-2012, 08:26 AM
Replies: 9
Views: 2,312
Posted By BryanL
re: "do I need to resign myself to going outside...

re: "do I need to resign myself to going outside with a volt meter to measure at the battery terminals?????"

If you are not running any significant loads and if the connections between battery and...
Forum: Class A Motorhome Discussions 05-07-2012, 08:53 AM
Replies: 9
Views: 2,312
Posted By BryanL
When reading voltage (or specific gravity) to...

When reading voltage (or specific gravity) to determine state of charge, you'll get best results by measuring after at least a half hour of no significant charging or discharging.

When the voltage...
Forum: Travel Trailer Discussion 05-07-2012, 08:46 AM
Replies: 3
Views: 1,164
Posted By BryanL
It's fun sitting in a campground with a drizzle...

It's fun sitting in a campground with a drizzle watching the Fantastic Fan lids going up and down with their moisture sensors while my MaxxFan just keeps venting moist inside air.

A roof vent fan...
Forum: Newmar Owner's Forum 05-06-2012, 10:43 PM
Replies: 25
Views: 4,194
Posted By BryanL
re: "Totally wrong interpretations by Brian" -...

re: "Totally wrong interpretations by Brian" - well, it is nice you tried to explain this but getting lost in the weeds is a defense and not a clarification. That 'electrical' vs 'statistical' idea...
Forum: iRV2.com General Discussion 05-06-2012, 08:59 AM
Replies: 52
Views: 4,869
Posted By BryanL
The first thing to do is to figure out why your...

The first thing to do is to figure out why your chassis batteries "go dead about every few days". The batteries are either past their useful life or you have something like a light or a gadget...
Forum: Boondocking 05-05-2012, 03:23 PM
Replies: 38
Views: 10,208
Posted By BryanL
re: "I really hate to "equalize" batteries. It...

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...
Forum: 5th Wheel Discussion 05-05-2012, 09:54 AM
Replies: 12
Views: 6,179
Posted By BryanL
You take that $140 residential fridge and then...

You take that $140 residential fridge and then toss in a decent sized solar system with a couple of batteries and you are still below the budget for a new RV fridge.

A modern EnergyStar rated...
Forum: RV Systems & Appliances 05-02-2012, 08:03 AM
Replies: 7
Views: 957
Posted By BryanL
re: "The hydrometer will not be affected by the...

re: "The hydrometer will not be affected by the batteries being either charged or discharged."

ever hear of electrolyte stratification?

It is always best to make measures when what you are...
Forum: Newmar Owner's Forum 05-01-2012, 10:45 AM
Replies: 4
Views: 942
Posted By BryanL
Please not the hydrometer. That requires...

Please not the hydrometer. That requires appropriate hazmat precautions and procedures and really isn't necessary for RV batteries.

The chassis batteries start the engine and should be isolated...
Forum: RV Systems & Appliances 05-01-2012, 10:34 AM
Replies: 7
Views: 957
Posted By BryanL
Forget the hydrometry. OSHA reports nearly 4000...

Forget the hydrometry. OSHA reports nearly 4000 injuries every year due to batteries. You don't need to take the risk.

If your converter is working overtime, then you'll see that in electrolyte...
Forum: Technology: Internet, TV, Satellite, Cell Phones, etc. 05-01-2012, 10:18 AM
Replies: 5
Views: 837
Posted By BryanL
Don't worry about pressure build up as long as...

Don't worry about pressure build up as long as you have not exceeded max sidewall rating when the tire has been at rest and in the shade for an hour or more (i.e. is at ambient air temperature)....
Forum: iRV2.com General Discussion 04-30-2012, 04:50 PM
Replies: 6
Views: 1,354
Posted By BryanL
check American Wire Gauge table and AWG...

check American Wire Gauge table and AWG Electrical Current Load Limits with skin depth frequencies (https://www.powerstream.com/Wire_Size.htm) - at the bottom of the page is a calculator where you can...
Forum: Gear and Product Discussions 04-30-2012, 08:42 AM
Replies: 11
Views: 5,600
Posted By BryanL
I notice these detectors are beginning to have...

I notice these detectors are beginning to have manufacturing dates stamped on them. That makes it easier to figure out when a replacement might be a good idea.

Also note that there are RV rated...
Forum: National RV Owner's Forum 04-25-2012, 12:03 PM
Replies: 17
Views: 1,573
Posted By BryanL
re: "6 volt batteries seem to last longer,...

re: "6 volt batteries seem to last longer, anywhere from 5 to 7 years from what most folks say."

this is an example of the kind of stuff you really gotta' watch out for.

The NAWS FAQ, for...
Forum: National RV Owner's Forum 04-25-2012, 12:00 PM
Replies: 17
Views: 1,573
Posted By BryanL
4 years ain't bad ... The NAWS FAQ indicates...

4 years ain't bad ...

The NAWS FAQ indicates that the typical RV battery might last 4-7 years, a bit longer if AGM. How long yours will last depends mostly on how you use and maintain it.

The...
Forum: iRV2.com General Discussion 04-24-2012, 08:41 AM
Replies: 8
Views: 1,213
Posted By BryanL
Best place to measure voltage is right at the...

Best place to measure voltage is right at the battery terminals but it is more convenient to use one of the cigarette lighter outlets in the trailer with a plug-in DVM. This usually works if your...
Forum: iRV2.com General Discussion 04-23-2012, 06:18 PM
Replies: 8
Views: 1,213
Posted By BryanL
The answer to the question is "no" but the real...

The answer to the question is "no" but the real issue is how to make do.

The furnace runs at about 100 watts.

Your batteries have about 12 usable watt hours per pound. (a typical RV battery...
Forum: RV Systems & Appliances 04-23-2012, 08:58 AM
Replies: 10
Views: 1,349
Posted By BryanL
First consideration is what you can't turn off:...

First consideration is what you can't turn off: the battery self discharge can run between a couple of percent per month to week depending upon battery age. This is like compound interest in that it...
Forum: iRV2.com General Discussion 04-21-2012, 02:38 PM
Replies: 6
Views: 6,502
Posted By BryanL
You might try something like the PWM Dimming...

You might try something like the PWM Dimming Controller For LED Lights or Ribbon, 12 Volt 8 Amp, 3301...
Forum: Forest River Owners Forum 04-21-2012, 10:05 AM
Replies: 8
Views: 1,684
Posted By BryanL
Find a reputable retailer who sells a lot to...

Find a reputable retailer who sells a lot to folks who uses batteries like you do and will stand behind what he sells. Then go by specifications, warranty, and cost.

Watch out for all the BS about...
Forum: RV Systems & Appliances 04-21-2012, 09:30 AM
Replies: 5
Views: 1,045
Posted By BryanL
4 years old is getting long in the tooth for your...

4 years old is getting long in the tooth for your batteries. They may not have anywhere near the capacity they had when new. Measuring this state of health is not so easily done with any reliability....
Forum: Class A Motorhome Discussions 04-19-2012, 08:08 AM
Replies: 14
Views: 1,942
Posted By BryanL
re: "They are only as good as the weakest battery...

re: "They are only as good as the weakest battery they will charge different and discharge different."

Keep in mind that most of us put house and coach batteries in parallel every time we get on...
Forum: Class A Motorhome Discussions 04-18-2012, 05:47 PM
Replies: 14
Views: 1,942
Posted By BryanL
The key to me is that the bank is 3 years old....

The key to me is that the bank is 3 years old. That's getting to be rather old for RV batteries.

"I was always told to replace all batteries at the same time as unlike age, condition, and brand...
Forum: Class A Motorhome Discussions 04-17-2012, 09:31 AM
Replies: 3
Views: 899
Posted By BryanL
To fully and completely charge a battery takes 8...

To fully and completely charge a battery takes 8 to 12 hours. This is needed at least once a week for battery health.

With a proper bulk charge at up to 4 watts per pound of battery, you can...
Forum: Newmar Owner's Forum 04-17-2012, 09:24 AM
Replies: 4
Views: 1,563
Posted By BryanL
Battery monitors are nice but all you really need...

Battery monitors are nice but all you really need is a decent digital voltmeter.

For storage technique, you need a device that will keep a full charge on the battery and will apply some technique...
Forum: iRV2.com General Discussion 04-16-2012, 01:16 PM
Replies: 35
Views: 3,435
Posted By BryanL
on a thread like this, do be careful about the...

on a thread like this, do be careful about the exceptions - as it is those that you'll hear about rather than the norms (people do like to brag!)

For a better sample, you might want to take a run...
Forum: iRV2.com General Discussion 04-16-2012, 08:46 AM
Replies: 35
Views: 3,435
Posted By BryanL
re: "It's not how many batteries you have, but...

re: "It's not how many batteries you have, but more like how many amps can you store."

it's watt hours, energy, that you store in batteries.

For lead acid batteries, there are about 12 usable...
Forum: Class A Motorhome Discussions 04-15-2012, 08:09 AM
Replies: 10
Views: 1,764
Posted By BryanL
re: "The deep cycle 6 volts will last can be...

re: "The deep cycle 6 volts will last can be drawn down further without damaging them than most 12 volt ones can be."

all lead acid batteries - and even other chemistries - have similar cycle life...
Forum: Class A Motorhome Discussions 04-14-2012, 12:54 PM
Replies: 10
Views: 1,764
Posted By BryanL
re: "Can I replace the two 6 volt, wired in...

re: "Can I replace the two 6 volt, wired in series = 12 volts ...Would this give me longer power-?"

"two 6 volt batteries are much better for total amp hour use."

"Two six volt batteries have...
Forum: Vintage RV's 04-13-2012, 09:35 AM
Replies: 8
Views: 1,030
Posted By BryanL
Voltage will tell you state of charge of your...

Voltage will tell you state of charge of your batteries. As with any measure, it needs to be done properly and interpreted properly.

There are two ways to use a DVM such as pictured. One is to...
Forum: Newmar Owner's Forum 04-10-2012, 12:49 PM
Replies: 25
Views: 4,194
Posted By BryanL
re: "Well, not exactly true. A parallel wiring...

re: "Well, not exactly true. A parallel wiring configuration allows the batteries to be parasitic on each other. Hence the lower charged battery will continually try to "charge" from the higher...
Forum: Class A Motorhome Discussions 04-10-2012, 09:01 AM
Replies: 18
Views: 3,222
Posted By BryanL
What you can climb depends both upon grade and...

What you can climb depends both upon grade and distance.

Freeways generally top out at about 6% and those may require downshifting. That's doable for a few miles depending upon your cooling...
Forum: Boondocking 04-09-2012, 03:08 PM
Replies: 9
Views: 1,829
Posted By BryanL
If you use proper units for energy and power,...

If you use proper units for energy and power, things get a lot simpler.

lead acid batteries have about 12 watt hours per pound usable energy. You have eight batteries of 63 pounds each. That's 504...
Forum: Newmar Owner's Forum 04-09-2012, 09:37 AM
Replies: 25
Views: 4,194
Posted By BryanL
re: "What is the name and price of a 6 volt deep...

re: "What is the name and price of a 6 volt deep cycle maintenance free battery?"

For this question, the first problem is to define "deep cycle" in some way that is measurable and applicable to RV...
Forum: Class A Motorhome Discussions 04-09-2012, 09:26 AM
Replies: 10
Views: 11,313
Posted By BryanL
Always consider pressure measured only at ambient...

Always consider pressure measured only at ambient temperatures. Manufacturers account for normal pressure increases from that basis in their sidewall ratings.

Temperature is what the pressure is...
Forum: 5th Wheel Discussion 04-09-2012, 08:08 AM
Replies: 17
Views: 4,103
Posted By BryanL
re: "Lifeline says they do not East PEnn...

re: "Lifeline says they do not
East PEnn Battery says they do not."

All I have really seen on this is the NAWS FAQ and warranties. Can you provide any link to where Lifeline and East Penn say...
Forum: 5th Wheel Discussion 04-08-2012, 03:23 PM
Replies: 17
Views: 4,103
Posted By BryanL
re: "I was referencing the difference between...

re: "I was referencing the difference between yellow and red top batteries...you are comparing AGM and lead acid batteries. But thanks."

Sorry you missed the intent of my post. As John notes,...
Forum: 5th Wheel Discussion 04-08-2012, 11:05 AM
Replies: 17
Views: 4,103
Posted By BryanL
re: "if you want to understand that difference...

re: "if you want to understand that difference you can google it...too much to type. :-)" -- and most of what you find repeats things that might have true 50+ years ago but not so much today....
Forum: Class A Motorhome Discussions 04-05-2012, 04:24 PM
Replies: 26
Views: 3,251
Posted By BryanL
Get batteries from a retailer who sells a lot to...

Get batteries from a retailer who sells a lot to folks that use them like you do and will stand behind what he sells. The go by specifications, warranty, and price.

Batteries are commodity items...
Forum: Winnebago Industries Owner's Forum 03-27-2012, 01:34 PM
Replies: 32
Views: 2,760
Posted By BryanL
and there are no magic bullets. all lead...

and there are no magic bullets.

all lead acid batteries have about 12 watt hours per pound of usable energy capacity with loads of about 1 watt per pound. Brand, voltage, marketing label ('deep...
Forum: RV Systems & Appliances 03-21-2012, 12:45 PM
Replies: 12
Views: 15,066
Posted By BryanL
The question is about the goal of the 'load test'...

The question is about the goal of the 'load test' -- Properly done, this is a destructive test. See batteryuniversity.com (Cadex) to learn about impedance testing as a more modern means of...
Forum: RV Systems & Appliances 03-21-2012, 12:36 PM
Replies: 4
Views: 923
Posted By BryanL
Voltage is a good measure of battery state of...

Voltage is a good measure of battery state of charge. If measured after at least a half hour of no significant charging or discharging, then 12.6v or more means a fully charged battery (above 13...
Forum: Technology: Internet, TV, Satellite, Cell Phones, etc. 03-20-2012, 01:07 PM
Replies: 18
Views: 2,948
Posted By BryanL
re: "So, what's wrong with regulating the voltage...

re: "So, what's wrong with regulating the voltage with a 7812 for a fixed output, to prevent flickering LEDs?" -- you may not have enough overhead voltage for the 7812 to function properly in low...
Forum: Technology: Internet, TV, Satellite, Cell Phones, etc. 03-20-2012, 12:08 PM
Replies: 18
Views: 2,948
Posted By BryanL
re: "Though he used what is called a "Pin-Diode"...

re: "Though he used what is called a "Pin-Diode" The fact is LED's do much the same thing."

yeah, a diode can make a great rectifier for your own 'crystal' type AM radio.

A PIN diode [wikipedia...
Forum: Winnebago Industries Owner's Forum 03-20-2012, 11:53 AM
Replies: 21
Views: 2,801
Posted By BryanL
re: "My batteries for the motorhome #32 lasted 9...

re: "My batteries for the motorhome #32 lasted 9 years" -- have to be very careful on things like this because end of life for batteries is not clearly defined. Typical life (re NAWS FAQ) is 4-7...
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