Re: Solar charger recommendations
Practically speaking, I would not want my lead-acid battery to go below 12.0 volts after waiting 8 hours since charging, to insure that surface charge dissipates.? But keep in mind that using voltage to determine state of charge (SoC) is a very rough and inaccurate way to measure it.? If you’re really interested in charge state, you’d need to install a device called a Coulomb Counter, which counts the passage of energy to and from your battery for a nearly exact determination of SoC.? Here’s the one I use: ?
? Dave ? ……………………… ? Does this mean try not to let the battery go below 12.2 volts under charge or after resting?
|
Re: Solar charger recommendations
Correct.? Just to be aware, whenever you are drawing power from the battery it's apparent voltage will drop , possibly well below 12.0 because of the current flow.? If you had a meter connected to the battery terminals you can observe that voltage drop & recovery in real time.?
|
Some states require breakaway brakes - it's very irresponsible to circumvent a safety feature.? Not just for yourself but for the other people on the road too
Again you could have a small battery just for the breakaway - I wouldn't listen to anyone that recommends bypassing a safety feature.
On Mon, Aug 7, 2023 at 3:44 PM, dan smartt via groups.io <dansm@...> wrote: You need a battery for the trailer emergency brakes in case the trailer becomes disconnected while towing.
That's the only reason - a battery is really necessary - you could? just get a small battery for that.
Happy camping Ds On Mon, Aug 7, 2023 at 1:05 PM, Kathryn Freese <freese.k.a.com@...> wrote: Do I really need a 12v deep cycle marine battery or any battery at all for my 2022 Scout Lite? I rarely boondock. And I have rechargeable puck lights and two rechargable fans for air movement?
|
? No, you don’t need any battery.? Your converter will still provide for your 12 volt accessories (interior lights, fantastic fan, CO detector) when you are plugged into shore power.? If you have breakaway brakes, they won’t work, but many campers never use them. ? Dave ? ………………… | ? Do I really need a 12v deep cycle marine battery or any battery at all for my 2022 Scout Lite? I rarely boondock. And I have rechargeable puck lights and two rechargable fans for air movement? | |
|
|
?
|
Re: Solar charger recommendations
Does this mean try not to let the battery go below 12.2 volts under charge or after resting?
Bill
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Aug 8, 2023, at 7:41 AM, dan smartt via groups.io <dansm@...> wrote: ?Resting voltages On Tue, Aug 8, 2023 at 5:24 AM, Eugene Breindel <efbreindel@...> wrote: Those are resting voltages.? The lead acid system in a battery is very slow to reach equilibrium. When you charge or discharge, I have been told it takes at least 8 hours for it to reach close to equilibrium depending upon how deep the charge or discharge is. ( A deep charge or discharge would unbalance the equation more than a light load).?
|
Re: Solar charger recommendations
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Tue, Aug 8, 2023 at 5:24 AM, Eugene Breindel <efbreindel@...> wrote: Those are resting voltages.? The lead acid system in a battery is very slow to reach equilibrium. When you charge or discharge, I have been told it takes at least 8 hours for it to reach close to equilibrium depending upon how deep the charge or discharge is. ( A deep charge or discharge would unbalance the equation more than a light load).?
|
Re: Solar charger recommendations
Those are resting voltages.? The lead acid system in a battery is very slow to reach equilibrium. When you charge or discharge, I have been told it takes at least 8 hours for it to reach close to equilibrium depending upon how deep the charge or discharge is. ( A deep charge or discharge would unbalance the equation more than a light load).?
|
Re: Solar charger recommendations
Are these resting voltages or under load?
Larry
You don't want to go below 60% state of charge
Have a great trip Dan S On Tue, Jul 25, 2023 at 6:18 AM, JoeS via We took our ‘22 Classic on a test camp in northwest PA for 4 nights unplugged at a site with an electric hookup to see ?how the batteries last with our typical usage (fridge on gas, lights, fan and charging 4 devices. After 3-1/2 days I decided to check the battery voltage at the 12v plug under the bed. It was at 11.5 volts. It seemed low to me so we plugged in rather than harm the 2 golf cart batteries. At what voltage should we be concerned about harming the batteries?
We are planning a lengthy trip from Ohio to Oregon next month. I was having trouble finding nice campsites (not RV parking lots) available with electricity. I ordered 350 watt Renogy flexible panels kit to install on the front dormer. The gas struts on this dormer were replaced under warranty and actually have too much lift (roof won’t stay down unlatched at all) so I’m hoping the extra 13 lbs plus aluminum frame won’t be too much weight. No matter how much sun our campsites have at least we’ll be charging on the road. Wish me luck in getting this and installing it in time.
Thank you all for your advice and inspiration,
joeS
|
You need a battery for the trailer emergency brakes in case the trailer becomes disconnected while towing.
That's the only reason - a battery is really necessary - you could? just get a small battery for that.
Happy camping
On Mon, Aug 7, 2023 at 1:05 PM, Kathryn Freese <freese.k.a.com@...> wrote: Do I really need a 12v deep cycle marine battery or any battery at all for my 2022 Scout Lite? I rarely boondock. And I have rechargeable puck lights and two rechargable fans for air movement?
|
Do I really need a 12v deep cycle marine battery or any battery at all for my 2022 Scout Lite? I rarely boondock. And I have rechargeable puck lights and two rechargable fans for air movement?
|
Re: Update - Re: My Gas Spring Adventure
I had this and determined it was from the hinge rusting up.? If you use your camper during cold weather the condensate drips right down into the hinge and the amount of rust can be impressive. I oiled my hinge and it has helped, but The condensate continues to soak the area when it is damp out side and cold at night.? SOMEONE in my group tend to carry a lot of wet when going out into the night dew or rain!
|
ALINER CEO Announces New EV Model Camper for Electric Vehicles and Boondocking
In this podcast I interview ALINER CEO & President Brett Randall. The podcast focuses on the new Evolution model, but shockingly Brett announced the introduction of a brand new camper which is the first ALINER that utilizes lithium ion batteries which makes the trailer lighter and more suitable to Electric Vehicles. The more powerful battery's are also perfect for boondocking or off-grid camping.
|
Re: Update - Re: My Gas Spring Adventure
You probably needed longer gas springs of the standard 26" length and at likely 40 pounds rated force (when extended).? this would give a longer moment arm and more force.? That would give 73% more lifting torque than you get with shorter springs of lower force.? One fellow uses 24" springs at 50 pounds and made a youtube of his installation.? That gives him 100% more lifting torque than your setup.
?
It looks like you used 20" springs.? I agree with Dave that you should remove the erroneously installed gas springs that came with the trailer.
|
Re: Wind Kit arm Ranger 15
From what I have seen, it is simply a length of square aluminum tube.? Have someone check a local aluminum distributor.? Very affordable compared to a box store.
--
Don DeRyke
Sunrise, Florida
2009 Classic, 2020 Ford Escape, 2.0 liter EcoBoost, AWD.?
Previous TV 2015 Ford Escape 1.6 ltr EcoBoost engine.
|
Re: Fridge Shelf Removal - RM4223
My dometic is slightly different, but I removed the top shelf, and there are some recessed openings where a stopper may have been.? I looked up you model and the manual does not mention the shelves at all.? I would think they come out if the shelf can't be lifted over them.? Try twisting slightly?? If they move, then I'd say they could be wiggled out.? I can't see Dometic doing anything sophisticated here.
--
Don DeRyke
Sunrise, Florida
2009 Classic, 2020 Ford Escape, 2.0 liter EcoBoost, AWD.?
Previous TV 2015 Ford Escape 1.6 ltr EcoBoost engine.
|
Re: Update - Re: My Gas Spring Adventure
I think the hinge separation you're seeing is caused by the 100# gas springs, not the 30#'s. Try removing the 100# springs.?
Repair your piano hinges with 10-32 stainless steel bolts and nylok nuts.?
Dave?
..........?
?As you can see I left the factory supplied 100# gas Springs on for now.? ?2nd picture.?
Also, it has caused another issue. It is pushing the roof back and has started to separate the piano hinge from the roof skirt section. 1st picture.?
I guess my plan of attack is to sandwich the inside and outside with aluminum flat stock or angle.? It was really noticeable with the springs on and the camper closed. The roof latch on the passenger side was way out of line.?
Does anyone have any experience with this happening after adding your gas Springs??
|
Fridge Shelf Removal - RM4223
Is it possible to remove the stoppers so I can take out the fridge shelf? Don't want to break them if they are not removable.
|
I've just been notified that one of the wind kit arms on my 2016 Aliner Ranger 15 has been damaged. ?How do I go about replacing it? ?I'm not in North America right now so don't have it in front of me but want to get the process started to replace it. ?If there is something available in Canada that would be great.
|
Re: My Gas Spring Adventure
I inadvertently started a new threat on this.? ?It must be because I changed the subject name and put the word update in front of it.??
|
Re: Update - Re: My Gas Spring Adventure
Hello:
We don't have struts, but I found the pop rivets giving way. I put a 1/4" bolt between all the rivets and extras at the ends. Very stable now. Why did they use pop rivets in such a high stress area??
Carl.
On 08/04/2023 11:02 AM EDT Eugene Breindel <efbreindel@...> wrote:
?
?
I bit the bullet and finally mounted two 30# gas Springs on the front section. I like them, they are mounted at 72° when open.? They don't quite provide the lift needed to make them neutral.? As you can see I left the factory supplied 100# gas Springs on for now.? ?2nd picture Also, it has caused another issue. It is pushing the roof back and has started to separate the piano hinge from the roof skirt section. 1st picture.?
I guess my plan of attack is to sandwich the inside and outside with aluminum flat stock or angle.? It was really noticeable with the springs on and the camper closed. The roof latch on the passenger side was way out of line.?
Does anyone have any experience with this happening after adding your gas Springs??
|
Eugene Breindel
Rick Sutliff
Brian Hovander
Don DeRyke
Carl