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Date Posted |
Forum
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RE: Expectations for 6 volt batteries

The batteries with 100+ cycle warm-up will always outlast a battery with a high initial capacity."
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smkettner
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06/19/13 02:14pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Expectations for 6 volt batteries

So much for bragging about the thickest plates ;)
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smkettner
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06/19/13 01:39pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Expectations for 6 volt batteries

it seems the 6v batteries don't start performing for possibly months after they are installed - is it worth the extra cost and wait as compared to 12v batteries that perform right out of the box and are cheaper?This is news to me. Without further explanation from sm, I don't really know what this means. I can't imagine there's a whole lot of difference from out-of-the-box to 'full capacity.'
See item #2 US Battery
Not sure it is huge. I think I saw a graph of maybe 5%
Trojan’s batteries take between 50 – 100 cycles to work up to providing full, peak capacity. from Trojan, see item 06
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smkettner
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06/19/13 01:16pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Recharging with external charger

I would use the cut off switch to get started. Once all is running a few minutes I would close the switch. No they will not fight each other. The only issue is to get the portable started without getting confused with the converter increasing the voltage before the portable starts.
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smkettner
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06/19/13 12:30pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: New Battery Issue

I would take the entire trailer to the battery shop and let them inspect your work and hear the story. I think you will be getting a new battery under warranty.
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smkettner
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06/19/13 12:26pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Solar Panels

I think RJ had success crimping his own MC4 but it is supposed to have a special tool.
I would tend to get a multiwire butt connector with heat shrink. I have used these and they are permanent and water proof.
http://www.waytekwire.com/item/32990/MULTIPLE-SEALED-WIRE-CONNECTOR/
Otherwise there is always the (ugg) combiner box.
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smkettner
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06/19/13 12:20pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Extra 140 pounds battery weight on tongue?

140 extra will not be the tipping point for the hitch.
If you want bulletproof then aftermarket class V is calling. But that would require new 2.5" hitch components.
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smkettner
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06/19/13 11:06am |
Tech Issues
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RE: generator noise question

Where is the electric panel? I would be adding a circuit if I could. Even if I needed a 150' cord temporarily.
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smkettner
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06/19/13 10:31am |
Tech Issues
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RE: Duo Therm AC freezing up

I would take another look when it is frozen. If the sensor is covered in ice that sensor or circuit needs fixed. If the ice accumulates in a place other than the sensor then move the sensor.
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smkettner
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06/19/13 10:07am |
Tech Issues
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RE: Solar options for a Fun Finder/TT

http://www.parrisrv.com/floorplan_view.php?url=http://www.uvsconsole.com/manager/admin/cp-floorplans/large/135161095577727.jpg&rental=&year=2013&manu=Cruiser RV&brand=Funfinder&model=F-210UDS&brochure=
Trouble is guessing where the protrusions are.
Here is a modest system to compare:
2x 120w panels $307
20a PWM controller $77
50' MC4 cable to connect $44 Cut this in half. Connectors to the panel, cut ends to the controller. Plug and play. If you need longer they will custom make any length or just buy the 100' cable.
Some wire and fuse to the battery and you are all set.
If you want to go bigger or max it out I suggest a series system with 24v panels and MPPT controller. Going to depend on the roof space. Don't cram it in too much as even a small corner of shade from a vent, A/C, or antenna will severely reduce output.
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smkettner
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06/19/13 09:31am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: MPPT controller - voltage sensing without separate wires?

Hi Jim
What I am looking for a response to is
"MPPT will have a 5% performance drop. It's all relative, but mppt needs the big cables."
This I do NOT agree with
Sure MPPT needs big cables... but only big relative to the current. So the cable itself might be smaller for a given wattage.
MPPT series generally #10 wire will be fine. 7.5 amps is 25% ampacity.
PWM at 600+ watts will need larger cable in comparison as amps will be close to 40 and need #6 wire. 67% of ampacity rating.
So while the MPPT wire is smaller it is larger compared to capacity.
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smkettner
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06/19/13 09:09am |
Tech Issues
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RE: spare tire and bike rack

I had a receiver hitch put on the rear, welded to the frame.
I modified the spare carrier to hold the tire directly above the bumper. More room for bikes, no torsional stress on the bumper.
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smkettner
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06/18/13 11:31pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Expectations for 6 volt batteries

Skip the messy hydrometer until you have an actual problem.
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smkettner
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06/18/13 09:00pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: MPPT controller - voltage sensing without separate wires?

^^^^
6x 24v panels about 200W each. 3 series, 2 parallel.
Actually 2 series and 3 parallel would work same.
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smkettner
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06/18/13 05:15pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Purchasing A Tiny PSW Inverter. What's The Hot Setup?

Tiny? I recommend GoPower 150w.
www.boadandrvaccessories.com or shop around.
Lowest idle draw and provision for remote power switch are the features that make this one superior to me.
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smkettner
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06/18/13 04:57pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Solar options for a Fun Finder/TT

We need a pic of your roof with dimensions so we know what can fit :B
And what is the budget? $500?
Solar Hall of Fame:
Forum Members Solar Installations With Pics
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smkettner
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06/18/13 04:52pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Expectations for 6 volt batteries

This will explain some voltages and other basics.
Print it out and keep it with you. Worst case it will help you get some sleep ;)
The 12 Volt Side of Life
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smkettner
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06/18/13 03:31pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Expectations for 6 volt batteries

12.65 maybe 12.70 is considered full charge. The 13.4 is the float charge from solar and may remain for a day or two as a surface charge.
GC2 does seem to drop to 12.5 (from 12.65) fairly easy and then should hold for some time before you drop into the 12.0 to 12.2 zone looking for a recharge.
But with minimal use the solar should hold voltage at 13.4+ all day.
Also keep in mind GC2 needs to be cycled 20 to 50 times before it reaches full capacity. So go camping and don't fear running them down a bit.
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smkettner
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06/18/13 02:55pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Expectations for 6 volt batteries

I assume you are in full sun. Measure the voltage on the solar controller input, then on the output.
I assume 12 volt nominal panels but post the controller model if you have it.
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smkettner
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06/18/13 02:23pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Solar Panels

If the existing panel has MC4 connectors you can get parallel connectors to make it plug and play.
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smkettner
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06/18/13 01:56pm |
Tech Issues
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