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Topic ClosedBattery Charging
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mjlrpod View Drop Down
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Posts: 1214 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Battery Charging
    Posted: 04 Jan 2018 at 5:34pm
Well alrighty then, i stand corrected. I wasn't sure, but I wanted to know the answer also. And for the record furpod, mine says 8A, which I now know why. 
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mcarter View Drop Down
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Joined: 07 Apr 2016
Location: Greenbrier, TN
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Posts: 3419 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 Jan 2018 at 1:39pm
My manual specifies it is a 12VDC battery charging source, however it is not regulated and can overcharge the battery. I do not use it for a battery charge, I use the 120 VAC outlets and a standard battery charger. I use the genset for other purposes than the Pod.
Mike Carter
2015 178
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GlueGuy View Drop Down
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Posts: 2629 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 Jan 2018 at 12:47pm
+1. That 12V outlet is not really meant for battery charging.
bp
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furpod View Drop Down
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Joined: 25 Jul 2011
Location: Central KY
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Posts: 6128 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 Jan 2018 at 11:21am
Originally posted by mjlrpod

I have a Honda EU2000I generator and it has a 12V DC battery charge plug in built in. You can get the cable to hook direct to the battery. I would guess that would be quicker? 


Nope. If you look at that it says it's 8 or 10A max (can't remember just which) that means it can only charge at that rate.. Your built in charger will charge at 55A max.. way faster. The best answer is to just plug the pod into the generator, and use it as "shore power".
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mjlrpod View Drop Down
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Posts: 1214 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 Jan 2018 at 11:10am
I have a Honda EU2000I generator and it has a 12V DC battery charge plug in built in. You can get the cable to hook direct to the battery. I would guess that would be quicker? 
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WillThrill View Drop Down
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Posts: 298 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Jan 2018 at 4:51pm
My guess would be about four hours.

Keep in mind that when using multi-stage charging of lead acid batteries, the charging 'curve' is not linear.  It takes almost as long to charge a lead acid battery from 80% to 100% as it does to get it from 0% to 80% when using a multi-stage charger.  This process can be sped up, but this will shorten the lifespan of the battery.
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GlueGuy View Drop Down
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Posts: 2629 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Jan 2018 at 9:21am
Originally posted by StephenH

The only time I saw it in bulk mode is when my previous converter failed. When I replaced it, the converter went to bulk mode until the batteries were brought up sufficiently. Once that happened, it went to absorption mode and I have not seen it in bulk mode since.
The converter is still doing bulk mode, but you might not see it if you're only monitoring voltage. When the charger is in bulk mode, it is (mostly) current-limited, as the batteries will absorb so much power that the voltage will still be below the bulk mode "voltage limit". Depending on how quickly the batteries come up to nominal voltage, and also depending on the charge profile programmed into the charger, you may never "see" the bulk mode voltage on a meter. Many smart chargers will appear to go directly (or almost directly) to absorb mode. However, the zone/time just prior to absorb mode is still bulk mode.
bp
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StephenH View Drop Down
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Joined: 29 Nov 2015
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Posts: 6288 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Jan 2018 at 6:46pm
The only time I saw it in bulk mode is when my previous converter failed. When I replaced it, the converter went to bulk mode until the batteries were brought up sufficiently. Once that happened, it went to absorption mode and I have not seen it in bulk mode since.

I had been using a 15A portable charger/maintainer while we were traveling until we could get the replacement converter. I had to purchase that one. Once we got home, the defective converter was replaced under warranty. That one is sitting in the box as a spare in case I have another failure.
StephenH
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furpod View Drop Down
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Joined: 25 Jul 2011
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Posts: 6128 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Jan 2018 at 5:07pm
Also.. when you compare your battery size.. it's just like a gas tank.. The GC2's hold more amps, so that, by default, adds a measurable amount of time to the charge cycle. Just as filling a 12 gallon gas tank takes half as long as a 20 gallon.. and 20% of the time (and $$$$$) of a 48 gallon. LOL
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mcarter View Drop Down
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Posts: 3419 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Jan 2018 at 4:13pm
Just an observation. +1 to SH description from manual. I have noticed when in the float mode, if my voltage gauge drops below 13.2 and remains there, the cells are low on water. Not significant but 13.1 or 13, I add water to cells. Takes little time and back at 13.2. I have never seen it in Bulk Mode.
Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."
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