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dr.becky View Drop Down
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Posts: 30 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Battery recommendations
    Posted: 11 Jul 2016 at 2:50pm
Our batteries are not last 24 hours, the Pod was new in April and we have camped about 25 nights so far.  We mostly dry camp with a generator for the AC and oven.  I have very little knowledge about electrical stuff, suggestion on what we need to do?  New Batteries???
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john in idaho View Drop Down
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Posts: 611 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 Jul 2016 at 3:09pm
After they have been hooked up to the charger from the rPod for 24 hrs or so, check the voltage.  Should be 12.6 or 12.7.   I see they are not true deep cycle batteries but that shouldn't be a problem yet.  You can take them to an auto parts store and they can load test them after they are fully charged.  Have you checked the water in each cell?  Use distilled water and a turkey baster to fill each cell to the ring.
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WillThrill View Drop Down
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Posts: 298 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 Jul 2016 at 3:25pm
The battery probably needs to be replaced.  Taking a battery below 50% capacity does significant irreversible damage to it, and it sounds like that has happened repeatedly.

In order to learn how to use and maintain these batteries, I highly recommend that you go to www.battery1234.com and listen to at least the first podcast.  It will save you a lot of money and effort.
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dr.becky View Drop Down
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Posts: 30 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 Jul 2016 at 3:34pm
OK, we are learning.  What type of battery is recommended?
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 Jul 2016 at 3:48pm

Since you like to dry camp, I would recommend two 6 volt golf cart batteries, wired in "series" to make 12 volts. They have more capacity (available/usable power). They will also withstand more heavy use and deeper discharges, due to their more robust construction.

If you go this route and need help with the wiring....just ask.
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WillThrill View Drop Down
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Posts: 298 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 Jul 2016 at 4:27pm
Originally posted by dr.becky

OK, we are learning.  What type of battery is recommended?


+1 to what David said.

What type of battery you want, as well as how to determine how power is in your battery and how to check it, is covered in the podcast I referred to.  You really should listen to it.
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dr.becky View Drop Down
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Posts: 30 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 Jul 2016 at 4:49pm
OK, Costco has 6 volt for $85, I will go get two of them.

Becky
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ToolmanJohn View Drop Down
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Posts: 451 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 Jul 2016 at 5:12pm
Learn to treat them right, like pets that you want to survive.LOL... It's like that though.

  Letting them completely go flat (not disconnecting them between trips), running them until dead, not checking water levels a few times a year during use , can lead to short life times and not very many recharge cycles before they won't charge anymore.

 The propane detector runs of the 12VDC supply and it's always on. The only way to prevent the batteries from going flat between trips is to install a battery disconnect switch or remove the positive cable from the battery bank.

 HOT weather can evaporate the water levels in the batteries. Check them once a month in really hot weather. Keep them topped off (distilled water only, no tap water-tap water has minerals).

 I agree that dry camping usually means needing more power, and 2 -  6 VDC golf cart batteries is best. You may have to get a small generator to recharge the battery bank if you see that you run it down a lot during trips.
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sailor323 View Drop Down
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Posts: 281 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 Jul 2016 at 5:23pm
Originally posted by dr.becky

Our batteries are not last 24 hours, the Pod was new in April and we have camped about 25 nights so far.  We mostly dry camp with a generator for the AC and oven.  I have very little knowledge about electrical stuff, suggestion on what we need to do?  New Batteries???


I assume you were running the fridge on propane.  If not, that's the problem
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dr.becky View Drop Down
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Posts: 30 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 Jul 2016 at 5:48pm
Yes, fridge is on propane.  I wish that was the problem.  Costco has 6 volt batteries so I am going to get two of those.  We have a generator and run it when using the oven and when the battery was low.  
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