Sputs, I too have the Duracell GC2’s (4 ea.). The factory battery chargers in pretty much all the units are not adequate for most batteries. Most RV’s are built with the intention of being plugged in. The charging profile of the charger and the state of charge of the battery (s) is extremely important to long life of batteries as well as keeping the water level full. The “battery level” indicator in all RV’s lies. Full is not actually full. A good charger will have a least 3 levels of charge rate. Bulk, absorption and float. A good charger will use all 3 of these in every charge cycle and adjust itself accordingly to properly charge your bank. Even better chargers will be 4 stage and offer an equalization charge (programmable) to help keep the cells in an equal state.
Not allowing batteries to go below a 50% state of charge is super important. As I stated the factory monitor lies. Look into a battery monitor that has “state of charge indication”
www.thornwavelads.com. Victronenergy.com and there are others as well. I personally use the thornwave labs.
Third is battery water level. Check often when boon docking until you figure out the duration they need topped off. NEVER let them have the level get to where the plates are out of the water.
Last but not least, buy a cheap hydrometer. It will tell the true state of the batteries. A must have tool for good battery management.
Lots of you tube videos on battery charging, chargers and maintenance.
Happy camping,
Scott
Linear Mode
