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Old 04-12-2015, 08:16 PM   #1
lakechopaka
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re charging batteries

I was out recently on a week long trip and I was boon docking. By day three I needed to recharge my two 12 volt batteries. So I hooked up my trailer to the 30 amp plug on my my 2800 watt generator. My question is how long should it take in general to recharge my batteries using the converter in the trailer with this generator. I have a 2015 cougar RKSWE, Thank you for the help.
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Old 04-12-2015, 09:52 PM   #2
buzzcop63
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The converter has three levels of charge depending on the depletion of the batteries. The time to reach full charge will depend upon the condition of the batteries, age, amount of charge etc. The best way is to get an inexpensive volt meter and check your battery before charge and after running your generator for an hour or so to gauge how much you will need to run the generator to reach full charge. Make sure water is up to level.
Percentage Specific Gravity Voltage
100% 1.265 12.7 Full Charge
90% 12.5
75% 1.225 12.45 Time to Charge Battery
70% 12.32 Charge up
60% 12.20
50% 1.190 12.06
40% 11.9
30% 11.75 Caution
25% 1.155 12.0
20% 11.58
10% 11.31 Bad
Discharged 1.120 10.5

.2V no more then difference between batteries is best.
2 Amp for 72 Hr on deeply discharged battery
Water in battery want to cover cells by 1/2"

Battery Readout inside Trailer: Voltage
4 Lights, C Charge Full Charge 12.7V
3 Lights, G Good 12.1V-12.7V
2 Lights, F Fair 11.6V-12.1V
1 Light, L Low 6V-11.6V
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Old 04-12-2015, 10:03 PM   #3
Ken / Claudia
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I am being a smarty here, It depends on how low the battery charge got. For real I do not have any guide. I have been using gennys since around 1970 during dry camping and what we did when I was a kid I still do. Just run it in the morning for 1-2 hours and again at night or evening, everyday. Those run times the coffee ,tv, micro etc get used. On those real hot days running the a/c and genny helps charge them too.
Edit: Buzz you beat me to it and with a better answer.
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Old 04-13-2015, 10:47 AM   #4
lakechopaka
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Thank you very much for your help!!! I will keep this as a guide! I will also purchase a inexpensive volt meter . if I have two batteries connected do I unhook one of the batteries to get a true read?

Again thank you.
Mike
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Old 04-13-2015, 12:42 PM   #5
buzzcop63
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To test the bank of two batteries attach Volt Meter leads negative and positive to the negative and positive leads going off from the bank of batteries to the trailer, this will give you voltage of the combination. To check voltage of just one battery, disconnect it from the other battery or you will get a false reading for that battery. Negative lead to negative post and positive lead to positive post on the single battery. Wait an hour after charging the batteries to check the batteries voltage.
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Old 04-13-2015, 12:58 PM   #6
lakechopaka
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Thank you that helps a lot!!
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