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09-23-2015, 03:20 PM
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#1
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1 Rivet Member
2006 19' International CCD
eugene
, Oregon
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 14
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Boondocking
I have a 2006 Bambi. Just got two new batteries for it this year and like previous years when boondocking, kept charge up after 3-4 days use with my Honda 1000 generator. I only use the fridge and LED lights when boondocking and it worked well.
This year I can't go over a day before the batteries indicate at yellow or red on systems monitor. I am SO frustrated, as my RV mechanic said that nothing is wrong and I should just keep the generator running every day.
I did it for 4 hours, got it to green on the moniter and then it read red when I looked the next day.
Someone said I should have a new converter installed, even though the current one was checked by the mechanic.
Please help, as I really can't use the trailer until this is resolved.
Thank you
Chris N.
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09-23-2015, 03:27 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master
Vintage Kin Owner
Lin
, Ne
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,430
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I would check the batteries for capacity.
__________________
The higher your expectations the fewer your options.
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09-23-2015, 04:10 PM
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#3
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Figment of My Imagination
2012 Interstate Coach
From All Over
, More Than Anywhere Else
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 10,868
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris N.
Someone said I should have a new converter installed, even though the current one was checked by the mechanic.
Please help, as I really can't use the trailer until this is resolved.
Thank you
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Your situation could be caused by a number of factors, and it's hard to say which one or ones apply without more information.
1 - The converters used in the 2006 models aren't very good battery chargers. You really need a good-quality three-stage charger, especially if you're ever hooked up to shore power for more than a day or two at a time. A single-stage charger can over-charge your batteries because it doesn't know when to shut itself off and can't automatically switch to float charging. Over-charging will quickly reduce battery life.
2 - You might not be running your generator long enough to fully charge the batteries. If you routinely under-charge them, that will also reduce their useful lifespan.
3 - You may be discharging the batteries too far before recharging them. Conventional wisdom is to not deplete deep-cycle batteries below 50% charge state before recharging.
4 - For that matter, you don't say what type of batteries you bought. Are they AGMs or wet-cell? AGMs require a different charging sequence than do wet-cells, so if your charger is optimized for wet-cells and you are now using AGMs (or vice versa), the new batteries might not be charging properly.
__________________
I thought getting old would take longer!
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09-23-2015, 08:20 PM
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#4
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1 Rivet Member
2006 19' International CCD
eugene
, Oregon
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 14
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As a woman I sometimes feel my lack of understanding hinders my RVing...but I am trying. I talked to Randy at BestConverter.com who recommended a PowerMax 4 Stage Boondocker converter for the Bambi. In 2011 my 2006 converter was replaced with a 55 amp lower charge converter. Do you think getting another one might be the answer?
Thank you
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09-29-2015, 07:18 AM
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#5
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Rivet Master
1987 32' Excella
Nepean
, Ontario
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,414
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X2 Protagonist.
As well, if your plans are to boondock extensively, consider investing in solar.
__________________
VE3JDZ
AIR 12148
1987 Excella 32-foot
1999 Dodge Ram 2500HD Diesel
WBCCI 8080
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09-29-2015, 07:12 PM
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#6
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"Cloudsplitter"
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 20,000
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris N.
As a woman I sometimes feel my lack of understanding hinders my RVing...but I am trying. I talked to Randy at BestConverter.com who recommended a PowerMax 4 Stage Boondocker converter for the Bambi. In 2011 my 2006 converter was replaced with a 55 amp lower charge converter. Do you think getting another one might be the answer?
Thank you
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Chris,
You did the right thing......do what Randy recommended and you won't be disappointed.
Was your replacement the same Brand as the original? The 55a should not have been a "lower" rated unit. I believe the OEM was/is a 55a single stage Parallax unit.
Bob
__________________
I’m done with ‘adulting’…Let’s go find Bigfoot.
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09-29-2015, 07:22 PM
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#7
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Rivet Master
1960 22' Safari
in the wilderness
, The great Mojave Desert
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,077
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Since it is often best to talk to several pros before deciding.
Cal Area 63 and ask to speak to Uwe. He's done many trailers for extended boondocking. A phone call is a cheap expense to learn.
__________________
I'd rather be boon docking in the desert.
WBCCI 3344 FCU
AIR# 13896
CA 4
Yes, we have courtesy parking for you. About an hour North of Los Angeles.
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09-29-2015, 07:52 PM
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#8
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3 Rivet Member
2003 25' Safari
Riverside
, California
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 234
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Replacing the oem convertor and adding solar made me a happy camper,especially boondocking where and when I want without the hassel and noise of a generator
__________________
2003 25' Safari
2005 Ram 2500 4x4
1994 Ram 2500 4x4
2015 Toyota Tacoma trd 4x4
2000 Jeep Wrangler 4x4
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09-30-2015, 09:45 PM
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#9
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1 Rivet Member
2006 19' International CCD
eugene
, Oregon
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 14
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Not sure who is Cal Area 63 is. What is the phone #?
Thanks
Chris
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09-30-2015, 11:11 PM
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#10
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Rivet Master
1962 28' Ambassador
1961 19' Globetrotter
1962 26' Overlander
Mesa
, Arizona
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 5,996
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Uwe Salwender is the owner of Area 63 Productions, a Airstream restoration company outside of Rancho Cucamonga off I15 in Southern CA
__________________
Hittenstiehl
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10-01-2015, 01:14 AM
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#11
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4 Rivet Member
2006 16' International CCD
Salt Lake City
, Utah
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 301
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I would also suggest talking with Lewster on this forum: Airstream Forums - View Profile: lewster
He installed solar and upgraded my converter and batteries last year. I could not be happier. I don't own a generator and can go weeks without power.
Lewster (Lew) is very friendly and knows his stuff. Send him a message and I'm sure he will talk with you about options.
Stan
Salt Lake City
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10-01-2015, 10:41 PM
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#12
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1 Rivet Member
2006 19' International CCD
eugene
, Oregon
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 14
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Thanks again all of you. I will give Lew a call.
Chris
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10-03-2015, 07:15 PM
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#13
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Rivet Master
2014 27' FB Eddie Bauer
Chelsea
, Michigan
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,792
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris N.
Thanks again all of you. I will give Lew a call.
Chris
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Lew is a good resource and I'm sure he will be helpful so do contact him.
Keep in mind that batteries do go bad over time. If you improperly charge your batteries with a single stage charger, or don't charge them fully on a regular basis, or run them below a 50% charge, or don't keep the water levels up (in wet cells) they will wear out quickly. With less than ideal treatment it's entirely possible to run though a set of batteries in a year or so of typical part time use. Even if everything with respect to your battery treatment is "perfect" you can expect to see a degradation in performance after four or five years.
__________________
Bob Martel
WBCCI# 5766
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10-04-2015, 07:05 PM
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#14
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1 Rivet Member
2006 19' International CCD
eugene
, Oregon
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 14
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Thanks Bob...As a former Wolverine now living in Duckland is good to hear from a Michigander!
Chris
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10-05-2015, 10:13 AM
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#15
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Rivet Master
2014 27' FB Eddie Bauer
Chelsea
, Michigan
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,792
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris N.
Thanks Bob...As a former Wolverine now living in Duckland is good to hear from a Michigander!
Chris
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At the moment we are @ Fort Stevens SP near Astoria enjoying a little bit of Oregon's fall weather! As far as I know, Lew will be leaving for Florida on October 15th but I'm sure you and he can connect by phone or email anytime.
__________________
Bob Martel
WBCCI# 5766
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10-07-2015, 01:16 PM
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#16
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Rivet Master
2008 25' Classic
Full Time
, Texas
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,309
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When you monitor the batteries use a multimeter to check the actual voltage of the batteries on the posts. Don't ever let them get below 12v. The monitor panel batter level is not accurate and if there is a load on the system it will reflect a lower battery state. Using a 3 stage charger will help maintain the batteries better. For solar the other option is a portable solar panel. That way you can move it around to follow the sun or park in the shade and still charge without the generator. I doubt running a generator for a few hours would charge your batteries to 100% if the batteries were discharged heavily. Batteries will charge up fast to 80% then it takes longer to get the last 20% as the charger starts to reduce the amps to prevent damage to the batteries.
Kelvin
__________________
2008 Classic 25fb "Silver Mistress"
2015 Ram 2500 6.7L Cummins. Crew Cab, 4x4, Silver
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10-07-2015, 10:21 PM
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#17
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1 Rivet Member
2006 19' International CCD
eugene
, Oregon
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 14
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Great info. Thanks Kelvin. Think I will look into solar panel that I can move around
for next year.
Chris
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