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Old 09-16-2018, 02:34 PM   #1
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2018 25' International
Kennesaw , Georgia
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Charging on shore power

We have a 2018 FB25 International. We just replaced the batteries with 2 new Interstates. On this last trip we were plugged into shore power for the entire time. I checked the battery button on the panel above the kitchen a few times and it always showed 13.6V, which makes sense given it was plugged into shore power.

However, when packing up after unplugging I checked the batteries with a multimeter and it showed them at 12.5 Volts. That is lower than I expected after being on shore power for the weekend.

We do have a four pole disconnect switch which allows us to have the batteries connected to the electric panel, or the inverter, or both. For this trip we did not have it connected to the inverter at all. When in storage we have it fully disconnected.

What advise would you have for me?
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Old 09-16-2018, 06:10 PM   #2
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That’s a 90% state of charge if I can believe the standard chart...that refuses to attach right.

Anyone?
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Old 09-16-2018, 06:14 PM   #3
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This seems reasonable to me if you have a small load on a freshly charged battery. Your inverter is discontected, but what about use/store switch? The propane sensor is drawing a little juice. If in use mode, then all sorts of small draws. A new freshly charged battery will be 12.6 to 12.7 only if totally at rest (no load).
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Old 09-17-2018, 04:58 PM   #4
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First, everyone is using the wrong term.

Inverter is what changes 12-volt direct current from the batteries into 120-volt alternating current.

Converter is the correct term for the device which converts 120-volt shore power into 12-volt DC to charge the batteries and supply power to the trailer’s 12-volt system.

Yes 12.5 volts is generally considered 90% of capacity for flooded cell batteries.

http://www.batteriesnorthwest.com/batteryschool.cfm

The function of your switch is not described accurately IMO. Perhaps read your owner’s manual for clarification? I am on the road now and will say more later.

Peter

PS — Why did your 2018 AS need new batteries? Any chance your converter is bad?
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Old 09-17-2018, 05:15 PM   #5
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One thing I would advise is to put the multimeter on the batteries when you're plugged in. That meter on the See Level will read 13.6 if you're just on shore power with the batteries out of the loop. Within an hour of unplugging from shore power if you're not actively using 12v stuff in the trailer (water pump, fans, etc) I'd expect the apparent voltage across the batteries to stay at 12.7 or a bit higher. The propane detector's load is negligible for that duration, but you may have been running a vent fan without thinking about it, etc. First make sure you were charging the batteries at all while on shore power and decide your next move from that answer.
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Old 09-17-2018, 05:47 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wsrb View Post
. . .
What advise would you have for me?
PS to Post #4.

Is this your manual?

https://www.airstream.com/wp-content...ers-Manual.pdf

The Electrical section starts on p. 5-7. At the top left of p. 5-8, the Battery Disconnect Switch is described, followed by info on the Converter, including how to test it.

Good luck,

Peter
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Old 09-19-2018, 02:41 AM   #7
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Originally Posted by wsrb View Post
. . .
What advise would you have for me?
Wondering if you have this sorted out?

Thanks,

Peter
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Old 09-20-2018, 04:53 AM   #8
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Unfortunately, the AS is currently in storage. My plan is to test the voltage at the batteries with the multimeter when on shore power to be certain they are actually receiving the charge from the converter. I need to check the same when connected to the truck to be sure it’s charging properly. No new information in the manual in this regard.
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Old 12-17-2020, 02:45 PM   #9
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How long does it take to fully charge the stock SRM 24's on shore power?
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