94 classic batteries

[malett]

my 94 classic has two batteries. The one on the road side (closest to the convertor) has had to be changed twice, while the curb side battery has not been changed.

The roadside battery uses 3 times as much water as the curb side.

I have pulled both batteries out and checked resistance on both grounds and positive cables up to the distribution panel. Cleaned all the battery cables and posts. Still seems to be problem. Im going to change the convertor out so I can get a better charging system, but i wonder what is causing the inbalance on the batteries.

[OTRA15]

Batteries should always be changed as a pair. When you changed only one, twice I guess, you did not end up with two healthy batteries.

It is time to buy two new batteries, and perhaps upgrade to a smart charger.

[BigAl]

I haven't done this but maybe a good idea to swap battery location once a year so that if there is a difference between the two locations it would even out. Mine seem to work just fine but both were replaced at the same time.
Al

[uncle_bob]

Hi

Replacing batteries one at a time is pretty much guaranteed to create problems. They both need to be same / same in order to equalize the charge. If they are not equal, one will be overcharged while the other never makes it to "full".

Bob

[malett]

Originally Posted by malett

my 94 classic has two batteries. The one on the road side (closest to the convertor) has had to be changed twice, while the curb side battery has not been changed.

The roadside battery uses 3 times as much water as the curb side.

I have pulled both batteries out and checked resistance on both grounds and positive cables up to the distribution panel. Cleaned all the battery cables and posts. Still seems to be problem. Im going to change the convertor out so I can get a better charging system, but i wonder what is causing the inbalance on the batteries.

The first two were new interstates, so replacing pairs has not made any difference.

Thanks for the replies.

I think Im going for a new convertor

[uncle_bob]

Hi

If you go for a new charger / converter, get a "4 stage" version. They were not available when your AS came out. These days they are very much the right way to go. They are not terribly expensive. You will pay for one with the longer life on the first set of batteries.

You can get "all in one" boxes that have an inverter in with the converter. They can be nice. They also may or may not be easy to wire into your setup. For the full feature set, hook up a transfer switch and get one with a solar converter input. No, I'm not volunteering to *pay* for all those crazy ideas

As always, check all the cables any time you do this sort of thing. Putting in $400 worth of electronics and missing a $5 chunk of wire is a bit embarrassing ... don't ask how I know ...

Bob