Trying to Understand How My Battery Works

[iHayley]

Okay, so here's sorta a dumb question...

I know my truck's alternator charges my battery while I'm on the road. While I'm plugged into a 30amp hookup, does it also charge then? How about if I'm plugged into a friend's house on a 15 or 20 amp circuit? How about if I'm plugged into my Honda 2000i generator?

I notice that when I'm inside my camper, all set up and plugged into 30 amp/110 power, that my battery indicator will go yellow when I have lotsa 12v things turned on (lights, fan, etc). Does it go yellow or red based upon how much pull is off the battery, or how much charge is left on the battery?

One more... My refridgerator -- when it's running in auto, and the camper is plugged into 110v/30amp power, does it run AUTOMATICALLY off that 110 power? Or do I have to manually switch it? Also, does it even run off 110 at all when it's in Auto? Or does it run off 12v?

Is it better to just leave it in the propane setting and be done with it?

Awaiting the jedi masters' sage advice...

Paduwan Hayley

[Dwight]

Unless you have a battery isolator between your trailer and tow vehicle, then the battery in your tow vehicle will be charged when the trailer is connected to shore power.

With the frig in Auto, the priority should be 120volts. When shore power is disconnected, it should revert to LP gas.

[overlander63]

Battery charging when plugged in is.
Color what state of charge is, not load.
Auto setting for fridge best is. Only change need to when low amp extension cord using.

[Safari-Rick]

After reading several post on batteries, I thought it would be a good idea to post this battery tutorial. Check it out.

Battery Tutorial | Batterystuff.com

R/
Safari-Rick

[iHayley]

You guys ROCK!!! Thank so much for all the info! You are awesome Jedi Masters...!

[willyd]

Safari - Rick, thanks for the tutorial - one thing I didn't see: Should the batteries be disconnected before filling. Thanks.

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by willyd

Safari - Rick, thanks for the tutorial - one thing I didn't see: Should the batteries be disconnected before filling. Thanks.

It is not necessary, but you can if you feel more comfortable doing it.

[Mike Leary]

I switched to sealed batteries years ago, AC Delco marine/golf cart/rv:
battery problems solved, I'm almost four years on the current set of three.

[Mexray]

Mike, technically, AC Delco Deep Cycle batteries are not sealed types...look carefully and you'll see there are vent holes on each end, so these batteries are really classed as 'maintenance free' types - these batteries will leak fluid if you lay them on their sides...the vents allow the flooded cells to 'breath' as the battery heats and cools.

'Sealed' batteries (AGM, GEL, etc) are completely sealed and can be used in any position - they do have one-way vents that will allow the release of hydrogen gas if they are overcharged, but won't leak fluid, as the electrolyte is held against the plates due to it's gelled state.

[Mike Leary]

Mike, technically, AC Delco Deep Cycle batteries are not sealed types...look carefully and you'll see there are vent holes on each end, so these batteries are really classed as 'maintenance free' types - these batteries will leak fluid if you lay them on their sides.

I don't lay my batteries on their sides, but thanks for the heads up.

[willyd]

Thanks for all the good information.

[billiards]

Safri-Rick....every once in awhile one gets a nugget, a life long keeper, thats wha i get with the battery life/testing/maintaince of your posting...thanks a million...jack