Search results

  1. B

    DC to DC Charger with Isolator?

    How have you monitored charging current and voltage to the 100AH AGM portable? Most 100AH AGM as well as typical lead-acid group size batteries will only accept about 40 amps maximum at mid-fourteen charging volts, then amps typically decrease to thirty or less rather quickly. The battery...
  2. B

    2021 Best Compact Air Conditioning Options?

    Let'em laugh. Generator via extension cord or left on swing-away cargo carrier.
  3. B

    Warning re Jackery product quality/design

    I've been given quite a few of the old AGM/SLA jump starter packs that contain a battery surrounded by lots of plastic with mainly flashy things and maybe a miniature air compressor. Way back gee whiz factor. The short jumper cables, 100-200 amp on/off switch, and a few other scavenged parts...
  4. B

    Finally My Own 4x4 Van (1985 E150 Chassis)

    Idiot lights (oil pressure switch) on your model small block Ford turned on (closed) at about 5 psi from past experience. Low idle pressure from excessive crank bearings wear often caused a noise that disappeared as soon as oil pressure rose. Long ago, I've driven many miles even after the...
  5. B

    Solar Wiring question - gauge and connector type?

    I started with a used Renogy 100 watt suitcase panel for a camper trailer and moved the controller next to the batteries on the tongue. The controller is housed in a plastic, hinged binoculars case. MC4 connectors do not have access for voltmeter test leads while connected. Anderson...
  6. B

    Battery Isolator Issue

    I've seen nothing about measuring amperage. Volts and Watts get all the attention. Current flow/amps tell the truth. Volts should get a glance. Amps should be stared at. Nothing is really known about charging without an amp reading.
  7. B

    Upgrading Alternator to charge house batteries faster

    This youtube video goes back to the thread title and the original post. It provides a good study for just buying and installing a high-output alternator in a vehicle without any other changes as to wiring or reasons for use with the existing system, especially in the case for lithiums vs. other...
  8. B

    New trailer - understand battery system

    It appears your batteries have removable caps for inspection. Specific gravity testers have been used for many years to determine state of charge.
  9. B

    Question about capacity needs and battery type

    What everyone else said about trying to determine loads. After all the math, usage will let you know the truth. I bought that Eco Worthy battery in September on a lark for a first foray into lithium, to take some load off of a four year old 100ah AGM. I continuously monitor charge and...
  10. B

    Small Anderson connectors - is there a trick I'm missing?

    I apply a dab of electrically conducting anti-oxidizing grease to the connector to help slide the connector past the overlapped snapping point...
  11. B

    DC Electric Water Heater with Heat Exchanger

    Note the comment about heating coffee..
  12. B

    DC Electric Water Heater with Heat Exchanger

    I use a Camco 120vac 1000 watt heating element with an attached power cord occasionally, immersed in water-filled plastic containers. Don't do this. Use at your own risk. Danger of electrocution. Always in water before powering up. Different wattages available at 120vac. Used in many RVs...
  13. B

    Testing Connections for Resistance

    Two ten feet long homemade test leads, made from very small telephone wire, allow you to test dc volts from source to load anywhere along the path. MC4 connectors get replaced with Andersons as they can be easily probed as seen above, while connected, and MC4s are difficult. A perfect circuit...
  14. B

    Propane cooking stove

    I borrowed three Coleman propane stoves that all failed the low flame test. A vintage Sears Hillary propane two-burner passed with flying colors, and was thinner than the coleman. Eventually, a 425 pump-up white gas Coleman, along with a Stansport green bottle propane adapter for two fuel...
  15. B

    Basic bare bones solar power controller?

    One nice to have feature is amps display to monitor charge current. The blue-faced spare I have does not. I have ordered low-cost Renogy and HQST brands that do. Knowing typical charging amps, especially in full sun, discharged battery conditions can alert you to possible wiring/connection...
  16. B

    Help me understand: How does a fridge not drain away your battery?

    I'm ignorant. Do any of the refrigerators have a time delay in the low voltage shutdown feature to prevent shutting down due to starting current inrush and wiring resistance voltage drops?
  17. B

    "Solar Generator"

    They remind me of the plastic jump start monstrosities with an AGM inside, introduced decades ago, still available, that now litter the landscape. Included a cord for AC charging, lamp, flashing lights, dinky air compressor, battery current on/off switch, stubby cables with clamps and things...
  18. B

    [solved] Floor plugs for seat bolt holes

    +1 on translucent goo. Found out it also serves as a daylight indicator when dark inside.
  19. B

    Understanding Battery separators versus battery isolators, for charging via a car alternator.

    I'm not worried and stated the alternator system works just fine for my measured charging needs for over three years and will continue. I like it, also in conjunction with solar. My worrisome blather was related to the 100+ amps some posters claim can be had from their stock alternator systems...
  20. B

    Understanding Battery separators versus battery isolators, for charging via a car alternator.

    Thanks Verkstad. I hadn't thought of that. I can't even hear the fridge's low voltage alarm/shutdown squeal without a hearing aid. The thought that a typical factory-supplied alternator is a huge bulk charging device that can be utilized with some big wire and a 200 amp solenoid, then simply...
Top