loonwheeler
Adventurer
My Unimog is an ex-miltary truck and runs as 24V system. Currently I have 2X 12V Group 24M hybrid deep cell marine batteries wired in series for the starting duties. Since my truck is also a camper - I also have a dual battery setup that connects the starting batteries with the house batteries when the ignition is turned on.
I noticed late this fall that the truck was getting harder to start with only the starting batteries - just before the solenoid switched to connect the house batteries. I have checked the voltage of the starting batteries and combined they are normally close to 24.0 or so at rest which made me first suspect something was wrong. Once the house batteries are connected (thankfully) I haven't had any issues starting even since the cold weather has arrived this winter. As another backup - I also have a Honda EU3000is generator on board and a jumper pack in case emergency charging or jumping is needed.
As the title suggests, I recently started to look a bit deeper by disconnecting the two batteries and measuring the resting voltage by themselves. As it would turn out - one battery sits at 13V while the other is around 10.3V. Obviously this points to one of the batteries being completely dead and the root cause of my low voltage issues.
My question is this. Will the one dead starting battery have any negative affects on the other batteries in the system? Should it be replaced ASAP? The other alternative is to take a few months and budget to purchase a new one before this spring's adventures begin.
The failing battery is a MagnaCharge 24M1000 that is less than 1 year old. I would love to warranty the battery - but too bad I don't live in Canada. Anyone know if this can warrantied here in the US?
If I were to replace the battery - get another brand that is similar in specs or best to replace both batteries at the same time to be on the safe side?
I noticed late this fall that the truck was getting harder to start with only the starting batteries - just before the solenoid switched to connect the house batteries. I have checked the voltage of the starting batteries and combined they are normally close to 24.0 or so at rest which made me first suspect something was wrong. Once the house batteries are connected (thankfully) I haven't had any issues starting even since the cold weather has arrived this winter. As another backup - I also have a Honda EU3000is generator on board and a jumper pack in case emergency charging or jumping is needed.
As the title suggests, I recently started to look a bit deeper by disconnecting the two batteries and measuring the resting voltage by themselves. As it would turn out - one battery sits at 13V while the other is around 10.3V. Obviously this points to one of the batteries being completely dead and the root cause of my low voltage issues.
My question is this. Will the one dead starting battery have any negative affects on the other batteries in the system? Should it be replaced ASAP? The other alternative is to take a few months and budget to purchase a new one before this spring's adventures begin.
The failing battery is a MagnaCharge 24M1000 that is less than 1 year old. I would love to warranty the battery - but too bad I don't live in Canada. Anyone know if this can warrantied here in the US?
If I were to replace the battery - get another brand that is similar in specs or best to replace both batteries at the same time to be on the safe side?