Battery on or off?

[kb0zke]

Tomorrow the wind is supposed to blow some - 45 gusting to 75. That could bring down power lines, so we want to be ready to boondock if necessary. We're plugged into 50A, and will stay that way. No generator, so if the power goes out the batteries are all that is left. Should I turn on the battery switch if that happens? We have the "standard" solar panel on the roof and two 105 AH lithium batteries.

[Redapple63]

That’s a tough choice. I would leave them on as you are using them but be very frugal with our usage. Also with solar on the roof, even the standard factory solar will add charge. May not keep up with usage but should help delay depletion point. Also if the temp is below freezing you can’t charge them anyway. Use them carefully.

Here’s hoping your electric stays on in the bad weather and you all stay safe!

Bill

[kb0zke]

Thanks, Bill. I'm still getting used to the batteries NOT being the power source for the 12v side. On the Foretravel, power went from the converter to the batteries to the load. When the power went out the batteries were still there - no switching required. As I understand it, on the Reflection the batteries are normally out of the loop, getting some charging from the converter and the solar panel, but the converter supplies all of the 12v needs except for the tank heating pads. Those, apparently, are powered only by the batteries.

[FT4NOW]

As I understand it, on the Reflection the batteries are normally out of the loop, getting some charging from the converter and the solar panel, but the converter supplies all of the 12v needs except for the tank heating pads. Those, apparently, are powered only by the batteries.

Where does this understanding come from? It really doesn't make any sense to me, I think you might be misunderstanding. How would the batteries be out of the loop unless you have the disconnect switch in the wrong position? When you use your tank heating pads, do you do something to allow power from the battery? If the converter and solar provide charging to the batteries without operator action, the batteries should provide 12v to the 12v system if the converter is off, again without operator action. If your system is different I would like to understand, not that it affects me, but I'm always interested in how things work.

[Redapple63]

Thanks, Bill. I'm still getting used to the batteries NOT being the power source for the 12v side. On the Foretravel, power went from the converter to the batteries to the load. When the power went out the batteries were still there - no switching required. As I understand it, on the Reflection the batteries are normally out of the loop, getting some charging from the converter and the solar panel, but the converter supplies all of the 12v needs except for the tank heating pads. Those, apparently, are powered only by the batteries.

Definitely a bit of a misunderstanding. Your batteries are the source for the 12v side. The converter provides 120v and 12v charging.

If you lose shore power you will lose 120v and battery charging, not 12v.

That’s why I said keep them on and use them frugally.

I hope that helps.

Bill

[Hoopy Frood]

I don't believe the converter provides 120V AC, but it does convert 120V to 12V DC to charge the batteries and run various 12V DC devices.

[Hoopy Frood]

Typo? I don't believe the converter provides 120V AC, but it does convert 120V to 12V DC to charge the batteries and run various 12V DC devices.

[Redapple63]

Typo? I don't believe the converter provides 120V AC, but it does convert 120V to 12V DC to charge the batteries and run various 12V DC devices.

Typo? I don't believe the converter provides 120V AC, but it does convert 120V to 12V DC to charge the batteries and run various 12V DC devices.

Yea, typo, you’re right. Converter plugs into 120v.

Shore power provides 120v through distribution. Converter charges battery.

Loss of shore power is loss of 120v and battery charging from the converter.

Bill

[huntindog]

Definitely a bit of a misunderstanding. Your batteries are the source for the 12v side. The converter provides 120v and 12v charging.

If you lose shore power you will lose 120v and battery charging, not 12v.

That’s why I said keep them on and use them frugally.

I hope that helps.

Bill

The convertor does NOT supply 120 volt power.
The OP should turn the battery on. and use the coach normally. no need to be frugal as long as his shore power is working. if it goes out, then frugal measures should be used

[Redapple63]

The convertor does NOT supply 120 volt power.
The OP should turn the battery on. and use the coach normally. no need to be frugal as long as his shore power is working. if it goes out, then frugal measures should be used

If you read my previous post I corrected myself

Thanks
Bill