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Old 11-01-2011, 12:25 PM   #1
Almost There
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 77
Keeping batteries alive plus 12v Norcold?

What I want to do is keep my batteries alive for CHEAP.

I found a $23 battery conditioner thats 12v 950ma

I use the 12v lights and a Norcold that Draws 2.7 amps at 12 volt DC.

Do I need a converter? The ones local cost $300.
Local I can get 50 amp rv converter intellitec $280 plus tax OUCH!



I am ignorant on this, how can I do this for cheap with out melting my new batteries?

I found this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/POWERMAX-45-amp ... 2a156dc347

This is my norcold:
http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/rv-r ... dc0040.htm

In the long run, 12v microwave and laptop running on 12v. I cant see much more need for any more appliances.

Also when im at home I wanted about 10 120V plugs for my guitar amps and thought about this:
AC/DC Distribution Panel PD4045 45 Amp Inteli-Power Mighty Mini Power Center
http://www.bestconverter.com/PD4045-45- ... p_353.html

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Old 11-06-2011, 07:34 AM   #2
Bus Crazy
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Adirondack Mountains NY
Posts: 1,101
Re: Keeping batteries alive plus 12v Norcold?

The cheap trickle charger puts out 950/1000 amp, or 0.95 amp. The fridge draws 2.7 amps. Your batteries will discharge 1.75 amps whenever the fridge runs with the charger on. That does not take into account the lighting. Your batteries will go down.

If you drive a lot and charge from the alternator, the trickle charger may delay the battery discharge by about 1/3. But it is not a good situation for sitting in one place long-term.

On the other hand, you probably do not need a 45-amp converter. Add 3 amps for the fridge, and 2 amps for each 12-volt bulb (less amps for LEDs). If you had 4 "turn signal" bulbs, that would be about 11 amps at night. You could get away with less if the charger was on 24/7 and the lights were on 4 hours or so, running off both the battery and charger.

Here is a 12-amp Chinese converter for $110: http://puxtradingpost.com/shop/produ...cat=280&page=1
The USA manufacturer put these into our camping trailer as original equipment, and it works. I measured the built-in tri-stage charger's performance, and it is spot-on for wet cells. There are no jumpers, switches or pots to re-calibrate it for gel cells, the settings are in software and cannot be reset. It could possibly overcharge a gel cell and cause it to vent, permanently reducing capacity, but it works famously with Marine deep-cycle batteries. Just remember to check the water level once or twice a year.

It also includes space for a couple of 120-vole AC breakers, and includes space for 4 fused DC circuits.

I don't know your opinion of "made in China." And the charging unit is not repairable, if it fails throw it away and get another (but do you really want to pay $80/hour for someone to troubleshoot a $110 unit?). All I am saying is that it is a low-cost option that works for us.

If you really want cheapo-cheapo, find a regulated power supply that is designed to power a CB radio or other 12-volt device. You might be able to find one at a garage sale.Open it up, and try to find a voltage-adjustment pot. Using a digital meter, set the output down from 13.8 volts to 12.5 volts for wet cells and 12.25 volts for gel cells. This "float charge" will prevent overcharging and boiling the acid. The wet cells will need occasional "equalization" charges, but if the alternator is connected to charge the batteries, and you drive th bus once per month, that should be taken care of. You will also have to watch if the power supply tries to put out more than its rating when the batteries are down. Some units have current limiters, others will start to overheat.

EDIT: Brain Phart! Set the voltage for 13.5 for wet cells, and 13.25 for gel cells. I know what I meant but didn't type it!

Good Luck!
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Old 11-06-2011, 08:35 AM   #3
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Re: Keeping batteries alive plus 12v Norcold?

I found this used for $30.
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Old 11-06-2011, 10:45 AM   #4
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Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Adirondack Mountains NY
Posts: 1,101
Re: Keeping batteries alive plus 12v Norcold?

Litton is a respectable name. Can't beat that deal with a stick!!
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