Date: Wed, 14 Jul 2021 21:24:49 -0400
Reply-To: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Re: Battery response try again.
In-Reply-To: <CY4PR0801MB3731BE3DA65EFA8671A43766A0139@CY4PR0801MB3731.namprd08.prod.outlook.com>
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Replying mostly so everyone sees the message.
Is this drop down trey where the start battery is or another compartment on the passenger side where a propane tank would fit?
Nice options available.
Eric
> On Jul 14, 2021, at 5:18 PM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM> wrote:
>
> Derek,
> Good to hear from you after so long.
> I'm not really sure of your question. The stock regulator setting is 13.8 volts dropping off a bit as the alternator heats up. Typically some AGM batteries prefer a higher "finishing" voltage some all the way up to14.9vdc. Alternator charging for DC batteries is always a compromise for deep cycle batteries as what is really important is current control during the Bulk stage of charging. So ideally using a voltage just below gassing is good and an occasional top off with a true 3 or 4 stage charger is an ideal way to go. Keep in mind these batteries have an awesome charge acceptance during the bulk stage and can present a strain on the charging system especially for larger banks. This is why many will invest in the DC-DC chargers as they can provide the IEI charging profile and limit the current during that bulk initial I stage.
>
> One of the things to consider with these batteries is the number of cycles. From experience a battery is really cycled as it goes below 50% state of charge (SOC) or that finishing charge going from 80-85% to 100%. So you drive some distance, at the higher voltage and fully charge the battery. You stop for lunch with the fridge on for an hour, taking off that surface charge, start up and bring it up again. Do this 3 times in a day and you used 3 cycles out of 300 you may get out of that battery. I usually go for a 14.2 or 14.4 volt regulator knowing after the alternator heats up from the load I'll be lucky to maintain 13.8v anyway especially in hot weather or using AC and then let the shore power smart charger charge and maintain the battery when plugged in.
>
> I now offer a drop down tray that goes near the sliding door, doesn't lose any more clearance than the propane tank and I can get a V-Max Tanks 200 A/H battery in there.
>
> https://1drv.ms/a/s!AqaEiIhKCAKbkfxC6ArlPPtJEkXjcQ
>
> For the fridge I offer to keep the original fridge relay operational do that engine off, fridge is off 12 volt. It won't lose much cool for short stops. You loose much more opening the door to switch to gas. On 12 volt there is not thermostat control so it will cool as much as it can.
>
> Lately some customers are looking to get off propane completely. Driveway testing with the van closed up and left in the sun this battery solution runs a truck fridge for 5 days and the freezer will Klondike bars solid. I use an adapter fitting for a disposable cylinder to run the stove.
>
> For heat I now have access to purchase and install the Espar Airtronic heaters for gasoline.
>
> Dennis
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