How do you test that battery is being charged properly?

[tnedator]

The xantrex controller is showing 13.6 on shore power and generator, but I'm thinking I need to actually check at the battery, correct?

I have my multimeter. So I'm assuming I switch to DC and put a probe on positive/negative posts.

If that is correct, do I then just check with engine running, on shore power and with generator running and is 13.5/13.6 what I should be looking for at the battery posts to confirm it's charging

[16ACE27]

Depends on the state of the batteries; after starting the coach it should be as high as 14.5 or 14.6 for a short time. As the batteries state of charge increases the charging voltage will drop to 13.0 volts (or less) to keep from overcharging the batteries.

[Laco]

While plugged in, while the engine is running, or with the generator running, you are getting battery voltage as its being charge. Unplugged with no generator running and engine off, you are getting true battery voltage displayed,

[bigben]

Also recommend that you check specific gravity of each cell. Here is some additional info. Measuring State-of-charge - Battery University

[Steve70605]

Originally Posted by bigben

Also recommend that you check specific gravity of each cell. Here is some additional info. Measuring State-of-charge - Battery University

Agree. You can get a hydrometer fairly cheap. Recommend the floating bulb glass units rather than the cheaper plastic ones. Best way to see what is happening with each cell of the battery.

[scrubjaysnest]

Originally Posted by bigben

Also recommend that you check specific gravity of each cell. Here is some additional info. Measuring State-of-charge - Battery University

This is a good source of info. Also a clamp on DC ammeter to measure current. We use a battery monitoring system. Once programmed correctly it will give % charge, aH's, how many days since last full charge etc.