Thor Forums

[Beau388]

[QUOTE=lspotho;127977
So, here are my questions. Just roughly, how long should it take to charge the batteries from the generator? Do I need to turn off the generator to get a (somewhat, or more) accurate reading? Is there an easy way to get a more accurate battery charge indication, generally - ie, a better meter?
Any input here would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Dan K
PS - I realize the batteries or the generator could be having a problem, but I don't think so. Let's assume not..[/QUOTE]
A good battery monitor is the TriMetric by Bogart Engineering. What you have on the panel is battery voltage meter. To use it properly, the battery should be at rest for 30 minutes. Heavy draws or charging will distort the true voltage readings. The generator charges the batteries through converter. This is the same system you use when on shore power. For a group 24 flooded battery, the use rating is about 75 amp hours. As you should never draw a flooded battery below 50% rating (12.1 volts resting) to prolong its life, that would equal a total of 75 amp hours total of usable power. Assuming a 55 amp three stage charger, 1.5 hours of charging would get you to an 80% charge (12.5 volts resting), then the charger will switch modes from a bulk charge to a topping (absorption) charge. To fill the batteries the last 20% will take another 2.5 hours. A full battery will read 12.73 volts resting.