Quote:
Originally Posted by TyCreek
How do you determine that the WCFO is junk?
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Check the charge specs for the typical deep cycle battery, then discharge it to 50%, this will be between 12. and 12.4 volts. Hook up to sure power and monitor the current and voltage from the WFCO and see if it meets the battery manufacturers specs. It won't come even close. The best I've seen from ours is 14.1 volts at 10 amps for lest then an hour and that is better then the same model in our last camper.
Typical charge cycles for deep cycle batteries from 50% for maximum battery life are:
10 to 13% rate of charge in boost. At 10% thats 10.5 amps for 100Ah battery or GC-2s about 22.5 to 25 amps for 4 hours.
Absorb or the last 90% or so hold the battery voltage at 14.8 volts while the current tapers off for up to 12 hours.
Float varies between 13.2 to 13.6 volts
Equalize 15 volts+ for 2 to 4 hours about once a month.
AGM's are a little different in they can handle a higher rate of charge and absorb is a little lower at 14.4 volts
Gels...don't waste your money.
Car and Deep Cycle Battery FAQ, Battery Manufacturers and Brand Names List, and
Measuring State-of-charge - Battery University
Links to good information about batteries; and while The 12 volt side of life is a good introduction, the SOC chart is wrong for today's batteries.
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