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General Discussion / Re: AGM BATTERIES
« on: May 26, 2023, 05:33:39 am »
I would suggest to google the manual. I purchased a set of AGMs for my previous RV in 2007 so I know AGMs have been around longer than that.
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General Discussion / Re: sEELevel tank monitoring system
« on: May 01, 2023, 12:35:44 pm »
Glad to hear it is working well for you! Thank for the report! I am having them install one (along with doing a few other repairs) when we are out that way for the reunion.
3
General Discussion / Re: Lithium batteries and starting the generator
« on: April 20, 2023, 10:14:42 am »
I appreciate all of the info everyone provided. I sent a question to Cummins but they never responded.
The point of 350A for less than .5 seconds and then dropping to 75A provided by MikeH is very helpful.
Somewhere in internet land I saw where someone measured 280A on a 4KW unit.
This maps with folks stated experience of successful starts with various lithium banks:
2 Battle Born 100AHr: max discharge spec: 200A for 30sec. = 200*2= 400A for 30 sec.
2 SOK 206AHr: max discharge spec: 200A for 3 sec = 200*2= 400A for 3 sec.
2 SFK 300 AHr: max discharge spec: 200A for 2 min. = 200*2=400A for 2 min.
I haven’t seen any reports of a single one of these batteries starting a generator
The AMsolar webpage states that a single LifeBlue battery can start an RV generator.
LifeBlue 100AHr max discharge spec: 350A for 3 sec (> 400A for 4 sec will trigger an over current event)
This provides me with some options within the limits of the battery area and wanting both the heated batteries and Bluetooth.
Thanks again!
…Mike
The point of 350A for less than .5 seconds and then dropping to 75A provided by MikeH is very helpful.
Somewhere in internet land I saw where someone measured 280A on a 4KW unit.
This maps with folks stated experience of successful starts with various lithium banks:
2 Battle Born 100AHr: max discharge spec: 200A for 30sec. = 200*2= 400A for 30 sec.
2 SOK 206AHr: max discharge spec: 200A for 3 sec = 200*2= 400A for 3 sec.
2 SFK 300 AHr: max discharge spec: 200A for 2 min. = 200*2=400A for 2 min.
I haven’t seen any reports of a single one of these batteries starting a generator
The AMsolar webpage states that a single LifeBlue battery can start an RV generator.
LifeBlue 100AHr max discharge spec: 350A for 3 sec (> 400A for 4 sec will trigger an over current event)
This provides me with some options within the limits of the battery area and wanting both the heated batteries and Bluetooth.
Thanks again!
…Mike
4
General Discussion / Re: Lithium batteries and starting the generator
« on: April 12, 2023, 09:11:54 am »I used Gorilla brand sealing tape around the seam of the case. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HSKRYQW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1
I had thought along these same lines.
Impressive box build!!
(Beyond my simple abilities!)Thanks!
..Mike
5
General Discussion / Re: Lithium batteries and starting the generator
« on: April 08, 2023, 12:18:58 pm »
it sounds like Cummins/Onan has had the question come up before.
I looked in the installation manual for my model (QG 4000 KY-R) and I only see mention to size the cables based upon distance and using 1000ccA as a guide.
Based upon the numbers stated, one 100Ahr battery ought to be able to start the generator. Makes you wonder why Battle Born says 2+. It could just be a generic safe answer.
I didn't know they put the breaker at the back of the battery compartment. It can't be seen in mine as battery cable lengths only allow the battery slide out about 4 inches. It's good to know as I wondered where it was.
I did send a note into Cummins. It will be interesting to see if they reply and what they say.
..Mike
I looked in the installation manual for my model (QG 4000 KY-R) and I only see mention to size the cables based upon distance and using 1000ccA as a guide.
Based upon the numbers stated, one 100Ahr battery ought to be able to start the generator. Makes you wonder why Battle Born says 2+. It could just be a generic safe answer.
I didn't know they put the breaker at the back of the battery compartment. It can't be seen in mine as battery cable lengths only allow the battery slide out about 4 inches. It's good to know as I wondered where it was.
I did send a note into Cummins. It will be interesting to see if they reply and what they say.
..Mike
6
General Discussion / Re: Lithium batteries and starting the generator
« on: April 07, 2023, 08:34:33 am »
It is interesting that Battle Born Batteries in their FAQ imply their understanding of cold cranking amps drawn on their lithiums is a measure of surge current over time:
"Can you batteries start my Onan generator?
Onan are one of the most popular generators on the market for RV applications. Most RVs and campers come equipped with a generator, and the Onan is compact enough to fit into most camper’s cargo spaces.
Onan Generators startup requirements typically run between 360 and 475 cold cranking amps. Although two of our batteries will almost always start your on-board generator, three of our batteries are an ideal match."
This comes from a company with one of the stronger discharge surge ratings: 200A for 30 sec.
That would equate to 400A for 2 batteries and 600A for 3 for 30 seconds, a conservative answer.
I am going to try and get a clarification on the spec and current requirements from Cummins.
"Can you batteries start my Onan generator?
Onan are one of the most popular generators on the market for RV applications. Most RVs and campers come equipped with a generator, and the Onan is compact enough to fit into most camper’s cargo spaces.
Onan Generators startup requirements typically run between 360 and 475 cold cranking amps. Although two of our batteries will almost always start your on-board generator, three of our batteries are an ideal match."
This comes from a company with one of the stronger discharge surge ratings: 200A for 30 sec.
That would equate to 400A for 2 batteries and 600A for 3 for 30 seconds, a conservative answer.
I am going to try and get a clarification on the spec and current requirements from Cummins.
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General Discussion / Re: Lithium batteries and starting the generator
« on: April 06, 2023, 11:36:14 am »
I assume you have separated the generator starting current requirements into the brief "inrush" demand, and the actual cranking current needed for longer duration. The CCA requirement specified by Onan (450 amps or whatever) relates to inrush--which on the Onan 4000 has been measured at about 350 amps but exists for less than 500 milliseconds. Actual cranking current depends on battery voltage, but should run about 70-75 amps for whatever duration until the generator starts.
These may be some of the reasons why, in actual experience, folks have no problems with their lithium setup handling the generator demand, even with lower state-of-charge.
Mike
Mike, No I didn't know this distinction and so, this info is very helpful. It clears up the specsmanship a lot. Thank you.
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General Discussion / Re: Lithium batteries and starting the generator
« on: April 06, 2023, 06:40:52 am »The two SOK 206ah batteries installed in my modified battery compartment on our 2018 2552 start the 4K generator even when down to under 20% SOC.
They also run my AC or microwave running through a Victron inverter.
Thanks for your comment! Since the SOK's are not sealed, did you ensure the battery compartment was sealed or did you seal the batteries some way?
In modifying the battery compartment, did you just take out the drawer or ?
Thanks!
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General Discussion / Re: 12 volt plug
« on: April 04, 2023, 06:56:19 pm »
We had one of the original Hankooks shred on us at the 5 year point. We always kept appropriate inflation based upon RV weight and using a TPMS.
We had always used Michelins on our previous RV with good results and we switched to the Michelin Agilis tires.
You'll find everyone has their own opinion of the best tire.
We had always used Michelins on our previous RV with good results and we switched to the Michelin Agilis tires.
You'll find everyone has their own opinion of the best tire.
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General Discussion / Re: Lithium batteries and starting the generator
« on: April 04, 2023, 06:40:54 pm »
DKCruzser and Funseekers: Thanks for your replies!
=================================
**true, but you still supposedly need the amps and 100ahr lithiums are typically rated as 100A max (often 200A surge for a "short" time)**
**Also true but I just don't want to start the RV every time I want to start the generator.**
Edit: It is interesting and useful info that you can start the generator with the house batteries totally disconnected. This would cover the harder starts during the winter monthly exercising the batteries.
=================================
Cold cranking amps are not related to amp hours rating.
450 amps for 1 minute = 7.5 amp hours
**true, but you still supposedly need the amps and 100ahr lithiums are typically rated as 100A max (often 200A surge for a "short" time)**
As a side note, I have always disconnected my house batteries over the winter but to exercise the generator, I simply started the engine, waited 20 seconds and then started the generator using only the engine battery (since the house batteries were physically disconnected). I never had a problem doing that.
**Also true but I just don't want to start the RV every time I want to start the generator.**
Edit: It is interesting and useful info that you can start the generator with the house batteries totally disconnected. This would cover the harder starts during the winter monthly exercising the batteries.
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General Discussion / Lithium batteries and starting the generator
« on: April 04, 2023, 09:15:13 am »
So, I have been looking at upgrading to Lithium batteries and have everything figured out except for the requirements on starting the generator, which we would still use for the microwave. Folks stating specs say 450 cold cranking amps are required but anecdotally there are reports of no problems with just 2 100Ahr batteries (verses the 4+ the specs would indicate). I am trying to fit the batteries into the current battery compartment to make the change easier, so that limits the battery space.
My generator starts hard unless started daily so not wanting to risk damaging batteries.
My question is: If you are using lithium and the generator, what are your lithium battery system details: manufacturer, battery AHr, number of batteries. Any other related info you have gleaned on this issue would be appreciated.
Thanks!
..Mike
My generator starts hard unless started daily so not wanting to risk damaging batteries.
My question is: If you are using lithium and the generator, what are your lithium battery system details: manufacturer, battery AHr, number of batteries. Any other related info you have gleaned on this issue would be appreciated.
Thanks!
..Mike
12
General Discussion / Re: Catalytic Converter Theft Protection
« on: March 30, 2023, 08:30:53 am »
I didn't think an alarm was the best solution. It wouldn't take any time for a saws-all to quiet it and it could be a pain going off at wrong times.
I decided to go with the catstrap as it looks fairly easy to install. It looks like even if they get the converter cut off a portion of the catstrap would remain indicating it had been stolen.
The catclamp looks fairly easy to install as well but I saw some installations where cables were hanging down. That looked like it would catch on stuff.
I decided to go with the catstrap as it looks fairly easy to install. It looks like even if they get the converter cut off a portion of the catstrap would remain indicating it had been stolen.
The catclamp looks fairly easy to install as well but I saw some installations where cables were hanging down. That looked like it would catch on stuff.
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Polls / Re: Does your Phoenix Cruiser have a slide out?
« on: January 23, 2023, 01:48:46 pm »
No
N/A
No
Prefer not. The less electro-mechanical items the better but hard to find non-slide RVs
N/A
No
Prefer not. The less electro-mechanical items the better but hard to find non-slide RVs
14
Adventure Anywhere / Re: Dreaming of Alaska Road Trip
« on: April 09, 2022, 08:57:11 am »
Canada is open as long as you have proof of vaccination. The one unknown yet is if they will open the Poker Creek border crossing. That crossing has been closed the past two years. So far nothing is shown on official sites, but perhaps updates will happen in May.
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Tips and Tricks / Re: Garmin 890 and 1090 Mounts
« on: May 21, 2021, 03:10:29 pm »
Hi Mike! Thanks for the additional info on mounts. I have changed the topic name to include the 1090 so folks can find the info. I am looking forward to using the 890 on our next trip. For one, I can do most changes with voice command which will be safer than fiddling with the GPS while driving. I know the 770 had some voice commands but could never remember them. I am used to using "hey Google" so its easy for my aged brain to remember "hey Garmin"! 