magnum inverter

[Bonnie G]

Need help understanding what is drawing power from the house batteries. Fully charged after a long winter, first day 11.5v 24 hours later then batteries are dead. These batteries were replaced last year, no appliance running. What could be draining these batteries.

 

[Richpatty]

If they re hooked up, there are always parasitic draws… the only way to truly help prevent this is to disconnect them. Or leave them on charge.

 

[Bonnie G]

If they re hooked up, there are always parasitic draws… the only way to truly help prevent this is to disconnect them. Or leave them on charge.

Wish I could find that parasite

 

[Richpatty]

Yea...good luck. You can always install a cutoff switch on the positive side(s) of the connection at the battery.

You could use a clamp meter to try to track it down by looking for current on each positive lead off the battery, but will still not be definitive. Depending on how long the battery is not being charged, it may die over time anyway. Especially if lead acid.

 

[TheLooks]

You mention in the title a Magnum Inverter. Why? Are you actually using it and running the batteries down? How long were the batteries dead? Lead acid will not recover if left dead for long periods of time. I sorta assumed the batteries died when not being used after the winter....but were you boondocking?

 

[osuallen]

Need help understanding what is drawing power from the house batteries. Fully charged after a long winter, first day 11.5v 24 hours later then batteries are dead. These batteries were replaced last year, no appliance running. What could be draining these batteries.

At 11.5V, the batteries are already essentially dead. Is this just sitting with no known loads, or is it being used?

 

[Bonnie G]

You mention in the title a Magnum Inverter. Why? Are you actually using it and running the batteries down? How long were the batteries dead? Lead acid will not recover if left dead for long periods of time. I sorta assumed the batteries died when not being used after the winter....but were you boondocking?

The cut off switch was activated, though that it would turn off the draw from the battery (still learning this unit) Recharging the batteries held charge for 36 hours now dead. We are testing each battery to see if all are charging and holding a charge. What type of battery do you recommend. We are getting ready to boondock and trying to make sure all will be well.

 

[Bonnie G]

At 11.5V, the batteries are already essentially dead. Is this just sitting with no known loads, or is it being used?

So much to learn, should I be turning off the inverter I left it on to display the battery v. Set to auto start up for the generator will that work if the inverter is off? I am thinking the generator didn't start as the batteries were depleted. I wish there was a better on line tutorial for new users. I found a couple that has the basic, no place for Q & A

 

[Kevin D Pem]

??? Boondock, for how long? Off grid? A few weeks?

The newer the rig, the more parisitic loading! CO detectors, propane gas detectors, inverter stand by losses. Heater, water heaters indicator lights,

For recreational use short term flooded lead acid. Long term AGM, lead carbon, or (and this is not a recommendation) Lifepo4.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

So much to learn, should I be turning off the inverter I left it on to display the battery v. Set to auto start up for the generator will that work if the inverter is off? I am thinking the generator didn't start as the batteries were depleted. I wish there was a better on line tutorial for new users. I found a couple that has the basic, no place for Q & A

Use the search function for your personal Q&A. Auto start indicates newer rig. Tell is what rig and monitoring system installed in your rig.

FYI that monitoring system is a parisitic load. If you can, set the generator start voltage higher.

 

[TheLooks]

yes generator will work without the inverter. The inverter only powers a a few outlets and the fridge. But it will drain the batteries still. Shut it off and only turn it on when plugged in and you leave for awhile and want to protect the fridge.