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| Thread ID: 150002 | 2021-08-05 10:58:00 | A question about the batteries in our motorhome | Roscoe (6288) | PC World Chat |
| Post ID | Timestamp | Content | User | ||
| 1479134 | 2021-08-05 10:58:00 | We have two batteries in our diesel Ford Transit motorhome used for the starter motor, lights, etc. We have had one of the batteries replaced after about eight years. I was wondering why we have two batteries. Is it because it is 24v, that is two 12v in series, or is it two 12v in parallel? Will the older battery be draining the new battery? Should we have replaced both batteries at the same time, even though it was only one of the two that was faulty? The motorhome is only a small one - two berth - and is just a normal high sided Ford Transit. It has another battery for interior lights, TV, etc. All batteries are being charged from the alternator while we are on the road and the house battery is charged from the solar panels when we are camped. Your help is appreciated.:thanks |
Roscoe (6288) | ||
| 1479135 | 2021-08-05 13:17:00 | If the new battery is 12V the two bus batteries are in series, 12V + 12V = 24V and there will be a link cable going from +VE on one battery to -VE on the other. In this setup, both batteries will be doing equal work, and within tolerances age similarly i(f both batteries are the same initially). If both batteries are different initially, they will perform to the specs of the worst battery. the weakest battery will be "working hardest" and will age fastest. It is now likely that your oldest battery is aging faster than before, and is limiting the output of the new battery. However, if the new battery is lower spec than the old one it may be that the old one is the better one still. If the batteries are two different types, one is a calcium battery and one is traditional lead acid they require different charging voltages, this gives varying results, but usually not good for either. When batteries die, Murphy is at the ready, so if you are the last one to leave a remote campground late at night in heavy rain,Murphy's aim may not coincide with your wishes and you may discover that using the headlights to see as you fold the awning in dark, wind and rain leaves your battery combo too flat to start just as you discover the creek is rising fast :( OTOH, you might beat the odds and get good life out of your mystery combo, but the odds are not very auspicious. |
R2x1 (4628) | ||
| 1479136 | 2021-08-05 21:13:00 | Thanks for that, R2x1. That is what we wanted to know. Much appreciated.:thanks |
Roscoe (6288) | ||
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