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Zilbub View Drop Down
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Joined: 06 Mar 2011
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Posts: 13 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Dual Batteries
    Posted: 03 Sep 2011 at 2:24pm
I'm considering adding another battery to my R-151 to do some "no hookup" camping this fall.  I realize that I must get an identical battery to the "Interstate" one that came with the camper.  I also understand that I will have to wire them parallel.  Any other advice?
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Joined: 25 Aug 2011
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Posts: 57 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 Sep 2011 at 11:02am
You may wish to install a 'cut-off' switch between your Pod and the dual batteries.  Having to disconnect the Pod positive cable and the batteries is usually a hassle.  The Pod has 'parasitically' current drain due to the gas detectors, etc.  I have found that I sometimes have left the refrigerator on after emptying it.  The cut-off switch makes sure that nothing in the Pod is going to drain down the batteries when it is being stored.
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Zilbub View Drop Down
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Posts: 13 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 Sep 2011 at 5:09pm
Actually, I leave my Pod plugged in all the time when it is stored.  Is there a problem doing this?
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Posts: 9059 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 Sep 2011 at 5:30pm
No problem, the converter has a good 3-stage charger.  You may not need a 2nd battery, we've gone long weekends taking 4 showers, running lights, the fan, and still had power left.  If you will be out for a week then you will either need a 2nd battery, or another option is every other day you can jump to your TV's battery with good jumper cables and run the engine for 30 minutes.  That will put a bulk charge on it.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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TerryM View Drop Down
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Posts: 1950 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Sep 2011 at 4:21am
A lot depends on how much electric you plan on using.  If it is a dark day because of cloud cover you would tend to use lights more.  How long are you planning to boondock?

Terry
RP-175 W/Lift Kit 2011 Ford F-150 4X4
Saint Augustine, FL: The first permanent European settlement in the USA: 1565
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furpod View Drop Down
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Posts: 6128 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Sep 2011 at 8:24am
Terry brings up a good point, if you have all/most of your lights on, that is a fair bit of power drain.. unless you switch to LED's. My figures show that now that we have all LED's, we can have them all on for less draw than just one of the double lights drew with the incandescent bulbs.. (actually, just more than a single bulb) 
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Zilbub View Drop Down
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Posts: 13 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Sep 2011 at 8:47am
Thanks for the comments.  I think we will try single battery.  We're just planning on camping w/o hookups for two nights at the most.  We also have LEDs in two fixtures so those could be used most of the time.

Here's another question.  When I'm towing, does the TV charge the Pod battery?

Jon
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Posts: 6128 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Sep 2011 at 9:08am
Ours does.. what is your TV and what does it's owners manual say? Even if it came with a towing package and pre-wired for a controller, you may need to add a relay or fuse to use the charging circuit.. we did.
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Zilbub View Drop Down
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Posts: 13 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Sep 2011 at 4:13pm
I have a 2007 Chevy Colorado with a towing package and added the electrical supply to match the Pod's.  I actually had a Chevy dealer add it so I'm sure it should charge the Pod battery if the Pod is set up to do that.
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TerryM View Drop Down
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Posts: 1950 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Sep 2011 at 4:46pm
It sounds like it would charge the Pod okay.

Terry
RP-175 W/Lift Kit 2011 Ford F-150 4X4
Saint Augustine, FL: The first permanent European settlement in the USA: 1565
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