Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks: Battery test at home?

Print Page | Close Window

Battery test at home?

Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15726
Printed Date: 18 Jun 2025 at 3:37am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Battery test at home?

Posted By: renhui
Subject: Battery test at home?
Date Posted: 09 Jun 2023 at 11:00am

Hey guys, is there a simple way to test how good the battery is at home?

I can't see any date or other info. on the 12v battery that came with the trailer, not much info. from previous owner either.

Just wanted to cover my base here to get read for the first trip in couple weeks!

Replies:

Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 09 Jun 2023 at 6:45pm

I would assume you have a voltmeter or multi-tester. At rest your battery should read 12.72v (fully charged) and if at only 50% S.O.C. will read `12.2v. If it is much below that give it a 2 amp trickle charge for 24 hours and let rest for at least 3-4 hours. Again, you should be at 100% S.O.C. or 12.72v and if it reads within 0.04v at day later, your battery is good to go. If in doubt take it to an auto parts store and have them put a load test on it - then you will be certain if it is good to go or not. Our oldest battery (12v Interstate group size 24 deep cycle) turned 12 years old in April and still gives us good juice as we boondock. Our newer battery, a Trojan T-1275 is a heavy weight at 85 lbs but puts out 160 AH which is splendid and lasts quite a while. We neither utilize solar or generator yet can go off grid for 6-7 days with these 2 batteries when night temps are in the 40's and furnace is running a LOT.

-------------
God's pod
'11 model 177
'17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost
Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake
"...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."

Posted By: seafans
Date Posted: 09 Jun 2023 at 9:52pm

You can take the battery to Auto Zone and they can check it on a high rate discharge test. Really the best way to check the state of the battery.

Posted By: renhui
Date Posted: 11 Jun 2023 at 3:21pm

Thanks guys. my battery reads about 12.92v (I trickle charged a week ago), how do you interpret this reading?

Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 11 Jun 2023 at 3:58pm

If it has been off the trickle charge for a week and still reads 12.92v, that is a very good sign that it is good to go, nevertheless, it wouldn't hurt to take it in to have a load test to be totally certain.

-------------
God's pod
'11 model 177
'17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost
Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake
"...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."

Posted By: renhui
Date Posted: 12 Jun 2023 at 7:28pm

That's comforting to know.

yeah, there is similar auto parts chain here in Canada called partsource that offers free battery load test, might pay a visit in the near future.