R-pod Owners Forum : battery issues http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Introduce Yourself : battery issues Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Fri, 01 May 2026 12:48:19 +0000 Wed, 29 Sep 2021 18:42:31 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=8886 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ battery issues : With 4 hours of full sun a day,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8886&PID=145353#145353 Author: Colt
Subject: 8886
Posted: 29 Sep 2021 at 6:42pm

With 4 hours of full sun a day, this panel and charge controller will keep your battery fully charged.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IFJ73X4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004Q820UK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
]]> Wed, 29 Sep 2021 18:42:31 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8886&PID=145353#145353 battery issues : If the battery is performing well... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8886&PID=145348#145348 Author: StephenH
Subject: 8886
Posted: 29 Sep 2021 at 9:27am

If the battery is performing well and if you get it tested and it is good, I don't see why you would need to replace it just because of time. It may last a few more years since you are not really stressing it.]]> Wed, 29 Sep 2021 09:27:00 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8886&PID=145348#145348 battery issues : I've still have my original... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8886&PID=145347#145347 Author: PilotPodder
Subject: 8886
Posted: 29 Sep 2021 at 8:58am

I've still have my original battery for my 2017 179 (new April 2017). I do not boon-dock and I have replaced my converter once. So I am always plugged into shore power so the battery stays charged. I likely will look at replacing it next year when it turns 5, but really haven't had a single issue with it. ~PP]]> Wed, 29 Sep 2021 08:58:43 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8886&PID=145347#145347 battery issues : See this link: https://www.sol... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8886&PID=83394#83394 Author: techntrek
Subject: 8886
Posted: 10 Oct 2016 at 8:12pm

See this link:  https://www.solar-electric.com/deep-cycle-battery-faq.html

Good to read the whole thing, but just to answer the question on how to check on the battery, scroll 2/3 of the way down to the colored chart.
]]> Mon, 10 Oct 2016 20:12:54 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8886&PID=83394#83394 battery issues : When I store my... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8886&PID=83334#83334 Author: Mojave1
Subject: 8886
Posted: 09 Oct 2016 at 8:58am

When I store my Rpod, I disconnect the wires on the negative side of the battery. 

With an inexpensive multi-meter (< $10 on eBay) you can check your battery's state. Volt DC (Vdc) reading of the following indicate state of charge: 12.6 vdc is about 100% charged; 12.4vdc abt 75%; 12.1 vdc abt 50%. 

Batteries have something known as leak voltage. Even disconnected they can lose about 10% charge a month (lead acid battery). In the disconnected state, I recharge my battery about once a month (or as needed). Battery tender (or trickle charger), another option, I believe has been discussed.

Note: Volts can be thought of as pressure and amps (Amperage) as quantity. The above testing scheme only works on a healthy battery. An unhealthy (tired) battery may read charged (Volts) but not be able to deliver enough amps. 
]]> Sun, 09 Oct 2016 08:58:24 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8886&PID=83334#83334 battery issues : Thank you all! http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8886&PID=83330#83330 Author: gaileee
Subject: 8886
Posted: 08 Oct 2016 at 8:41pm

Thank you all!]]> Sat, 08 Oct 2016 20:41:27 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8886&PID=83330#83330 battery issues : The gauge on the wall is hokum.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8886&PID=83328#83328 Author: furpod
Subject: 8886
Posted: 08 Oct 2016 at 8:29pm

The gauge on the wall is hokum. HOKUM!!

I installed a voltage monitor long ago..




]]> Sat, 08 Oct 2016 20:29:54 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8886&PID=83328#83328 battery issues : Question for you Mark. For the... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8886&PID=83324#83324 Author: jato
Subject: 8886
Posted: 08 Oct 2016 at 8:06pm

Question for you Mark.  For the past 5 plus years I have run my batteries until it shows on the wall gauge 1/3  full charge.  At that point I change over to my other battery.  Yet many posts claim that you shouldn't take them below 50%.  How do you check your battery while camping (wished I asked you that at the ERU in Traverse City this summer)?  I ask that because both my batteries will be 6 years old next March and still seem to be working well even though I have made it a habit to bring them down to 33%, at least according to that gauge on the wall.  I know how inaccurate that is when it comes to showing the black and grey water levels, maybe the same for battery charge?]]> Sat, 08 Oct 2016 20:06:18 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8886&PID=83324#83324 battery issues : Originally posted by gaileeeAfter... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8886&PID=83315#83315 Author: furpod
Subject: 8886
Posted: 08 Oct 2016 at 5:25pm

Originally posted by gaileee

After reading your message, I am thinking it may have to do with maintaining the battery when not in use.  Not sure about how or what to do between trips??  Someone suggested I get a battery tender?
Thanks for your reply!




If you park the pod at home, buy an adapter and plug it in, or install a 30A outlet at home. If you store away from home, at the least, disconnect the battery when away from it, and best, take it home with you, and put it on a tender at the interval the tender suggests.
]]> Sat, 08 Oct 2016 17:25:00 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8886&PID=83315#83315 battery issues : Originally posted by Mojave1 How... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8886&PID=83314#83314 Author: furpod
Subject: 8886
Posted: 08 Oct 2016 at 5:21pm

Originally posted by Mojave1

How does the battery affect carbon monoxide levels? This is dangerous and you need to get to the bottom of it.

The battery, when it gets low, causes the PROPANE detector to alarm, because it is hardwired.

If the battery is tired you need to replace it. A Group 24 battery has about 70-80 Amp Hours of electricity. If your battery is healthy, I wonder what's pulling the juice? One possibility is the fridge. Never run your fridge on battery, as it uses a lot of current. Dry camping the fridge should be on propane. Heaters in general pull about 5 amp-hour, but don't run constantly. Even in cool weather, I think one charge on the battery is enough for a weekend.

Pods have phantom drains, that can't fully be addressed. Furpod has a couple extra constant loads, I pull the fuses for those if I can when boondocking. But just sitting, we pull .165aH constant.

Also, you don't want to discharge your battery more than 50%. The less you discharge it, the more charges the battery has in it (it will live longer).

If you need more power. Consider a Group 29 battery (about 114 amp-hour, $99 at Walmart). Or two group 24 batteries (75 Amp-hour x 2). RV battery sizes by group are 24, 27, 29, & 31. Or two 6v golf cart batteries (about 200 amp-hours). When dry camping, I find my generator very helpful.

For anyone who does a lot of boondocking, paired 6v's are the answer. In 6v's you get true deep cycle batteries, so if you do pull them down past 50% SOC, they will take the abuse better. And dual GC2s are the most aH's you can get on the rack without modifications to the rack.

I'm speaking in generalities above. I don't know your situation. The purpose is to help you find an answer.
]]> Sat, 08 Oct 2016 17:21:28 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8886&PID=83314#83314 battery issues : How does the battery... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8886&PID=83313#83313 Author: Mojave1
Subject: 8886
Posted: 08 Oct 2016 at 4:32pm

How does the battery affect carbon monoxide levels? This is dangerous and you need to get to the bottom of it.

If the battery is tired you need to replace it. A Group 24 battery has about 70-80 Amp Hours of electricity. If your battery is healthy, I wonder what's pulling the juice? One possibility is the fridge. Never run your fridge on battery, as it uses a lot of current. Dry camping the fridge should be on propane. Heaters in general pull about 5 amp-hour, but don't run constantly. Even in cool weather, I think one charge on the battery is enough for a weekend.

Also, you don't want to discharge your battery more than 50%. The less you discharge it, the more charges the battery has in it (it will live longer).

If you need more power. Consider a Group 29 battery (about 114 amp-hour, $99 at Walmart). Or two group 24 batteries (75 Amp-hour x 2). RV battery sizes by group are 24, 27, 29, & 31. Or two 6v golf cart batteries (about 200 amp-hours). When dry camping, I find my generator very helpful.

I'm speaking in generalities above. I don't know your situation. The purpose is to help you find an answer.
]]> Sat, 08 Oct 2016 16:32:24 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8886&PID=83313#83313 battery issues : All excellent posts by furpod,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8886&PID=83311#83311 Author: jato
Subject: 8886
Posted: 08 Oct 2016 at 4:02pm

All excellent posts by furpod, charlie, and sailor.  By following furpod's advice your batteries will last a long time.  My 2 deep cycle group 24 batteries are nearing their 6th year of service.  Only once did I bring one of those batteries to complete deadness and that was when it was brand new.  Not knowing any better and being a brand new pod owner (spring 2011) I decided to precool the fridge on battery mode.  So at 5 pm I turned the fridge on battery mode.  The next morning, about 14 hours later I was shocked to not only find the fridge at room temp, but also the battery icon blinking.  I tested the battery, it showed 8 volts, totally dead.  Took almost 3 days using a trickle charge at 2 amps to bring it back to full charge.  Still works great today.  In fact going to the UP of Michigan tomorrow after church for a week of boondocking, hiking along Lake Superior, rock picking and enjoying the autumn colors.]]> Sat, 08 Oct 2016 16:02:34 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8886&PID=83311#83311 battery issues : A battery tender is a good idea.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8886&PID=83305#83305 Author: sailor323
Subject: 8886
Posted: 08 Oct 2016 at 2:18pm

A battery tender is a good idea.  Another maintenance thing that many people overlook is topping up the electrolyte.  Use distilled water and bring the liquid level up to the bottom of the filler tube.
]]> Sat, 08 Oct 2016 14:18:33 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8886&PID=83305#83305 battery issues : Thank you! http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8886&PID=83303#83303 Author: gaileee
Subject: 8886
Posted: 08 Oct 2016 at 12:32pm

Thank you!]]> Sat, 08 Oct 2016 12:32:52 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8886&PID=83303#83303 battery issues : Good comments by Furpod. Battery... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8886&PID=83302#83302 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 8886
Posted: 08 Oct 2016 at 12:14pm

Good comments by Furpod. Battery life while dry camping is very dependent on initial charge. Before you leave charge the battery overnight with the onboard converter. Do not depend on the TV to recharge while driving unless you're driving for 4-6 hrs. Also, do not run the fridge on 12V while driving. That will likely discharge the battery. Run the fridge on propane while driving and while dry camping. If you find you need even more battery life you should replace the dealer supplied single 12V battery with two 6V golf cart batteries in series. They will deliver more than 2.5x the original battery.]]> Sat, 08 Oct 2016 12:14:17 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8886&PID=83302#83302 battery issues : After reading your message, I... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8886&PID=83301#83301 Author: gaileee
Subject: 8886
Posted: 08 Oct 2016 at 12:05pm

After reading your message, I am thinking it may have to do with maintaining the battery when not in use.  Not sure about how or what to do between trips??  Someone suggested I get a battery tender?
Thanks for your reply!


]]> Sat, 08 Oct 2016 12:05:24 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8886&PID=83301#83301 battery issues : What&#039;s the state of charge... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8886&PID=83281#83281 Author: furpod
Subject: 8886
Posted: 08 Oct 2016 at 8:30am

What's the state of charge of the battery when you set up camp? Use a multimeter to know the true answer. What all do you have running on 12v? Dry camping you should get several days out of the battery unless it's bad, or you have to run the heater a lot.
Starting with a fully charged, good condition battery, +12.6v
Make sure the fridge is on propane.
Make sure the antenna booster is off.
If your pod doesn't have LED lighting, change the bulbs to LED.
Run the heater sparingly.
If you have a 12v entertainment system, turn it all the way off. Or at least the display.

Each time you take the battery so low that that the alarm sounds, it harms the battery ( I have read it reduces the battery life by half, anytime the battery goes completely dead, 10v or so ).

How are you maintaining the pod, and it's battery, between trips?
]]> Sat, 08 Oct 2016 08:30:04 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8886&PID=83281#83281 battery issues : I&#039;ve been doing a fair amount... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8886&PID=83278#83278 Author: gaileee
Subject: 8886
Posted: 07 Oct 2016 at 11:57pm

I've been doing a fair amount of dry camping.  The issue I am having is that my battery does not last very long.  Last time it lasted about 7 hours and then the carbon monoxide detector went off.  Ended up spending that night in my car.  What am I doing wrong?]]> Fri, 07 Oct 2016 23:57:09 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8886&PID=83278#83278