Interconnecting batteries in series or parallel is totally feasible. But its best to know how it works – and the limitations of each. Collyn Rivers explains.
Interconnecting batteries in parallel or series – here’s how and why
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Batteries & Battery Charging
AGM batteries for caravans – they are still worth using
AGM batteries for caravans, camper trailers, motor homes charge faster and deeper than lead acids and are more rugged mechanically and electrically. They have far less internal discharge. If initially fully charged, they retain 60% or more for over 12 months (except in very hot areas).
How long can lead acid batteries last
How long can lead acid batteries last affects millions. Most written and believed, however has little factual basis. What people really buy are amp hours
Australian Battery Breakthrough
Gelion is in an exciting phase of its development program for battery systems. With their London-based counterparts, they are well advanced in planning their commercialisation and supply-chain strategies from initial prototypes all the way through to demonstrating commercial production capacity this year (2020).
Gelion’s small, low-cost battery cells can be used in flexible configurations, depending on the required applications. This could range from street lights, domestic use, commercial buildings and grid support.
RV Alternator Charging Problems
Before 2000 or so most alternators produced 14.4 – 14.7 volts, and a few close to 15 volts. This situation changed in 2014 in the quest to reduce emissions. Reducing alternator voltage assists, but introduces problems if the alternator also charges RV batteries. This article by Collyn Rivers explains what causes these alternator charging problems – and how to fix them.
Electrolysis corrosion in vehicles – how to find and fix it
Electrolysis corrosion in vehicles eats away engine and particularly cooling system parts such as water pumps. It is often caused by a broken earthing lead. These are often accidentally disconnected, or broken. If so, return current travels through components such as the radiator cooling system. Also metal around them. This corrodes parts that have dissimilar metals.
RV Batteries
RV batteries store energy from your RV’s or tow vehicle’s alternator and solar modules and grid or generator power via a battery charger. This article explains all about the many types of battery now available.
Lithium battery safety in caravans – are they all the same?
Lithium battery safety in caravans is tainted by a fire-prone technology of differing kind. The LiFePO4s used in caravans are far safer – here’s why.
Caravan and Motorhome Electrics
Caravan and Motorhome Electrics covers every aspect of designing, installing and fault finding of the electrics in fifth wheel and conventional , camper trailers and motorhomes. The book explains how things work, and what they do (not what vendors claim they...
12 volts dc from 24 volts dc
Taking 12 volts dc from 24 volts dc can ruin the batteries in a 24 volt system. Here’s how to do it effectively and safely. There are two main ways. The choice depends mainly on the peak current needed: for example the plus 130 amps for a typical microwave oven limits choice to the equalising system described below.
Electrical converter problems in caravans – problems when used for free camping
Electrical converter problems in caravans result in flat batteries when away for more than a few hours from 230 volts. Here’s how to fix this. These converters are fitted to almost all caravans and motor homes worldwide. They are thus not suitable for RVs free camping.
Best Batteries for Solar Power Storage
Knowing the best batteries for stand-alone solar saves huge sums. This guide explains how and why. It’s all to do with having enough energy and having enough power. Energy and power, however, are different concepts. For stand-alone solar it is mostly energy, not power, that matters.
Lithium-iron batteries in RVs – they are safe to use
Lithium-ion batteries in RVs – they are safe to use. They deliver a lot of energy and pack a lot of power but need specialised knowledge to use safely and reliably. Here’s how and why for the LiFePO4 variety.
Battery capacity required for cabins and RVs
Solar and battery capacity required for cabins and RVs is usually limited. As with homes and properties always have maximum solar capacity. Consider using LiFePO4 batteries as 80% of their nominal capacity is available. LiFePO4 batteries are also light and compact. Lead acid and AGMs, however, are fine for converted coaches. For those, size and weight are less critical.
Battery capacity for home and property
This article explains the battery capacity required for home and property solar during periods when there is no solar or other energy input. Solar capacity is now cheap. Battery capacity is increasingly costly. Quality solar modules produce usable energy even under light cloud. Install as much solar as you can. This ensures batteries fully charge most of the time.
When determining the battery capacity required for home and property solar – never skimp on solar. Excess battery capacity is like having multiple bank accounts. It increases the cost of storage.
Are Lithium-ion Batteries Worth Their Price – homes and properties
There are various types of lithium-ion batteries. Those used for homes, properties and RVs are usually LiFePO4. All are about one-third of the bulk and weight of traditional batteries. Here, however, direct comparison ceases. LiFePO4s have far less limits on depth of discharge. They can be routinely discharged to 20% remaining.
What Peukert really meant – but is so often misunderstood
Peukert’s Law, describing battery capacity, became misunderstood following a flawed US article in the mid 1980s. Here’s what Peukert really meant.
How to Choose and Buy an RV
How to Choose and Buy an RV is the ultimate guide for those times when you want to, well, choose and buy an RV.
eBook versions
Paperback version
Prices for the paperback version including delivery can vary dramatically. RVBooks recommends you shop around. We've included a number of reputable booksellers you may wish to consider. Any bookshop, whether online or bricks and mortar, can order copies of How to Choose and Buy an RV. Just ask.
ISBN: 978-0-6487945-5-4.
The Caravan & Motorhome Book
The Caravan & Motorhome Book covers every conceivable aspect of campervan and motorhome usage. If you own a camper van or motor home, you'll want this book.
eBook versions
Paperback version
The book retailers set their own prices which can vary substantially. We'll aim to keep a selection of the better prices above.
Any bookshop, whether online or bricks and mortar, can order copies of The Caravan & Motorhome Book. Just ask.
ISBN: 978-0-6483190-5-4.
Solar That Really Works!
Solar that Really Works! covers the design, installation and use of solar in cabins, camper trailers, caravans, fifth wheelers, campervans and motor homes.
eBook versions
Paperback version
The book retailers set their own prices which can vary substantially. We'll aim to keep a selection of the better prices above.
Any bookshop, whether online or bricks and mortar, can order copies of Solar That Really Works! Just ask.
ISBN: 978-0-6483190-3-0
How to Choose and Buy an RV
How to Choose and Buy an RV is the ultimate guide for those times when you want to, well, choose and buy an RV.
eBook versions
Paperback version
Prices for the paperback version including delivery can vary dramatically. RVBooks recommends you shop around. We've included a number of reputable booksellers you may wish to consider. Any bookshop, whether online or bricks and mortar, can order copies of How to Choose and Buy an RV. Just ask.
ISBN: 978-0-6487945-5-4.