I have a problem with my vans DCB. My wife and I recently went on a short trip to Brisbane and Sydney. We left the van unpluged and on returning I noticed that the onboard battery was nearly completly flat. The battery has been on charge for a couple of days now and has not gone beyond a quarter charge. I have been told that if a DCB goes below half charge it will not recharge fully again. Am I now left with a boat anchor or is there somthing I can do to fully recharge the battery??????
If its a wet cell type ive recovered them using a charger that will supply 15V & use a hydrometer to check progress. If its a sealed one then I wouldn't be game to try as ive had to get the battery bubbling pretty well.
If you say what type of Deep Cycle Battery, and what type of charger you are using, the people who know about these things, will be able to give detail instructions, on what to look for
As an example the words below have been taken from my original, built in battery charger instruction booklet
Ensure battery has being charged for several days before a major camping trip (Leave the power supply on for at least 2 - 5 days with battery connected).
I have interpreted this to mean that the original battery charger, as supplied by Jayco is not much good
Take it to an Auto Electrician OR someone who specializes in Batteries and get them to charge it and load test it. That will elliviate any guessing.
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Steve, Di & Ziggy We named our Motorhome "Roadworx" because on the road works "On The Road Again" Ford Transit with 302 Windsor V8 conversion, C4 Auto, 9 Inch Ford Diff All Lighting L.E.D., 260 Amp/h AGM, 530 Watt Solar + Kipor Backup Gen.
I've got a 40 a and a 25a charger.
When I'm not sure about a battery. I stick both of them on it to boost it.
Usually, after a while it'll kick back in.
I've seen them using 60a and bigger in workshps for that.
Sometimes when you attach charger. It'll just trip on\off\on\off.
Boost it then, at least 30a, 50 better. and watch for a while.
If it's still doing it 20 mins later. Bin the battery.
And when you buy a new battery. stick that additive you can buy in there.
It gives extra 12m warranty and really does help the battery.
as does a boost every 12 months or so. More often when older.
