Hi on a rescent trip away with a non powered site my second battery box lost charge running the Waeco fridge outside, and due to torrential rain and cloudy days I had to concentrate my solar to the main caravan battery. My battery box has the replaced 100AH calcium battery in it and when charged only sits at about 12.6 volts. So I'm not sure it's that healthy. My thought are I could replace it with a 75AH which would be lighter and able to recharge quicker. Do you think this is a sensible option or is 75AH too light. It's the old problem of recharging not storage. Or maybe not use the battery box at all and leave it at home. I do have a dcdc in the van for when travelling. Cheers Stewart
Running the engine to charge up the batteries a bit is the simplest solution if you have extended inclement weather. One probably doesn't need to do this that often over a year.
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Calcium batteries are capable of charging quickly if you use the correct charger voltage. What is the absorption voltage of your charger? Also if you are attempting to recharge the battery from your tugs alternator then you will not get a rapid charge unless your tug is equipped with a calcium battery.
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PeterD Nissan Navara D23 diesel auto, Spaceland pop-top Retired radio and electronics technician. NSW Central Coast.
Hi my charger at home has a calcium setting and I have seen the voltage go to 14.8. During charging. It could be ok it still shows a green indicator cell. Unfortunately the date has not been marked on the top so I'm not sure of its age. I think it's 4 years old. I use a 200 w solar blanket with pwm charger when away for the battery box. Cheers Stewart
I use a 200 w solar blanket with pwm charger when away for the battery box. Cheers Stewart
Does that PWM controller have a calcium setting with similar settings to the other charger? If not then get a new controller for the calcium battery. That will then make your calcium battery a better proposition than the smaller capacity one.
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PeterD Nissan Navara D23 diesel auto, Spaceland pop-top Retired radio and electronics technician. NSW Central Coast.