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Old 05-14-2012, 08:19 AM   #1
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Cool Battery life gauge?

I have yet another battery related question. Pertaining to the gauge cluster that's located inside the TT (batt., grey, black & water heater).

When I check to see the life left in my battery with this gauge and it shows that it's low, does that mean that the battery is near it's 50% range or does that indicate that the battery is near it's drained stage?

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Old 05-14-2012, 09:04 AM   #2
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I have yet another battery related question. Pertaining to the gauge cluster that's located inside the TT (batt., grey, black & water heater).

When I check to see the life left in my battery with this gauge and it shows that it's low, does that mean that the battery is near it's 50% range or does that indicate that the battery is near it's drained stage?

Thanks.
As I understand the readings on the guage panel, the reading are how full or empty the items being read are- The holding tank readings have never been accurate on any unit I have owned but the level of battery charge and amount of fresh water available are quite accurate- If you boondock a lot, a second battery or more is a consideration- If, however, your battery reading is low under normal circumstances the battery is failing or not being recharged by the onboard charger- JMHO- DD
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Old 05-14-2012, 09:37 AM   #3
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Those gauges are put there to make the manufacture feel good... they are so far from accurate as to be useless. Get a multimeter and read the direct battery voltage...12.06 is considered as low as you should ever go...
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Old 05-14-2012, 03:22 PM   #4
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Further, your idiot lights will go lower if you have something drawing power. You need to look at them only when everything is off (and not connected to shore power). And yes, to really know, you need a voltmeter. Same rules apply.

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Old 05-14-2012, 05:17 PM   #5
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At least in my case, you end up "learning" your gauges. They are a good quick and dirty check. I know if I have just about anything on my gauge will read 1/2 or less. I check it late when pretty much everything is "at rest" and know it is a pretty good indication. Same thing goes for the water/waste levels - they are a good guide and you learn how and when to rely on them.



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Old 05-14-2012, 07:08 PM   #6
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It would be interesting to compare digital voltmeter readings suggested by Sean45, to the limited led bar graph installed by Jayco in the TT. The bar graph would be repeatable, but I'm certain each TT will be slightly different when compared to a digital voltmeter. I agree with Sean45 about the actual voltage levels, and if you're so inclined, the digital readout will give you a better idea of how much capacity is left, at any given time. The reason for not going below 12.06 volts (as per Sean45) is doing so is hard on the battery. Although they are deep discharge batteries, there are limits.
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Old 05-14-2012, 07:42 PM   #7
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I've read in the past that the proper way to read your led battery lights is to turn a light on and than check the level. Also I think we've all seen the graphs where the life of your battery is severely shortened the more times you deplete the charge by more than 50 percent. Seems unfair to only be able use only half of what is avaible before your penalized for it.
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Old 05-14-2012, 07:57 PM   #8
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I do wish the TT I have now had the digital display like the select pop-up I had. I guess I will just use the multi-meter instead.
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Old 05-14-2012, 08:09 PM   #9
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One thing you will find is the voltage reading can vary widely depending on where you take it. Taking it from the battery is the most accurate, but at least in my trailer - I have quite a bit of loss when taking a reading at points inside.



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Old 05-14-2012, 09:03 PM   #10
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I have a digital volt meter display with a 12v plug on the end. I just plug it into the 12v outlet inside the trailer & read the battery that way. I compared it to having my volt meter directly on the battery & it reads the same within 0.1v. So it seems accurate and I can check voltage in a few seconds without opening up the battery box.
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Old 05-14-2012, 10:46 PM   #11
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Thanks for the replies.

So..........when my battery is at 12.06 what will my TT gauge read; low or half?

Sorry for the confusion.
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Old 05-15-2012, 12:38 PM   #12
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Who knows I NEVER USE IT... you can get a VOM at Radio Shack for just a couple of dollars and after having it for a while you will wonder how you ever survived without it...
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Old 05-15-2012, 10:58 PM   #13
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Who knows I NEVER USE IT... you can get a VOM at Radio Shack for just a couple of dollars and after having it for a while you will wonder how you ever survived without it...
Thanks, that will be on me list of items to pick up tomorrow.
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