18 replies to this topic

[Marblehead]

Yes, the different battery types mean that the charging profiles are not ideal.   

 

And to clarify, the battery separator is designed to prevent either the camper or the truck from discharging the other.  Meaning if you left your truck lights on, the separator would disconnect the camper battery once the truck battery got too low, and vice versa, if you are using too much power in the camper, the separator disconnect the truck battery so you can start it and go home.  

 

AND, it is designed to allow a charging source to charge both battery banks, regardless of where that charge originates.

Thanks Vic, I didn't know the separator would work in both directions and that appears to be what's happening. 

 

My separator must have detected low voltage in my truck battery and sent power to it in addition to my camper batteries.  It sounds as though it is working correctly and would explain why my truck battery tender would not go into float mode with the battery showing 13+V

 

I am now suspecting my truck battery is having issues. The trickle charge is good as I checked it on another vehicle and it does go into float mode.   The folks at Interstate Battery told me my truck battery was at 12.4V and suggested my battery needed a proper charging/reconditioning.  The Vector Battery charger I used at home indicated the battery was full and would not accept any charge or reconditioning.

 

More sleuthing today....

[ntsqd]

My bride got me this for Christmas one year: https://www.amazon.c...r/dp/B000A8MMQM It has really been very useful in working with starting batteries.

[Jon R]

...
My separator must have detected low voltage in my truck battery and sent power to it in addition to my camper batteries. It sounds as though it is working correctly and would explain why my truck battery tender would not go into float mode with the battery showing 13+V

...

That’s not really how the Blue Sea ACR is triggered. Here is a good discussion from the Blue Sea web site:
https://www.bluesea.com/resources/58

[Vic Harder]

That’s not really how the Blue Sea ACR is triggered. Here is a good discussion from the Blue Sea web site:
https://www.bluesea.com/resources/58

Jon R is right (as usual  ).

[Outnabout]

When my camper batteries reach a high enough voltage, and I can’t remember the exact number, the BlueSea closes and connects to the truck, thus charging the truck batteries. I have solar so my truck batteries and camper batteries are usually always topped off.

[Marblehead]

My bride got me this for Christmas one year: https://www.amazon.c...r/dp/B000A8MMQM It has really been very useful in working with starting batteries.

you're bride is a keeper!

 

That’s not really how the Blue Sea ACR is triggered. Here is a good discussion from the Blue Sea web site:
https://www.bluesea.com/resources/58

 

Thanks Jon, that's the kind of info I need

 

 

[Jon R]

When my camper batteries reach a high enough voltage, and I can’t remember the exact number, the BlueSea closes and connects to the truck, thus charging the truck batteries. I have solar so my truck batteries and camper batteries are usually always topped off.

The spec page for the Blue Sea ACR says it will close the relay when it senses at least 13.6 volts for 30 seconds or 13.0 volts for 90 seconds. It will open the relay when voltage drops below 12.35 volts for 10 seconds or 12.75 volts for 30 seconds.

https://www.bluesea...._12_24V_DC_120A

[ntsqd]

you're bride is a keeper!

Thanks! I kinda think so too. Kind of ironic that the most important test that I've made with it was her car's battery after the Dealership said it was fine and after it stranded her and our 4 yo grand-daughter 50+ miles from home.

[Marblehead]

Thank you all again for the input.  It's obvious to me I need more than a bit of education on the ACR and how it works.

 

I was just thrown a curve ball by not being able to get my truck battery to float.  All the while everything was operating as it should.

 

I believe I will spend more time in this forum reading and increasing my knowledge of all things electronic on my rig.

 

Steve