Thread: Problem Charging Aux Batteries with Smart Charger

Ok that 8AWG may be why I'm having difficulty getting my batteries to go to float from the rear anderson plug .......as the batteries get near the top charge and the voltage ? Drops to to the final top up the wire may not be getting enough of it through to do the job in a reasonable time

I have some 6 AWG ....a change over of the wiring may be the answer ......

also 24 hours after I fully charged my batteries to float stage ( and with the car not been driven ) the voltage is 12.51 on both of them linked via so would that mean that one or both of them is not holding their charge ?

I’d go 4 AWG if you can!

You will slowly lose charge, lights, alarm, Traxide unit all draw a little bit off...

Plus any USB ports you have - they all draw even when not having items plugged in.

i

Originally Posted by Tombie

I’d go 4 AWG if you can!

Actually i I checked the wiring and I think it is already 6 AWG ......it is very close in thickness to some 6 AWG I bought recently .......I'd did notice though that the strands of wire in it are a sliver collar ....and not copper like the new 6 AWG I just bought

this original wiring I had gotten from Jaycar as I had told them I wanted to get power to the back and this is what they recommended ........is the sliver stuff less conductive than cooper ?

as for 4 AWG .....will that fit into standard 50 amp andersons ?

Originally Posted by Tombie

You will slowly lose charge, lights, alarm, Traxide unit all draw a little bit off...

Plus any USB ports you have - they all draw even when not having items plugged in.

Thanks .....good to know .....at least I now know I can get my batteries to full charge
.....just need to tune my setup to get it charging in reasonable times

Originally Posted by landoman

also 24 hours after I fully charged my batteries to float stage ( and with the car not been driven ) the voltage is 12.51 on both of them linked via so would that mean that one or both of them is not holding their charge ?

Landoman, I wouldn’t worry to much about that voltage level, as you have only carried out one slow charge cycle.

It will take a number of slow charge cycles to bring your batteries up to their best condition.

if you are not driving your vehicle for a few days, carry out another slow charge cycle and once the charger goes into float, disconnect the charger and remove both negative battery clamps again, and let the batteries sit for a day or two, checking the voltages every so often.

Also, for what you are doing right now, then8B&S ( 7.9mm2 ) is fine for charging, but if you plan to use the rear Anderson plug to charge batteries in a camper trailer or caravan, then upgrade to 6B&S ( 13.5mm2 ).

Originally Posted by landoman

........is the sliver stuff less conductive than cooper ?

The silver colour is just electroplated on for better connection and corrosion resistance, the wire inside is still copper.

Originally Posted by drivesafe

Landoman, I wouldn’t worry to much about that voltage level, as you have only carried out one slow charge cycle.

It will take a number of slow charge cycles to bring your batteries up to their best condition.

if you are not driving your vehicle for a few days, carry out another slow charge cycle and once the charger goes into float, disconnect the charger and remove both negative battery clamps again, and let the batteries sit for a day or two, checking the voltages every so often.

Also, for what you are doing right now, then8B&S ( 7.9mm2 ) is fine for charging, but if you plan to use the rear Anderson plug to charge batteries in a camper trailer or caravan, then upgrade to 6B&S ( 13.5mm2 ).

Thanks Tim .....great stuff ......this has been a great learning excercise and thanks to all who helped ......wonderful site this Aulro ....