Desert Scruff
Advanced Member
- Joined
- Jul 31, 2016
- Messages
- 30
I have a question regarding charging my two Deka AGM batteries (replacements for the OME pair that failed in less than two years).
Deka says you must compensate for the temperature when charging, and I assume that is true for all AGM batteries, and maybe all lead acid batteries. Lower charging voltage when hot and higher when cold.
I have a 2016 Fleet with Iota charger/converter, solar panels and a Victron controller, Victron monitor, and a Victron unit in the battery box that relays to the controller the battery temperature so the compensation can be made.
But for several months in the winter the camper is covered, the solar system obviously not in play, and when plugged in to shore power the Iota charger will maintain the batteries but there is no temperature compensation—or is there? The temperature in the battery box is often below freezing.
Is the Iota charger wired through the controller? That would be the only way I see to have temperature compenation when the Iota is charging. I’ve called Four Wheel Camper but haven’t yet received a return call.
If the Iota charger isn’t wired through the controller, as I’m assuming it’s not, is the lack of temperature compensation shortening the life of the AGM batteries?
I understand I can disconnect the two AGM batteries from the camper electrical system and allow them to rest for the winter. The voltage now is 12.6 which is about 75% of full charge.
Deka says you must compensate for the temperature when charging, and I assume that is true for all AGM batteries, and maybe all lead acid batteries. Lower charging voltage when hot and higher when cold.
I have a 2016 Fleet with Iota charger/converter, solar panels and a Victron controller, Victron monitor, and a Victron unit in the battery box that relays to the controller the battery temperature so the compensation can be made.
But for several months in the winter the camper is covered, the solar system obviously not in play, and when plugged in to shore power the Iota charger will maintain the batteries but there is no temperature compensation—or is there? The temperature in the battery box is often below freezing.
Is the Iota charger wired through the controller? That would be the only way I see to have temperature compenation when the Iota is charging. I’ve called Four Wheel Camper but haven’t yet received a return call.
If the Iota charger isn’t wired through the controller, as I’m assuming it’s not, is the lack of temperature compensation shortening the life of the AGM batteries?
I understand I can disconnect the two AGM batteries from the camper electrical system and allow them to rest for the winter. The voltage now is 12.6 which is about 75% of full charge.