Batteries and Charging system

[Cavs]

Good day all. I've just ordered a Carthago Chic e-line I 55 XL. It's a 2016 model, although it's not yet registered. I have a couple of questions about the 12v systems.

On inspection I've found that it has two gel batteries, which I understand to be the standard fitting, but they were showing 10.3 volts when I checked them. Am I right to say to the dealer (which I have said) that they are probably damaged and I'd like new ones? Or are gel batteries able to withstand discharging to this level?

What make of charging system is fitted to this? Does it charge the leisure and engine batteries simultaneously? Can it take a direct input from a solar system's controller?

On my Frankia with a Schaudt electroblock the solar MPPT controller connected directly to the electroblock so charging both battery banks without additional gadgets such as a B2B and I'd like to do something similar with the Carthago.

I'm awaiting a detailed answer from the dealer but from the 2017 specification on the web it seems that the one I've ordered has been equipped with the 'Super Package'. Does this mean that the solar wiring is already in place?

Any advice would be gratefully received - thanks.

 

[tonyidle]

Batteries definitely duff and show that the dealer hasn't given them any thought whilst he's had the vehicle. Don't accept the dealer saying he's re-charged them and they're now OK - there's no recovery from that level of discharge despite the fact that the terminal voltage will appear to be OK after charging. You also have no idea how long they've sat in that state.

 

[Blue Knight]

Crickey, I've not seen 10.3v on a battery for a very long time.

Those were shot many moons ago IMO.

Tony, above, has given the best advice possible.

Good luck with the dealer,

Andrew

 

[funflair]

Well just to be different I have read that Gel batteries can survive very deep discharge without damage, being Gel they do not suffer sulphation the same as flooded. If they were mine I would certainly want to try to revive them and if the dealer is replacing them I would want the same.

Martin

 

[Wagoneer]

The system is CBE. The mains charger charges both leisure and starter batteries although the starter battery only receives a 2amp trickle charge.

Gel batteries can be discharged down to 70 to 80% which would be the equivalent of a resting battery voltage of around 12.2v. So, your reading of 10.3v (assume taken with multimeter) indicates a really duff battery bank. The control panel voltage display can be wayout although can be adjusted.

I don't have solar but it has been suggested previously (@Techno ) to use the same connection within the distribution board where the mains charger output cables enter. This assumes you'd have a solar regulator between solar panel and distribution board.

Also, it's been mentioned that you might find a split charge relay in the double floor of the hab area as part of the pre-wired solar installation.

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[Lenny HB]

As Martin says Gel's can suvive but not if they have been left to long and the capacity will certianly be reduced. I would want both the lesiure batteries replaced and the starter battery as well as that will have probably been left to go flat at some if the van has been sitting around for a year.

 

[Cavs]

Gel batteries can be discharged down to 70 to 80% which would be the equivalent of a resting battery voltage of around 12.2v. So, your reading of 10.3v (assume taken with multimeter) indicates a really duff battery bank. The control panel voltage display can be wayout although can be adjusted.

Thanks for your reply and the extra details. I used the control panel to display the voltage, doing so because the step was very slow to slide out so I suspected low battery power. However, the step did slide out and back again, and the interior lights worked, so perhaps the panel voltage is reading too low. I'll see what the dealer has to say.

 

[Cavs]

and the starter battery as well

Thanks for the reply. The starter battery sounded very good and had a high voltage reading. Perhaps it's already been replaced

 

[Lenny HB]

Thanks for the reply. The starter battery sounded very good and had a high voltage reading. Perhaps it's already been replaced

Probably just been charged, you are buying an expensive van and paying premium UK prices you need to lean on the dealer hard.

 

[tonyidle]

Thanks for your reply and the extra details. I used the control panel to display the voltage, doing so because the step was very slow to slide out so I suspected low battery power. However, the step did slide out and back again, and the interior lights worked, so perhaps the panel voltage is reading too low. I'll see what the dealer has to say.

Don't confuse the issue by considering an inaccurate panel meter when talking to the dealer. If you are worried that the meter may be under-reading buy a cheap multimeter & check at the battery terminals but when discussing your batteries assume the panel is OK. It's probably within a few tenths anyway.

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[Wagoneer]

Thanks for your reply and the extra details. I used the control panel to display the voltage, doing so because the step was very slow to slide out so I suspected low battery power. However, the step did slide out and back again, and the interior lights worked, so perhaps the panel voltage is reading too low. I'll see what the dealer has to say.

Perhaps my phrase "wayout" should be qualified. I've only registered a maximum of 0.3v difference between panel voltage and actual voltage at the battery measured with a multimeter. So your reading of 10.3v is probably not far off the mark.

The system is designed to shutdown at a voltage of 10v or less and automatically re-energise at 12+ volts.

The slow operation of the step is a good indication of below par voltage, as you've already observed.

 

[Lenny HB]

Don't confuse the issue by considering an inaccurate panel meter when talking to the dealer. If you are worried that the meter may be under-reading buy a cheap multimeter & check at the battery terminals but when discussing your batteries assume the panel is OK. It's probably within a few tenths anyway.

Good point Carthago panels often over read & if it is over reading at 10.3v the batteries are well and truly F*****.