Battery discharge (1 Viewer)

Oct 5, 2019
45
5
Essex
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64,943
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Since 2019
Hi everyone
Just having some problems with my both my batteries with regards to voltage levels
Let me explain my scenario
I have a Swift Motorhome 2019 model
In storage at present a 100w solar panel fitted and a battery master fitted by van blitz last September
When checking my voltage every few days via my Swift command app
The batteries are losing so much power it’s now down to 8v on each battery
I’m not sure why so much drain on battery
As far as I know the only power on is the PSU.( power supply unit ) which needs to be on for me to get readings from the app
I have a factory fitted tracker as well fitted surely that doesn’t drain to much ?
And because of lockdown I can’t visit the storage site to sort out the issue and now concerned that I will kill off the batteries and they will need replacement at the end of lockdown
Any ideas?
thanks
Steve
 

pappajohn

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Aug 26, 2007
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now concerned that I will kill off the batteries and they will need replacement at the end of lockdown
At 8v they are already dead beyond help.
They may recharge but won't hold the charge.
I would leave as is until restrictions are lifted then take two new batteries with you.
 
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OP
OP
S m w
Oct 5, 2019
45
5
Essex
Funster No
64,943
MH
Low profile swift
Exp
Since 2019
Thanks for your replies
Looks like new batteries for me lol
Perhaps they were dodgy ones when I bought the van in 2019 brand new
Can’t prove it now
Possibly been in Motorhome since 2018
When factory built can’t be sure
Steve
 
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pappajohn

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Aug 26, 2007
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Since 2005
Thanks for your replies
Looks like new batteries for me lol
Perhaps they were dodgy ones when I bought the van in 2019 brand new
Can’t prove it now
Possibly been in Motorhome since 2018
When factory built can’t be sure
Steve
It's more like the solar is all but useless in winter and the parasitic drain is greater than the solar charge.
The main culprit is the PSU/Main panel.
Effectively, an app that's supposed to save your battery has, due to the panel being on, killed it

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SandraL

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Jan 24, 2012
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Is 100watt panel sufficient in uk winter?
Initially we had a single 150 watt panel charging both leisure and starter batts via solar charger. With alarm and tracker plus whatever fiat take it was not enough to keep starter batt charged.
Since a second 100 watt panel has been added we have had no problems.
 
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OP
OP
S m w
Oct 5, 2019
45
5
Essex
Funster No
64,943
MH
Low profile swift
Exp
Since 2019
Yeah think your right pappajohn about psu
I have learned the hard way as I’m newish to Motorhoming
And lockdown not helped we had plans to use it during winter anyway
Probably never have a problem again after this Covid thing next winter has hopefully passed/ improved a lot
Start looking now at cost of battery replacements when lockdown lifts
Thanks for advice
Steve
 
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Lenny HB

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Oct 18, 2007
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Normally a 100 watt panel is more than enough to keep the batteries topped up but there has been a distinct lack of sun over the last couple of months.
As said if they are at 8v they are a bin job.

Once you have fitted new batteries you need to check both batteries are charging properly from solar as your problem could be the solar regulator has failed.

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OP
OP
S m w
Oct 5, 2019
45
5
Essex
Funster No
64,943
MH
Low profile swift
Exp
Since 2019
Thanks Lenny HB will keep your comments in mind when I fit new batteries
Good way of checking regulator and have a multi meter so will do that idea too stealaway
Cheers guys
 
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