BCM Community

Although I've had my bus (GM PD4106) for 20 years I have never had deep cycle house batteries and have always used the starting batteries for house use. Not ideal but we don't use the bus a lot so this has worked for us.

However, I just picked up a couple of 6 volt deep cycle batteries (Interstate Golf cart batteries with the numbers 2200 and 108NM)to use as house batteries. I installed them in the original bettry compartment as I moved the starting batteries to the vacant a/c compressor compartment to get them closer to the starter. The start batteries are on a marine cut-off switch so they can be isolated when parked. The house batteries are also on a manual cut-off switch so they can either be isolated or part of the charging circuit.

In reading about battery systems I somehow got the impression that when I parked I could use the house batteries(with the start batteries disconnected) and when I drove the bus the house batteries would be charge automatically as I drove.

BUT, I NOW READ THAT YOU CAN ONLY CHARGE THEM AT A RATE  OF 20-25% OF THE 20 HOURS CAPAICITY.

I think I'm confused as I'm sure my alternator puts out more that that. How do I charge them without ruining them?

Thanks

Fred Mc.

Fred Mc

This is one of the reasons I use AGM (absorbed glass mat) batteries.  You can put as large amperage wise of a charge to them as long as you don't over volt them.  Maybe consider AGM batteries instead.  Good Luck, TomC

So how do the people charge their house systems given that most have the "big"   alternator?

Also, not arguing but just wondering.  Aren't the start  batteries also  subject to the same charging restrictions? We never seem to worry about them being charged at too high a rate.

I'm confused(not hard to do) lol..

Fred Mc.