Hi
I have a Dec 2015 16 49 3 with 2x100AH Ritar gel batteries with 2x150 watt panels and a setec st35 111.
Both batteries have failed after 3 years. They have been progressively getting worse for the last year. At the moment i can run a few lights but if i put on TV low voltage alarm sounds after about 15 min.
The van has been used for approx 6 months a year with an equal mix of powered and unpowered sites. When not in use the van is uncovered and battery switch on so is charging, sometimes plugged into 240.
I have had both batteries tested today and both have failed 100amp load test and cold cranking test? So be it. New batteries coming up. After reading the st35 111 manual it appears i can use either gel or agm but am limited to 100ah per battery.
So the questions are
Is it unusual for the batteries to last this short time.
Are agm better than gel.
Most batteries seem to have moved to 110ah to 120ah price points. Will this upset the setec or will it just charge to 100ah. As i understand it solar panels connect directly to batteries through a solar controller so is the 100ah restriction of the setec only applicable to 240v charging or am i missing something.
Does anyone have a recommendation for a preferred brand of battery.
Thanks in advance
I have a Dec 2015 16 49 3 with 2x100AH Ritar gel batteries with 2x150 watt panels and a setec st35 111.
Both batteries have failed after 3 years. They have been progressively getting worse for the last year. At the moment i can run a few lights but if i put on TV low voltage alarm sounds after about 15 min.
The van has been used for approx 6 months a year with an equal mix of powered and unpowered sites. When not in use the van is uncovered and battery switch on so is charging, sometimes plugged into 240.
I have had both batteries tested today and both have failed 100amp load test and cold cranking test? So be it. New batteries coming up. After reading the st35 111 manual it appears i can use either gel or agm but am limited to 100ah per battery.
So the questions are
Is it unusual for the batteries to last this short time.
Are agm better than gel.
Most batteries seem to have moved to 110ah to 120ah price points. Will this upset the setec or will it just charge to 100ah. As i understand it solar panels connect directly to batteries through a solar controller so is the 100ah restriction of the setec only applicable to 240v charging or am i missing something.
Does anyone have a recommendation for a preferred brand of battery.
Thanks in advance