12V Drain & Alternators - Certified SoftWash Roof Cleaning

Chris Madden · Lead Tech Certified

12V Drain & Alternators

Ryan Freidline · SoftWash Systems Certified Applicator

ok here's an opportunity:

our 12V sytem current is set up as follows:

(2) Deep Cycle Batts for the following equipment on the trailer

Delavan 5850

Electric Hose reel (high pressure line)40 amps

12V 3/4" Burner (forget the amperage as I type this)

Now here's my problem- current 5 point harness is not footing the bill or supplying enough juice (trickle charge) to the batts. I must supplement with frequent overnight chargings. It didn't always use to be like this either...Currently there is a small supply line from the truck battery to the hitch line, this becomes corroded and is switched out frequently.

Anyway, I thought it would solve the problem to run a larger diameter wire from the truck battery to a dedicated harness at the rear bumper (solely for batt supply) for the above listed equipment.

The mechanic says no, too much strain on alternator could fry systems within truck.

I rarely use the burner and of the 3 pieces that pull current on the trailer, none of them pull at the same time. I think he's paranoid or just doesn't understand what I know is going on.

What do ya'll think?

Ryan Freidline · SoftWash Systems Certified Applicator

Thank You Chris!! Sounds like exactly what I need!

AC Lockyer · Administrator

It is exactly what you need.

For simple one battery additions I just run a #10 jumper from the front battery to the back, ground and common, and add a 30 amp breaker you can buy from West Marine. http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=726523&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&storeId=11151&storeNum=50523&subdeptNum=50549&classNum=50556See Pic.

For multiple battery systems, Stealth Chargers are the way to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AC

Greg Nash · Freshmen Member

I have one of those breakers wired to my 24 volt trolling motor. I also have on board battery chargers (pro marine) hooked to my batteries on the machines. pull in at night just hook up plug and your good to go the next day.

Laurie Benjamin · Lead Tech Certified

Hay AC, would i need this device for my dual pump? i saw the diagram set up inone of the forums..Thanks in advance

AC Lockyer · Administrator

Yes Laurie two batteries at least if you cant connect to your truck or the jumper system discused aboce if you can.

AC

Laurie Benjamin · Lead Tech Certified

Well i do plan to connect my dual pump to my truck and run a separate battery in the tray...I expect the alternator to charge back the outside batt.
Another thing is that i went to the shop today and got totally confused.
They have no marine batteries that would fit in the box.
Does it have to be deep cycle ?
What cranking amps?
What kind of amps would these pumps be pulling?

To, those that have this same system.. Thanks

-- Edited by All Aspects Ltd on Saturday 16th of June 2012 06:02:43 PM

AC Lockyer · Administrator

1. Yes deep cycle.
2. Deep Cycle batteries do not have cranking amps. That is for cranking or starting batteries.
3. Get one that has 200+ amp hours.
4. The pumps you have draw about 20 amps so get a breaker that is a 20 amp breaker. Running both batteries may throw the breaker so plan accordingly.
5. Paul's system comes with a battery box. It holds a smaller deep cycle battery. I use a group 27 myself, Paul's holds smaller.
6. Use this wiring diagram to connect your trucks starting battery with the system battery and you will do fine. http://softwashsystems.activeboard.com/t48802361/wiring-harness/

AC

Mark Fermoyle · Lead Tech Certified

Anyone know the optimal size deep cell battery for using one FatBoy pump?

My current battery does not seem to be holding a charge as long as it used to. Perhaps it's because it's outside all the time and exposed to the summer heat and the winter cold. It's two years old now (end of second season) Should it last much longer? How long can I expect it to last in these conditions?

Thanks.

-- Edited by Let Us Spray on Thursday 13th of December 2012 08:27:57 PM

AC Lockyer · Administrator

Let Us Spray wrote:
Anyone know the optimal size deep cell battery for using one FatBoy pump?

My current battery does not seem to be holding a charge as long as it used to. Perhaps it's because it's outside all the time and exposed to the summer heat and the winter cold. It's two years old now (end of second season) Should it last much longer? How long can I expect it to last in these conditions?

Thanks.

-- Edited by Let Us Spray on Thursday 13th of December 2012 08:27:57 PM

Use the formula to see how long your battery will last,

(amp hours of battery / amp draw of pump) = Hours of use.

So if you get a Group 27 Deep Cyle Battery that has 200 amp hours and your pump draws 28 amps here is what that will look like.

(200 / 28) = 7.14 hours

Now the age of the battery and how good of a charger will also effect running time as well as heat or cold. General rule is that one group 27 battery at 200 amp hours will get dependably about 5 hours all items considered.

Id try getting two 200 amp batteries and run them in series, pos to pos and neg to neg, add a two bank marine charger and you should be able to last a full day.

Our new Stealth systems charge AC or DC and we put 4 batteries in a diamond plate tool box and that seems to last about three days between charges and FOREVER if you have the DC leg connected to your starting battery.

AC

Mark Fermoyle · Lead Tech Certified

Is the Stealth difficult to hook up? I can knock the dog snot out of a burning building, but I suck at electronics.

AC Lockyer · Administrator

No VERY easy. Call your fav SoftWash dealer to order one. They are available now.

AC