question about dual battery setup and charging

[desperado]

OK, on my 280 SD when I left the boat I would turn all batteries off and let it trickle charge. But on my 280 I could run what I needed in the cabin off my AC shorepower at the breaker box. Now in my new 270 SLX this does not seem to be the case. Obviously there are far less electronics to run, but I do have a fridge and I like to keep it stocked. The only two switches on the shorepower breaker is one for AC outlets and one for battery charger. The fridge will only run if the batteries are on battery two or both. Obviously I don't leave it on battery two since I don't want to isolate battery one.

So just asking... is it OK to leave batteries on "both" while away with the charger running from shore power? Or do I need to turn batteries off and not run fridge? That would be a bummer to have to cool the fridge everytime I go out. not to mention not being able to keep it stocked.

Thanks,

JL

 

[RiverRat]

Is your fridge. DC only?

On my boat the AC outlets and the fridge are both on the same circuit so if I leave the AC oulet breaker on in the main breaker panel there is power to the fridge while on shore power.

 

[Southpaw II]

Why turn any batteries off? Unless you are going to be gone for more than 30 days, just leave everything on. I've heard of people boiling batteries dry, but that shouldn't happen if you top them off with water, and don't stay gone too long.

 

[desperado]

Is your fridge. DC only?

On my boat the AC outlets and the fridge are both on the same circuit so if I leave the AC oulet breaker on in the main breaker panel there is power to the fridge while on shore power.

No, when I switch to off or battery one, the fridge cuts off. Must be wired to battery 2? Does not work off AC outlet breaker. Nor does it have an independent switch like on my 280 Sundancer.

JL

 

[Nehalennia]

Why turn any batteries off? Unless you are going to be gone for more than 30 days, just leave everything on. I've heard of people boiling batteries dry, but that shouldn't happen if you top them off with water, and don't stay gone too long.

No, when I switch to off or battery one, the fridge cuts off. Must be wired to battery 2? Does not work off AC outlet breaker. Nor does it have an independent switch like on my 280 Sundancer.

JL

I assume since it's a new boat it has a newer "Smart Charger" that won't allow the batteries to be boiled and once charged applies a "float" charge to keep them topped off.

It does sound like your fridge and "House" side of the boat is wired to Batt #2.

I don't see and issue with leaving the boat in the "BOTH" position and the charger on. You should check it once a week just to make sure everything's working properly though.

 

[hack4alivin]

No, when I switch to off or battery one, the fridge cuts off. Must be wired to battery 2? Does not work off AC outlet breaker. Nor does it have an independent switch like on my 280 Sundancer.

JL

This just does not sound right. I can’t believe it is not a dual voltage fridge. Are you sure you don’t have a GFI tripped or maybe the 110 volt plug fell out behind the fridge. I had that happen on my 280, had to remove the screens, pull the fridge out, and plug it back in.

 

[Nehalennia]

This just does not sound right. I can’t believe it is not a dual voltage fridge. Are you sure you don’t have a GFI tripped or maybe the 110 volt plug fell out behind the fridge. I had that happen on my 280, had to remove the screens, pull the fridge out, and plug it back in.

Desperado, A quick call to your dealer should answer this. I agree it's odd that you don't have AC running your fridge.

 

[hack4alivin]

This just does not sound right. I can’t believe it is not a dual voltage fridge. Are you sure you don’t have a GFI tripped or maybe the 110 volt plug fell out behind the fridge. I had that happen on my 280, had to remove the screens, pull the fridge out, and plug it back in.

Sorry; typo here I meant screws not "screens". My Bad...

Must have spilled Beer on the keyboard

 

[tobnpr]

Ditto to the above; never heard of a DC only fridge.
What's the make/model?

 

[desperado]

Thanks, I'll check with them and ask. The boat is a 2008 Sea Ray 270 SLX. Just checking this out because it's amazing how many beers you can cram in the fridge with a little motivation:grin: Never know when you make an impromptu visit to the boat :lol:

 

[desperado]

Sorry; typo here I meant screws not "screens". My Bad...

Must have spilled Beer on the keyboard

Thanks, I was thinking that must have been the one option I didn't get - the screen door in front of the fridge :lol:

 

[370Dancer]

The issue with leaving your battery switch on both, is if one battery's cell begins to fail, or does fail, it will very quickly drain the other battery. You may not know this until out somewhere on the hook. The purpose for the both selection is the same as an emergency jump solenoid. That is to temporarily jump one side to the other to assist with starting the engine. Otherwise, "keep em separated".....

PS, I can't imagine a 2008 fridge that isn't dual voltage. A make and model of the unit will clear this question up immediately.