House Battery Life

[erstanfo]

I have a 2012 Journey 36m with 4X group 31 AGM, Norcold propane refrigerator.

When boondocking over the winter I noticed my house bank was low 11.9-12V (would not crank generator) in the morning. I know this is bad, I should not discharge that low. The only thing running was the propane furnace blower motor and the thermostat was set at 50F and the other parasitic loads.
Anyone know how to turn off the damn back light in the switches by the door?

What type of battery life do others get with 4 AGM batteries?

I did a 100A load test after I got home and all batteries check out good.

I was thinking about adding 2 more batteries.

Thanks,

[twinboat]

You need to charge them full and do a capacity test, not a 15 second load test.

4 of them is about 400 AH, so get a 20 amp load and run them down to 12.2 volts ( 60% ), while timing them. They should last 10 hours.

Lifeline battery, explains a capacity test.

[stuhly]

That furnace will use up batteries PDQ.

[vsheetz]

Originally Posted by stuhly

That furnace will use up batteries PDQ.

Agree.

[SuperGewl]

It's time to invest in a Solar System and more batteries, you also need to setup your Auto Gen Start system to better monitor the batteries and charge them prior to bed time at night.
Just my .01

[PJtraveler]

On propane my Norcold doesn't draw much power at all. Now if you're running it on AC, off of your inverter, then you'll need more batteries and solar. However, just to run the refrigerator on LP the 12V draw is really low and only runs the electronics on the boards and interior light. I would look elsewhere to figure out what is killing your batteries.

If you want the specs on your refrigerator for amp draw, ask the guys at Norcold Guy:

Norcold Parts | Norcold RV Refrigerators and Parts For Sale!

[Ramzfan]

You might take a look at some photos that FireUp posted a few years ago. He did a real nice job, although he has a different coach than you do. Personally, I was going to copy his setup, but after considering it, I don't do enough boondocking to merit the work or the extra batteries.

[bobmac]

I agree fully with Twinboat. AGM batteries should recharged when they have dropped to about 12.2 volts. Going lower will reduce their service life. Mine are now four years old and I did not realize they should be recharged at 12.2 and I believe mine will need replacement in the next 12 months. Suggest you set your Automatic generator starter to that voltage and you will maximize their life. Good luck,