Will a RV converter charge a dead battery?
Yes, an RV converter can charge a dead battery, but its effectiveness depends on the battery’s condition and the converter’s design. Standard RV converters provide multi-stage charging (bulk, absorption, float) to revive deeply discharged batteries. However, lead-acid batteries below 10.5V may require manual intervention—like a jump-start—to initiate charging. Pro Tip: Use a dedicated battery charger for batteries discharged below 9V to avoid converter timeout errors.
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How does an RV converter handle dead batteries?
RV converters apply trickle charging to batteries below 11V, delivering 2–5A initially. If voltage remains under 10.5V after 30 minutes, many units abort charging to prevent component stress. Lithium batteries fare better—their built-in BMS often allows charging from 0V with proper cold-temperature protection.
Practically speaking, modern converters like Progressive Dynamics PD9145ALV include a recovery mode that pulses 14.4V to break sulfation barriers in lead-acid cells. For example, a 100Ah AGM battery discharged to 8V might recover 80% capacity after 48 hours of converter charging. But what about batteries with internal shorts? These require professional reconditioning. Pro Tip: Monitor battery temperature during dead-battery charging—anything above 120°F indicates failure.
Why do some converters fail to charge dead batteries?
Overly conservative low-voltage cutoffs (LVC) and undersized transformers cause most failures. Entry-level converters often set LVC at 10.5V, while premium models extend to 9V. The table below compares charging capabilities:
| Converter Model | Min Start Voltage | Recovery Current |
|---|---|---|
| WFCO 9855 | 10.5V | 3A |
| Progressive Dynamics 9160 | 9.0V | 8A |
Beyond voltage thresholds, sulfated lead plates create high resistance—some converters misinterpret this as a full battery. Imagine trying to pour water into a clogged funnel; until you clear the blockage (sulfation), meaningful charging can’t occur. Pro Tip: Annual equalization charges at 15.5V help prevent sulfation in lead-acid systems.
Fasta Power Expert Insight
FAQs
Yes, but charging speed drops proportionally—a 55A converter supplying 10A to lights delivers only 45A to the battery.
How long to charge a dead 100Ah battery with a 60A converter?
Approximately 2 hours to 80% charge (bulk stage), plus 4 hours absorption. Total 6 hours assuming no parasitic loads.
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