You got it Paul -- you need a load tester --- and thanks for the link
-- I didn't know these were so cheap..........

Cheers,
Doug

On Tue, Jan 26, 2010 at 11:45 PM, Paul Guzyk <paullist08@guzyk.com> wrote:
> This is an adequate HF load testing unit for testing strength of "starter" batteries.
>
> http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=90636
>
> Also useful for spot checking your camping battery.
> I got mine on sale for between $15-$20 if I remember correctly.
>
> Testing your start battery with a voltmeter at rest without a load doesn't tell you too much...a "dead" battery could still read close to 12V.
>
> You should at least measure voltage when cranking or headlights and blowers on etc ...
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ---------- Original Message ----------------------------------
> From: � � � � Alan Felder <dieseldoofus@GMAIL.COM>
> Reply-To: � � Alan Felder <dieseldoofus@GMAIL.COM>
> Date: � � � � �Tue, 26 Jan 2010 18:53:15 -0600
>
>>Here is a device that will test your battery:
>>
>>*http://tinyurl.com/352k4l*
>>**
>>It's not portable, but you should use a load around half your battery's CCA
>>rating, and since I have a diesel and 800 AmpsI needed this larger one. �You
>>may get by with a smaller one which HF also has a variety of. �It puts your
>>battery under a known load (inside the box) and following directions, will
>>let you know what shape your battery is in, in static mode that is.
>>
>>Alan Felder
>>
>>
>>On Tue, Jan 26, 2010 at 1:49 PM, Don Hanson <dhanson928@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>> �Is there a way to tell about the auxilliary battery condition in a VW (or
>>> any rig, for that matter)? �I've been working with all kinds of batteries
>>> over the years and I always have been puzzled about how to find out what I
>>> might expect from the battery. �I have a digital multimeter and I get
>>> voltage readings but I'm told that is no real indicator of how good the
>>> battery is charged or is capabale of being charged...
>>> �Is there an instrument that I could wire into my systems (I have a few
>>> different vehicles with multiple battery systems) where I might get an
>>> actual meaningful readout that would tell me..."Hey, don't expect much more
>>> from this battery till you charge it more" or "this battery is shot" or
>>> "all
>>> your batteries are in fine shape with 100% charge"?
>>> �I have seen battery condition indicator gauges in yachts..I've seen
>>> voltage indicators on some rigs. �My travel trailer has an LED readout and
>>> for that matter, so does my semi-westie van...but those things seem pretty
>>> much a joke...
>>> � What should I wire into my systems to give me a better handle on how much
>>> juice I have in the batteries? �Is there anything that works..or do I just
>>> have to keep guesstimating as I have been doing all these years?
>>> �Thanks, Don Hanson
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>>--
>>Alan Felder
>>Austin TX
>>82 Diesel Westy
>>
>

-- 
http://www.dougalcock.com