Dump Trailer - How many dumps before battery is dead?

[SpudHauler]

I think this is were the Battery Isolator comes in. It protects your truck system so it doesn't get drained and is always working because it isolates that circuit from the new additional circuit to the trailer. I believe it would devote all the charge to the trailer when needed and thereby keep your trailer batteries in better condition.
Go to a mobile trailer dealer, he can give you all the info on how they keep trailer folks happen and they do this kind of thing all the time.

 

[Dmace]

My 6x10' 10k DownEaster dump trailer has a single deep cycle commercial battery and I've used it to dump at least 10 times in one day on multiple occasions without any change in battery strength. My truck was hooked up and running while I was dumping the load but the truck was off while I was loading the trailer (10-20 mins each load).

I think your truck is not charging the battery right or the battery is not holding a charge. Next time you get a chance, start the truck and let it idle then take a volt meter or multi-meter set on voltage. Put the positive lead on your TRUCK battery positive and negative to negative to read the voltage across the terminals. While the truck is idling, the reading should be around 13.5-14.0 volts. Now go to the dump trailer battery and do the same thing, you should see pretty much the same number minus a few tenths like 13.3-13.8 volts. If it's under 12.0 volts then you are NOT charging the battery. If the numbers are good then the battery is bad, replace it with a good commercial DEEP CYCLE battery. Mine is a NAPA Commercial battery and about 2 years old.

 

[Skyco]

I've posted this before but here it is again- I do NOT think a deep cycle battery is the best for a dump trailer. Why? A deep cycle is best at providing relatively small amounts of current over a long period. What is a starting battery best at? Providing large amounts of current for a short period.

Now think about a dump trailer- large amounts of current needed for a short period. Sometimes several hundred amps. Hmmmmm......

Regardless of the type of battery the OP's problem is to be expected...frequent dumping will take a LOT of battery capacity.

 

[SpudHauler]

Thanks Skyco,

I see your point immediately.

Your patience with us wannabes is appreciated.

Thanks Dmace,

But will a charge system develop 13-14 volts at idle.

I know for a fact most small engine systems, like a motorcycle, will not.

You have to idle them up at least to 1500-2000 rpm to get that reading.

 

[framer]

Same amount of dumps 5 to 7 and the trickle charger on trailer is no help.
I am trying a new trickle charger that helps to restore batteries that may set
unused alot. Hope it helps.

 

[powerstroke444e]

Go to A&W direct and get the cables for a remote jump start system and wire it to your pump and battery and then you will have the alt and the truck battery(about $140). I did this with a buddies dump trailer and it has solved his problem, but his truck has 2 batteries and trailer has one.

 

[1greenmachine1]

powerstroke444e,

Is the item below what you installed?

Lexan Plug Jump-Start Set with 500 Amp Clamps
Superior Signals $126 @ A&W

http://www.awdirect.com/product_images/large/sm1large.jpg

 

[Bikewanderer]

1) The Alternator size on my truck states [/I]Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps): 160[/I] I assume this would not be enough to keep the battery charged even I ran heavy enough cables back to trailer.

2) Could a D/C generator be wired to the hydraulic pump?

The alternator might be rated at 160 amps but at idle it will only provide maybe 20-30. You can really damage it trying to pull that much current at idle. I've done it before!! My diesel pickup had the glow plugs get stuck on once - 140 amp alternator and 120 amp load. It fried the alternator and both batteries when it went.

Deep cycle batteries or marine batteries would work fine. They will provide adequate current to run the pump.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I do not have a dump trailer but my uncle has a 14K I use all the time. We get 4-5 dumps max. I did replace the deep cycle marine battery with a dual purpose marine battery. Its made for starting and deep cycle and give the best of both worlds. These dual purpose batteries is what I put in all my customers boats and it seems to work out better in these applications.

As for charging on boats you need to be up at about 1,500 rpms like you stated to get a good charge. This is with inboard or inboard/outboard engines. I am not sure about true outboards, I only have one customer with a outboard. Suzuki, best on the market and I have only changed the oil in it. Nothing else.

As for your truck what do you have? My Titan has a single 130 amp alternator but both of my Ford Powerstrokes have dual 105 amp alternators or there about's. They may be dual 160's, can not remember. Anyway they also have high idle switches in the cab. I can simply flip the switch and the truck will hold a higher idle speed. They also have dual batteries. I am guessing if you could get a high idle mode in your truck that would help greatly.

Chris

 

[powerstroke444e]

powerstroke444e,

Is the item below what you installed?

Lexan Plug Jump-Start Set with 500 Amp Clamps
Superior Signals $126 @ A&W

http://www.awdirect.com/product_images/large/sm1large.jpg

Thats what we used and the lady on the phone set us up with 2nd line that was like 12foot to put on the trailer to reach the trailer battiers. We cut the clamps off and attached directly to battier on the truck works great.

The service reps on the phone should be able to help you get what you want just measure your cable lenghts and they will help.