I'm having some trouble with my SOK batteries in my travel trailer. Out of three, two of them aren't consistently showing the state of charge (SOC) or capacity. My dealer and SOK mentioned I need to sync the batteries properly, which involves discharging them twice and using a password-protected app that I don't have access to. They also say I can't use an inverter for the discharge and that the batteries should be discharged monthly, but I can't find any information on that in my documents. I'm curious if others discharge their SOK batteries monthly and if this is a common practice or just poor support from the company. I really like the batteries, but the reporting is only for backup with my Victron system.
2 Answers
I've got four SOK batteries myself, and I feel your pain. They never seem to give the right SOC either! From what I've learned, SOK suggests discharging them twice to get the SOC accurate. A shunt really does help keep everything in line since the BMS can be temperamental, depending on what version you have. It's frustrating but manageable!
It sounds like you're dealing with quite a hassle! I don't think discharging monthly is a common requirement for everyone with SOK batteries. Most folks I know just discharge them to a certain level and then fully recharge. The syncing issues can be tricky too since each battery management system (BMS) is different. Have you thought about getting a shunt? It can help track the SOC better, especially if your app isn't giving you accurate readings.
Yeah, I totally get your frustration. Those apps can be hit or miss sometimes. A shunt is a good idea since it tends to give you a more reliable SOC, especially if syncing is a pain. Just keep an eye on those levels while you're out camping!