ccm14
Louisiana
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Hello,
We are pretty new to the RV world and I have a question about charging our batteries. We have a Jayco 5th wheel that has two batteries wired in parallel. We keep the unit in storage and do not leave it connected to shore power. It was my understanding that if you stay connected to shore power it could damage the batteries and would not completely charge them anyway.
So, my question is-what is the best way to charge the batteries?
Thanks in advance for the advice.
Merry Christmas to everyone.
Charlie
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jauguston
Bellingham, WA
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Your information needs some clarification.
Some older RV converters (battery chargers) were not very smart and had a charge voltage if left on for long periods such as in storage they would cook the water out of the batteries. And they had a pretty low amperage output for charging batteries.
Now-- converters have gotten a lot smarter in the last several years. To know if yours is the good kind or the bad kind you need to take a look at it and get a brand name and a model if you can and post it here. You will be looking for a name like Progressive Dynamics-WFCO-Iota and there are a few others.
Another way to tell good from bad is to plug the shore power in and leave it for several days and then put a volt meter on the batteries.
If the voltage is around 13.2v you have what is called a three stage smart converter and it can be left plugged it indefinately and no harm will be done. If the voltage is around 13.6v that is not a good one.
The smart chargers do a fine job of properly charging the batteries and maintaining them when in storage.
Jim
Edit-I just looked at your Profile and your 2008 RV will almost certainly have a smart converter that can be left plugged it.
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skipnchar
Topeka or somewhere else
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The best way to store your RV without it being connected to shore power is to disconnect them from the trailer. Just remove the negative lead and if the batteries are any good they'll hold a charge for at LEAST three or four months. If you leave them connected there is a strong likelihood that they'll become discharged within a month or so due to draw from a number of different sources. Just pulling the negative lead is the EASY way but you could also install a disconnect switch that does the same thing.
When it's time to charger a good "smart charger" with at least three stages is the best way to do it. MOST newer RVs use this type of charger as a part of the converter.
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smkettner
Southern California
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ccm14 wrote:It was my understanding that if you stay connected to shore power it could damage the batteries and would not completely charge them anyway.
So, my question is-what is the best way to charge the batteries?
Depends on your charging system. Post the make and model of your converter for best answers. Do you have 120v power at the storage site?
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tjar66
Portland OR
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Mine has a battery disconnect. Once the trailer is stored and secure I disconnect the batteries. If its going to be an extended period (winter) I pull the batteries and take them home in the garage. For use during the summer months I try to bring the trailer home a couple days a head of time to plug it in get the fridge going ect. If time doesn't permit then we use the genny.
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the bear II
Torrance CA.
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Use the battery disconnect method along with a $70 solar panel charger from Northern Tool Co. and your batteries will stay tip top while the rv is stored.
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jauguston
Bellingham, WA
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John,
There is now a converter that has a feature that makes it better in my book. It is the Iota DLS/IQ4. It has a maximum charge voltage of 14.8v that is a much better charge voltage than most others at 14.4v. 14.4 is just not high enough to fully charge your batteries. There is a reason all newer Ford vehicles have a 14.8v charge voltage and all newer GM vehicles have a 15.1v charge voltage. Also all the good 12v solar controllers can charge at 14.8v and the solar experts say that is where the voltage should be. I just installed a 45a Iota DLS/IQ4 and it is a dandy. My Honda EU 1000i will power it nicely at 750w max draw.
Jim
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wa8yxm
Wherever I happen to park
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I will echo the first response.. Many low end units even today have low end converters. What is amazing is the price difference between a low end single stage battery killer and a top of the line 3-stage conveter.... Less than the cost of one set of batteries.
Now. what make and model converter do you have?
I will give just two examples
Magnetek 6300... This is a battery killer.... If you have one of these I recommend an upgrade to a good 3-stage but for now use a Battery-MINDer (TM) or Battery-Tender(tm) type product Leave the batteries hooked up as they are (in parallel) and just parallel the MINDer/Tender in with them.
Progressive Dynamics 9200 -or- a 9100 with the optional wizard.
A better charger is not made (Several as good, none better) If the batteries are of the flooded wet cell type check and add DISTILLED water as needed to bring 'em up to just below the split ring.. Plug in and come spring... Check and water as needed.
NOTE: I have a 9180 w/wizard and water but once a year.
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Crazy Ray
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click , read & learn. Great site
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pianotuna
Regina, SK, Canada
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ccm14 wrote:Hello,
snip
So, my question is-what is the best way to charge the batteries?
Thanks in advance for the advice.
Merry Christmas to everyone.
Charlie
I'd add a modest solar system in your shoes.
Regards, Don
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