|
Post by danrhodes on Nov 30, 2016 14:41:06 GMT -8
|
|
nccamper
Administrator
Posts: 7,744
Likes: 2,871
1962 Forester- 1956 Shasta
Currently Offline
|
Post by nccamper on Nov 30, 2016 18:47:35 GMT -8
|
|
|
Post by danrhodes on Nov 30, 2016 19:03:03 GMT -8
I think it was under $40, but I like under $20 better. I've almost bought old linear chargers at garage sales, but a smarter charger makes more sense at 1/4 the cost of the battery itself.
|
|
Dad Rambles
Active Member
Posts: 246
Likes: 140
62 Shasta Airflyte
Currently Offline
|
Post by Dad Rambles on Nov 30, 2016 19:22:04 GMT -8
For a battery charger... as long at the rating is equal to or larger than the max use rate of the 12V appliances, such that it doesn't fall below 1/2 the AH rating of the battery, then you are ok right?
For example you have an 100 AH battery.
You in 8 hours your total useage is say 32Amps (8 hours x 4 Amps of "stuff")..BUT The 3 Amp charger is putting back (8 hours x 3 AMP/hr). 24 AMPS into the battery in that same time.. so the net loss is only 8 Amps.
You turn stuff off, you leave the trailer and in 2 1/2 - 3 hrs the battery if topped off again? (the 8 amps is recouped).
Is that clear as mud ? Am I at least on the right track with thinking about which charger to buy?
|
|
nccamper
Administrator
Posts: 7,744
Likes: 2,871
1962 Forester- 1956 Shasta
Currently Offline
|
Post by nccamper on Nov 30, 2016 21:20:36 GMT -8
For a battery charger... as long at the rating is equal to or larger than the max use rate of the 12V appliances, such that it doesn't fall below 1/2 the AH rating of the battery, then you are ok right? For example you have an 100 AH battery. You in 8 hours your total useage is say 32Amps (8 hours x 4 Amps of "stuff")..BUT The 3 Amp charger is putting back (8 hours x 3 AMP/hr). 24 AMPS into the battery in that same time.. so the net loss is only 8 Amps. You turn stuff off, you leave the trailer and in 2 1/2 - 3 hrs the battery if topped off again? (the 8 amps is recouped). Is that clear as mud ? Am I at least on the right track with thinking about which charger to buy? Ahh...but then you get in your car which tickle charges the battery at 1 amp for 3 hours but you stopped at a rest stop and used the lights for 2 amps before getting stuck in traffic which dropped the amps... Just messing with you. Your logic sounds right to me. But others will undoubtedly know more than me.
|
|
Dad Rambles
Active Member
Posts: 246
Likes: 140
62 Shasta Airflyte
Currently Offline
|
Post by Dad Rambles on Dec 1, 2016 4:48:12 GMT -8
I have seen a lot of people in other places use a "battery tender" So much so that I see that term used often to mean "battery charger". i.e. like Kleenex and tissue... I have seen these as well. They always seem to have good reviews and are considered very "smart". Just another option... no.co/
|
|
|
Post by Teachndad on Dec 24, 2016 6:26:00 GMT -8
Hi Friends,
I have heard for this type of charging the following terms:
Battery Tender Battery Charger,
I like trickle charger, myself.
Cheers,
Rod
|
|
|
Post by vikx on Dec 24, 2016 21:25:20 GMT -8
Battery and trickle chargers are NOT the same as a battery tender or maintainer. Trickle chargers provide a steady charge. They aren't smart and don't "float" the charge when the battery is topped off. If a trickle charger is left on a battery too long, it can and will over charge the battery. Most of today's Battery Chargers are actually maintainers. Older units not so often.
Tenders and Maintainers are smart, labeled "will not over charge your battery" and many have a disulphating cycle as well.
I have several chargers, an older trickle charger and many maintainers. Maintainers are recommended in vintage trailers and they will protect a battery for many years. Even my lawn mower has one. LOL.
|
|
|
Post by Teachndad on Dec 25, 2016 8:11:56 GMT -8
Thanks Vikx for the clarification in terms!
Rod
|
|
|
Post by rogerthedodger on Dec 25, 2016 8:18:34 GMT -8
Well said vikx. I have used battery maintainers on my collector cars and trailers for years. One car I sold had the same battery in it for 10 years and was still gong strong.
|
|
|
Post by danrhodes on Jan 18, 2017 13:53:10 GMT -8
Just to revisit this thread...do you and vikx use these to keep a battery topped up while camping as well as recharge the battery after a trip or just to maintain the charge while in storage? 1.5A is pretty low, so I assume that this would not keep a battery topped up while camping if you had a fantastic fan and a few other 12V fixtures running. This weather is keeping me away from bigger projects, so I thought I'd wire one of these up this weekend or next.
|
|
|
Post by vikx on Jan 18, 2017 21:10:13 GMT -8
These are great for maintaining the battery, especially when the trailer is not being used. Batteries can last 10 years when properly cared for.
If you will be using the Fantastic Fan and lights all day, consider going with a Progressive Dynamics converter rather than a maintainer. I usually by the 9245 with a smart charger built in. It allows full use of the 12 volt system when on shore power, then the battery kicks in when you're unplugged.
Another option would be a 12 volt power supply. Sunforce is one brand, it is 6 amps and should supply the Fan all day. They are not expensive and may fail quickly because of that. Also, you would need to protect the battery when it is in use. A simple disconnect would work to prevent overcharging.
|
|
|
Post by danrhodes on Jan 18, 2017 21:34:34 GMT -8
These are great for maintaining the battery, especially when the trailer is not being used. Batteries can last 10 years when properly cared for. If you will be using the Fantastic Fan and lights all day, consider going with a Progressive Dynamics converter rather than a maintainer. I usually by the 9245 with a smart charger built in. It allows full use of the 12 volt system when on shore power, then the battery kicks in when you're unplugged. Another option would be a 12 volt power supply. Sunforce is one brand, it is 6 amps and should supply the Fan all day. They are not expensive and may fail quickly because of that. Also, you would need to protect the battery when it is in use. A simple disconnect would work to prevent overcharging. Yeah...$20 is a little closer to my budget than $200. I might consider a higher amperage maintainer and hope it keeps a battery topped while in use...More investigation needed.
|
|
mrmarty51
Leading Member
Posts: 1,787
Likes: 423
1972 HOMEMADE
Currently Offline
|
Post by mrmarty51 on Jan 18, 2017 22:20:46 GMT -8
Here is a Coleman solar powered battery maintainer from Northern tools. Less than ten bucks. it doesn`t desulphate the battery though. Click the linkHere is another one, this one looks a little more rugged than the coleman, less than 20 bucks. Click the link
|
|
nccamper
Administrator
Posts: 7,744
Likes: 2,871
1962 Forester- 1956 Shasta
Currently Offline
|
Post by nccamper on Jan 18, 2017 22:39:18 GMT -8
I think it all comes down to where you camp.
If you camp off the grid at state parks a converter won't help you. If you camp off the grid but move from campground to campground every few days, again you don't need it because the tow vehicle will keep you charged. If you camp on the grid during the summer with the fan and lights going all day, a converter may make sense.
With that said, at a site with power I think the maintainer slows the drain but not by much.
|
|