Keeping batteries charged while not in use?

marc515 wrote:
What have you guys found to be the best solution to keeping your batteries charged?

I changed the batteries in my RV to a type that are rated to be stored with a constant charge voltage on them that is the same as what the stock converter that came on the RV is normally putting out. So during storage I leave the RV plugged in all the time and the coach batteries hooked up to the stock converter most of the time.

I then plug a BatterMinder into a 120 volt AC outlet in the RV and plug it's 12 volt male cigarette lighter output plug into a 12 volt receptacle on the cab's dash (which is always hot connected to the starting battery as designed by Ford). This BatteryMinder then is keeping the chassis battery charged all the time, too.

This system works like a champ for all three batteries (two coach and one starting).

Some MFGs of RVs do have a unit that does charge the Chassis battery. As well as the RV batteries when plugged in.

My Fleetwood Tioga came equipped with a BIRD a Bi-Directional Isolator Relay Delay.

Coupled with my smart Converter/Charger it does a great job of keeping all batteries charged and in top shape without boiling them.

These can be added to your existing system with out having to have 2 different systems like adding a Trik l Start.

I put a battery disconnect switch directly on the negative battery post. Disconnected the battery and used a Battery Tender. For the chassis battery I used another Battery Tender and wired it so I could charge the battery through the cigarette lighter or 12V power plug on the dash. I leave them both connected while in storage. We have power at our storage lot.

I replaced old converter/charger with PD9245 and house batteries with US brand 6 volt T-105 equivalent batteries ( $50 less apiece) and no shipping charge from a local supplier. I also installed a Trik-L-Start device to keep chassis battery charged while connected to shore power.( Dedicated circuit on side of our garage).

marc515 wrote:
Just did some research, and the Navion has a Progressive PD9245C, which has that Charge Wizzard technology which will trickle charge and not run the battery dry, or overcharge it.

Agree ... I use a PD9245 and keep the rig plugged in at home - I add battery water a couple times a year.

If OP has PD9245 he doesn't need new converter, can keep it plugged in year round, but probably should consider buying a Tik L Start which is an inexpensive add on which will automatically keep the chassis battery charged while plugged in. Easy Google.

I have a 1998 Class C and changed out the old single stage converter to a Progressive Dynamics three stage converter. I also installed an Amp-L-Start in the engine compartment. When the Progressive Dynamics is on, it charges the chassis battery also though the Amp-L-Start. When camping and you are using the Converter, and turn on the dashboard radio, the current it draws, comes from the converter through the Amp-L-Start and your chassis battery stays charged. Works very well. I leave my RV in the garage plugged in all the time. When the charge goes into maintenance the LED lets you know with a slow flash every few seconds.

On my MH I have an "AUX BATT" switch. When plugged in at home I turn this switch off. A couple of days a month I will turn it on to charge the coach batteries. I keep a battery tender hooked up on the chassis battery. I guess this is right because so far it has worked.

Simple, I bought one of those light sensative outdoor light timers, the kind with several settings, 2, 4, 6 and dawn till dusk. I also made up a little piece of wire with 2 alligator clips on it, I use it to bridge the 2 main terminals of the battery isolator relay.

I just plug it in between the coach and the outdoor plug and set it to 2 hours. Everyday at dusk all 3 batteries get a little top up. Not enough to harm them though.

Fully automatic and simple.

marc515 wrote:
What have you guys found to be the best solution to keeping your batteries charged?

With our current rig, I have "re"-learned to disconnect all batteries (both chassis and house) when parked for longer than 30 days. Our rig is stored at home indoors. If stored outside, I would bring the batteries inside during the winter months. I feel that if I keep our rig plugged in, it just makes everything work for no reason. I can disconnect for 9 months and all is fine when I want it all working again.

We owned our first rig for 24 years. With "disconnect-when-stored" thinking, it went through 2 chassis batteries and 2 house batteries over the 24 year period. I sold the rig with it's third set of batteries. I learned the hard way with our rig today. Now I disconnect off-season like I used to with our first rig.

Just did some research, and the Navion has a Progressive PD9245C, which has that Charge Wizzard technology which will trickle charge and not run the battery dry, or overcharge it.