battery charge

Question

Again, I realize that this is one of those subjects that is talked about a lot, but once again, I'm having a tough time wrapping my head around it. It seems that there are so many differing opinions that it muddles the subject matter.

If I plan on driving and hooking up to a 30 amp at least once a month, is there anything I need to do to the battery, other than keeping the cells filled? I have a 3-stage charger in my converter. It's supposed to recognize the charge remaining in my battery and automatically charge it at the correct stage.

I dont plan on doing any boondocking, so I'm not sure if I really even need it. Should I remove the battery all together and trickle charge it once a month?

sinnettc · Answer

Pretty sure my battery would get run dead if I left it hooked up for a month between trips.  That's because the propane detector and radio/dvd player would run it dead.  If it were me I'd either put in a marine rated switch or disconnect the negative lead when you're away.  I'm doing the latter until I figure out where I want to put a switch.

time2roll · Answer

Plugging in once a month is fine.  Just don't let the battery go dead in storage or it soon will not hold a charge.  Using a switch or removing the negative cable is fine to prevent discharge from parasitic loads such as radio memory, propane detector and various electronic controller boards.  Otherwise 50w of solar and small controller can keep the battery up in storage.

rskrbina · Answer

It's easiest for me to just disconnect the negative battery cable before storage, eliminating all parasitic draws. Your battery(s) will be fine for 30+ days.

gillkid · Answer

Glad I asked. I went on reading some more after I posted this...not one mention of disconnecting in between trips.  So is this an efficient way to take care of the battery?  I'll unhook the negative while storing and allow the converter (3-stage) take care of the charging during the season and trickle charge once a month during the winter months?

ras43 · Answer

I am able to plug in my trailer since it is next to the house. It has been plugged in since late November so the batteries are charged and have not used any water. You may not have this option.
When I had to store the trailer off site I did what you proposed-shut the battery switch off. They were fine for a month or so.

Forum Discussion

battery charge

About RV Tips & Tricks

Related Content

Battery charging

Battery charging

battery charging

Battery charge versus remaining usable charge

Charging house batteries