Dingy Battery Charging Line

Question

We have the rig identified below. The dingy is equipped with the SMI Stay in play duo braking system. During our 19 day 4,000 mile trip last month the dingy battery went dead twice. When we got home we had the dingy battery checked by our mechanic who said it was okay. I told him we were going to have a charging line installed to keep the battery charged while towing. He said to be careful because the battery can often be over charged ruining the battery.

Can anyone offer any experience or information on this?

yc_1 · Answer

Absolutely baloney. I work on 12 volt vehicle systems for a living and have for over 40 yrs. Certified Electronic Tech. I own a service company. You will kill a battery faster by running it down excessively.

navegator · Answer

I have an SMI unit and used a 7 pin for the lights, using the 12v positive and the negative from the RV to the dingy to maintain the battery in the dingy, the RV'S alternator is only going to see a battery in need of a charge, 15 years and no problems, replaced battery's in the vehicles due to age, not because of a problem, do use fuses on lines.

navegator

rjsfishin · Answer

What a crock !! get a new mechanic.

two_jayhawks · Answer

We use this one and I believe over charging is not possible.

srockwood · Answer

If your alternator overcharges your dinghy's battery, it'll probably roast your RV's battery as well. That's why all alternators have voltage regulators.

Easiest would be to use the charging pin and ground on the 7 way:

to charge the dinghy. Just make a pigtail and use a 2-pin quick disconnect connector to quickly unplug it from the RV.

If you used your RV's converter for some odd reason to charge the dinghy, then yes, you could damage the battery if it's not a smart charger.

Forum Discussion

Dingy Battery Charging Line

7 Replies

About RV Tips & Tricks

Related Content

Battery Charging

chassis battery charge ?

Charging House Batteries

Lithium Battery Charging System

House Battery charging