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jayspi's avatar
jayspi
Explorer
Sep 15, 2018

Battery charger for 5th wheel batteries

I'm sure this has been asked before but I can't find it in forum search for the life of me.

Our 5th wheel converter went out, so for a few days I've been charging the batteries from an automotive, 10 amp, battery charger. It's one where (supposedly) you can leave it plugged in and it will trickle charge. It worked fine for a few days then died. So I'm wondering, does anyone have recommendations for a good one? Preferably one I can buy locally or order from Amazon.

Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks!

20 Replies

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  • jayspi's avatar
    jayspi
    Explorer
    Sep 15, 2018
    jayspi wrote:
    time2roll wrote:
    What converter do you have? For a few $$ more you could just replace the converter. If it is a WFCO replace with something else.


    We just got this RV so I'm not sure. I'm trying to find it tonight.

    It's a Momentum 354M. I'd expect it to be behind the breaker box where they are on many other Momentums, but so far no luck.


    The power distribution panel is an wfco 8930/50, so I'm guessing the converter is also wfco. Still can't find it though. I can find tank monitor, vacuum cleaner, generator control box, and lighting control, but not the converter.

    Gotta keep digging I guess....
  • Ava's avatar
    Ava
    Explorer
    Sep 15, 2018
    Like Sound Guy, I have a C-Teck charger to use on any battery. The one I have is an 8 stage charger.
  • jayspi's avatar
    jayspi
    Explorer
    Sep 15, 2018
    time2roll wrote:
    What converter do you have? For a few $$ more you could just replace the converter. If it is a WFCO replace with something else.


    We just got this RV so I'm not sure. I'm trying to find it tonight.

    It's a Momentum 354M. I'd expect it to be behind the breaker box where they are on many other Momentums, but so far no luck.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Sep 15, 2018
    jayspi wrote:
    Do you know the model number? I see several of them on Amazon.
    Something like this. Mine's maybe 20 years old, this one looks much different. This one has the same specs.
  • SoundGuy's avatar
    SoundGuy
    Explorer
    Sep 15, 2018
    jayspi wrote:
    Any suggestions are appreciated.


    Not inexpensive but CTEK makes great chargers. My own Multi US 7002 has been faultless, does a proper 14.4 volt bulk charge, while the larger Multi US 25000 includes temperature compensated charging which is often required for many brands of AGM batteries.
  • fj12ryder's avatar
    fj12ryder
    Explorer III
    Sep 15, 2018
    I just bought a Schumacher SC1320 to use when our converter went south. It was hooked up continuously for 4 days and the battery was still in good shape. Of course we have all LED lights so our power draw wasn't huge, and no furnace usage. It is only a 6 amp draw and has the trickle charge too, but worked for us. We have just one 12 volt battery.

    I bought it at a local hardware store for $50, and choices were very limited.
  • wanderingaimles's avatar
    wanderingaimles
    Explorer
    Sep 15, 2018
    I bought one of these for the same reason. 25 amps and had the supposed ability to rejuvenate a bad battery, havent tried that part yet.
    https://www.walmart.com/ip/Stanley-25A-Battery-Charger-with-75A-Engine-Start/38243762
  • jayspi's avatar
    jayspi
    Explorer
    Sep 15, 2018
    2oldman wrote:
    I have a Schumacher that's served me for years.


    Do you know the model number? I see several of them on Amazon.

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