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uintafly's avatar
uintafly
Explorer
Feb 08, 2014

Battery question

My trailer came with 2 new 12v Interstate Batteries and I want to just keep them on my maintainer for the next 6 weeks or so. I have a question though. It's a Diehard brand 12 or 24 v charger with gel cell, standard or deep cell options. Those are obviously straight forward enough but it also has a 2, 10 or 15 amp option and I don't know what to choose. Anyone know what exactly this option refers too? Does it even matter when it's just on the maintain function?

Thanks for advice

18 Replies

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  • naturist's avatar
    naturist
    Nomad II
    Feb 08, 2014
    Checking voltage requires a voltmeter. I picked up a nice little one that plugs into a 12 volt cigarette lighter outlet, which my TT has next to the TV connections. It cost about $10 at an RV dealer. For about the same cost, you can get a fairly low-end VOM (aka volt-ohm meter) from Radio Shack which will also read voltage (among other things), although it's not as simple and convenient as the one that plugs into the cig lighter.
  • uintafly's avatar
    uintafly
    Explorer
    Feb 08, 2014
    Thanks guys. Looks like another thing to add to my shopping list
  • wolfe10's avatar
    wolfe10
    Explorer
    Feb 08, 2014
    Yes, you need a DIGITAL voltmeter. Start under $20.

    A must on an RV.
  • mena661's avatar
    mena661
    Explorer
    Feb 08, 2014
    uintafly wrote:

    How would I check voltage? I'm guessing I need some type of meter.
    A meter is good to have anyways. You can get them HF, HD, Lowes, etc.
  • uintafly's avatar
    uintafly
    Explorer
    Feb 08, 2014
    wolfe10 wrote:
    Assuming there is no draw on the batteries, 2 amps is more than ample.

    And, just to be sure, check voltage after 24 hours or so and make sure it is between 13.2 and 13.5-- slightly higher if near-freezing temperatures.


    How would I check voltage? I'm guessing I need some type of meter.
  • wolfe10's avatar
    wolfe10
    Explorer
    Feb 08, 2014
    Assuming there is no draw on the batteries, 2 amps is more than ample.

    And, just to be sure, check voltage after 24 hours or so and make sure it is between 13.2 and 13.5-- slightly higher if near-freezing temperatures.
  • Old_Days's avatar
    Old_Days
    Explorer II
    Feb 08, 2014
    I am probably not the guy to answer but my battery maintainer is just under 1 amp.

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