jillhop wrote:
Is there an advantage to breaking up the 4 hours of generator use into 2 x 2 hour segments?
I did check the voltage on the battery when it was charging, and it was 13.6V.
KD4UPL and BFJ13: you recommended a adding a portable charger. Wouldn't I need to be plugged in to shore power to use one of these?
I did check the voltage on the battery when it was charging, and it was 13.6V.
KD4UPL and BFJ13: you recommended a adding a portable charger. Wouldn't I need to be plugged in to shore power to use one of these?
Yes, two segments are more efficient than one twice as long. The battery will accept more current each time.
13.6. You should have a convertor that is putting out 14.4 or so volts. 13.6 takes forever to fully charge.
No need for a power cord. Run your generator, and plug a GOOD charger/convertor into your camper!
I have a PD 9260 that I use as a portable battery charger. I put #2 cables on, and battery type alligator clamps on them to hook to the battery charger. Works very well.
You say room for only one battery. Any chance you could go to a little larger size? Also, they usually use a starting battery, getting the largest deep cycle you can fit in space will help.
If interested, look at portable solar panels. They come complete, just hook to battery. Example here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Portable-KITs-100-W-Watt-100W-folding-PV-Solar-Panel-12V-RV-Boat-Off-Grid-2x50W-/231094509371?tfrom=191253885978&tpos=top&ttype=price&talgo=undefined
Then, run generator a couple hours in the AM, to bulk charge faster, and let the solar work all day long to top off. This is best idea. 100w panel for one battery, after bulk charged a couple hours, should top off the battery pretty good.
