Forum Discussion

suprz's avatar
suprz
Explorer
Apr 18, 2014

Use onboard charger or external charger?

When we get our class c, and dry camp for more than a few days, if the batteries need charging, is it better to start the generator and use the onboard charger, or start the generator and plug in an external charger?... Just thinking that I would rather not run the generator for a long time so an external charger might be faster?

16 Replies

  • Tell us what converter brand and model and the portable charger brand and model. No one can possibly answer the question accurately without this info.
  • For boondocking with a "C", I'd look into a few things:

    1: Check your converter. Chuck it if it is a single stage model. If it is, chuck it. A couple C-notes gets you a five-stage "charge wizard" converter. If you are willing to pay more, you can get a converter/inverter like Magnum Energy's MMS (50 amp, four stage converter, 1000 watt, pure sine wave inverter.) This is the first thing someone should do. In fact, when I buy my next MH, this will be done by the local dealer.

    2: Consider a solar system. A class "C" can handle at least 100-200 watts of solar, perhaps a lot more. Add a MPPT controller that does multi-stages, and that will allow much longer boondocking trips without the need of constant generator running.

    3: If you want a way to maintain a battery, Battery Minder sells an 8 amp multi-stage maintainer with a desulfate mode that can be permanently installed by the batteries. This can come in handy if you have a very low wattage connection, or are using a very long extension cord when you have the motorhome in storage (and plugging into the charger may overload things.)

    4: Depending on batteries, sometimes you can run the onboard charger and an external charger. However, this depends on the type of batteries. AGMs may be able to handle this better than flooded cel.
  • Which is faster charging ?;.; Only you have the answer to that.

    You gave no info on your converter charger, nor any info on the
    external charger you mite be talking about. How could we possibly know
    the answer ?
  • If changing the convertor doesn"t appeal to you, use a external battery charger AND your convertor. You got the genny running anyway. My convertor will not charge the batterys by running the genny all day 8 am to 8 pm . (You can run your generator those hours in Federal parks such as Yellowstone) Mine ran all day to recharge, much to the consternation of neighbors. I now use both
  • Bobbo's avatar
    Bobbo
    Explorer III
    Depends on your onboard charger. If you have a single stage charger like the Magnetek/Parallax, it is crap. You are better off replacing it with a real converter/charger or using an external charger. If you have a modern 3 stage charger like a Progressive Dynamics (w/charge wizard), just let the onboard charger do the job.

    I replaced my fully functional and operating Magnetek 7345 a few years ago with a Progressive Dynamics 4655 and am very happy.

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