Battery charging question

As I said above, I avoid schlepping batteries by fully charging them in the fall, disconnecting them and seeing them in fine condition in the spring. Easy. (I'm lazy and really avoid carrying batteries around). This has worked fine for over 30 years.

Hi,

I was an early adopter and have had solar since 1990. It certainly is a good way to go.

legolas wrote:
I hear the suggestions about a small "solar charger".....I'm intrigued...is there some sort of portable solar charging system that can be employed only during storage. I currently remove the battery and take it home after every trip and during November thru April while in storage. I have a battery tender at home and the battery goes on that during the winter.

legolas wrote:
I hear the suggestions about a small "solar charger".....I'm intrigued...is there some sort of portable solar charging system that can be employed only during storage. I currently remove the battery and take it home after every trip and during November thru April while in storage. I have a battery tender at home and the battery goes on that during the winter.

There are plenty of small solar panels with hookup wire included that meet this specification. I wouldn't go over 40W without a controller if parked in a temperate climate.

Due to pricing of small panels, it may be more efficient and overall, better, to install a 100W + module on the roof with a charge controller. An owner can benefit from the solar charging if off grid and still have the storage charging covered.

My bottom line is that I hate schlepping batteries around. I'll go to pretty much any means to avoid that task. My solar charging system has been operating without moving any batteries for five years. All seems well.

I hear the suggestions about a small "solar charger".....I'm intrigued...is there some sort of portable solar charging system that can be employed only during storage. I currently remove the battery and take it home after every trip and during November thru April while in storage. I have a battery tender at home and the battery goes on that during the winter.

I put a timer on mine to charge it for an hour every three days

pianotuna wrote:
Add a modest solar charging system.

Or use the disconnect switch.

Or pull the fuse at the battery if you have one.

Thanks!

I would leave the tender hooked up, that's what they are for.

I have a silly question. So I have my deep cycle battery hooked to a battery tender. It's indicating that the battery is now fully charged. Do I keep the battery hooked up to the tender or can I disconnect it. I'm not going to use my rv trailer for another 3 months.

Thanks!
Dave

My Fiver is also in an unpowered storage lot and I have a 120 watt solar panel and battery disconnect switch. It is always topped off when I go to get it. I will start the fridge up the night before i pick it up and bring it home to load up.