Charging 6 V. batteries while boondocking?
Which is the best way to charge 6V batteries when boondocking? Should I just hook the 1500 watt Honda generator to the shore power cord or hook the generator to a battery charger to the batteries. ...
Forum Discussion
The built in Honda charger is about 3-5 amps output at 12 volts.
The trailer charger is probably 45+ amps output, so I would suggest using the trailer RV power cord to the generator, and let it run about 2 hours at a time, morning and evening. Perhaps 1 hour is enough? It all depends on your battery usage.
Want it hassle free? Install a pair of 150 watt solar panels, and forget about charging the batteries at all. You will make up the 35 amp hours that the CO meter, propane detector and refrigerator use, along with make up for some of your light usage, and other misc. loads.
SunElec.com THey sell some 12 volt 'nominal' panels, call and ask. Also look for a 20 - 30 amp PWM controller.
For panel mounts, I used 6" long 2" angle aluminum on each corner of the solar panel, with 3 #10 screws into the roof with some rubber roof sealant to make it leak tight. And a 5/16" hole for a 1/4" bolt into the solar panel frame, to hold it in place. It will also allow tilting if you want to give the best input, if you will be boondocking for a long time. . .
Fred.
The trailer charger is probably 45+ amps output, so I would suggest using the trailer RV power cord to the generator, and let it run about 2 hours at a time, morning and evening. Perhaps 1 hour is enough? It all depends on your battery usage.
Want it hassle free? Install a pair of 150 watt solar panels, and forget about charging the batteries at all. You will make up the 35 amp hours that the CO meter, propane detector and refrigerator use, along with make up for some of your light usage, and other misc. loads.
SunElec.com THey sell some 12 volt 'nominal' panels, call and ask. Also look for a 20 - 30 amp PWM controller.
For panel mounts, I used 6" long 2" angle aluminum on each corner of the solar panel, with 3 #10 screws into the roof with some rubber roof sealant to make it leak tight. And a 5/16" hole for a 1/4" bolt into the solar panel frame, to hold it in place. It will also allow tilting if you want to give the best input, if you will be boondocking for a long time. . .
Fred.
