Forum Discussion

Eskinsh's avatar
Eskinsh
Explorer
Jun 30, 2023

Charging house batteries

Hello
Im not yet sure if my power converter/ chargier is going/gone kaput, i was dropping below 12 volts, on my last trip amd it didnt seem to be re-charging. My batteries tested bad when i got back and i replaced them.

My question, if I am at a park with electric power and This happens again, i believe I can charge the batteries via external battery charger before they go too low.
Do i habe to charge each 6v battery individually, pr just hook the charger across the pair and charge both, my charger senses 6/12v and adusts.
Im also not clear if i need to disconnect the batteries from the coach wires to charge or I can leave hooked up so my fridge and lights dont die while re-charging.

Thanks in advance!
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    I often get flamed for this but you don't have 6 Volt Batteries IN the motor home
    (They are only six volt when they are OUT of the motor home)

    YOu have 12 volt batteries which have been split in two for ease of handling.

    Each pair of six volt when properly installed make one big (Size 4D or 8D) 12 volt battery.

    So why not just use the bigger battery? Two answers
    One the GC-2 is the single most made Lead Acid storage battery.. That makes them cheaper.. (Golf Courses order 'em by the pallet load)

    Second.. Check out the LBS column on the 4D and 8D (Oh my Aching muscle specials)
  • Make sure the charger has a float mode. Charge the 2 six volts as one twelve volt.
  • Yes, you can use a separate charger to charge the batteries.

    Your two 6 VDC batteries are wired in SERIES to make a "12 VDC battery". So, hook up a 12 VDC charger with the positive lead to the positive lead of the battery going to the RV systems. Negative to the negative lead of the other battery (where the ground goes to the RV).

    A "stupid" charger is fine, but you will need to monitor voltage and turn it on/off to keep voltage between 13.2 and 14 VDC. A little above that is fine for short periods if batteries are deeply discharged. Monitor water levels and add distilled water as needed.

    A smart charger/maintainer is a MUCH better idea, particularly if you are looking for a device to keep batteries charged while in storage.