Charging 6V Batts with Generator

[Hoppypoppy]

Our rig operates on 2 6v batts wired in series. Using an adapter, I plug our shore power into my Honda 2000 to charge the batts while boon docking. Am I risking overcharging? Should I have a conventional charger between the trlr and the generator? (the 2 batts I now have are both bulging on top. My research tells me this is likely from overcharging. We have used only the tow vehicle, shore power and the gen to charge them. Any help appreciated)

[wa8yxm]

Also, there is a device called a "Power Maximizer" adapter which you can find at many Generator stores (And RV stores) it is like these six outlet adapters that plug in over the faceplate of a standard DUPLEX.. only instead of six 15 amp outlets it has a TT-30 on it's face.

Use that on your Honda, get the full Power (1760 watts I think) watts out of it.

[pianotuna]

Hi,

If the tops of the batteries are bulging they are nearing failure. How old are they?

I'd replace them at my earliest possible convenience.

[Slownsy]

A 6 amp charger will newer get his batteries charged op, he's trailer should have a 40 amp or so hopefully 3 stage charger, so as stated plug cord directly in to generator.

[wintersun]

The generator produces current for immediate consumption like an AC or micowave or fridge. It is not smart enough to do 2 or 3 stage battery charging. For that you need a battery charger. How big a charger depends upon the capacity of your battery bank. For two 6v batteries a small 6 amp charger should be enough and these are inexpensive and small. The Schumacher 6/2 amp smart charger sells for $24. It is smart enough to shut itself off when the battery reaches 100% charge and works with 6 or 12 volt batteries.

[Hoppypoppy]

Thanks ya'll. We are starting to get the hang of it all.

[Artum_Snowbird]

Yes indeed... convert your 50 A or 30A to a 15 amp household plug and plug into your Honda. You will get enough power to run everything except your A/C from a couple of hours daily running and charging your batteries. Enjoy camping without your generator running as much as you can. Put your fridge on auto, and it will use the A/C from the Honda when it can, and will run on propane when the Honda isn't running.

[wa8yxm]

You said: You have 2 six volt batteries in series.

I saw: You have one big 12 volt battery

Simply ignore the jumper that connects the two of them DO NOT connect anything to that wire or to the terminals on the ends of it. Use the most negative (That runs off to chassis ground) and the most positive (That runs off to who knows where (your fuse block) and you are looking at a 12 volt battery.

Treat them as though they were one 12 volt battery for all purposes save removal and replacement, You can do that half a battery at a time.

Now, that 12 volt battery charge outlet on your honda.. FORGET IT. it's junk you are much better off feeding say a Progressive Dynamics 9260 with the 120 volt outlet on that honda. Faster and better charging. Or the converter in your trailer if it's a good 3-stage. (Such as the one I named) note there are MANY just as good.

[S_Sullivan]

bikendan wrote:
without knowing year/make/model or what type of RV you're talking about, it's not easy to say.
because older RV's had single stage converters and would overcharge the batteries.
but since you don't any info pertaining to your RV or the brand/model of converter, it's a big unknown.

DH posted the question. He had to leave for a while. I will give the info needed.

2002 Cardinal 29WBLX 5th wheel

Thanks in advance for your input!

[bikendan]

without knowing year/make/model or what type of RV you're talking about, it's not easy to say.
because older RV's had single stage converters and would overcharge the batteries.
but since you don't any info pertaining to your RV or the brand/model of converter, it's a big unknown.