What I learned about maintaining batteries while boondocking
To charge with the onboard or use an external stand alone charger. Here's what I concluded during my week of boondocking. https://youtu.be/IgQTtnEXlU4
Forum Discussion
I like to think in "Steps"
Tough to beat a 60 amp charge rate. From whatever type of charger. But when a smart charger fails to work beyond a certain battery fill level then let a manual charger take over. Full charging does not have to be done every day. But it is so very easy to twist a timer dial then between television NASCAR laps glance at an ammeter or voltmeter. The difference in amperage between say 13.6 volts and 14.8 volts is astonishing. So is the extra gasoline generator money remaining in the wallet.
I like manual voltage regulated chargers. They do the work remaining after a smart charger says "I quit!" Most good solar systems will do the same however it's role reversal time: Let the smart charger run until its tongue hangs out then let the solar do the rest. Configuring an intelligent charging regimen is highly personal. What works perfectly for one person will probably prove woefully wrong for the next person.
Tough to beat a 60 amp charge rate. From whatever type of charger. But when a smart charger fails to work beyond a certain battery fill level then let a manual charger take over. Full charging does not have to be done every day. But it is so very easy to twist a timer dial then between television NASCAR laps glance at an ammeter or voltmeter. The difference in amperage between say 13.6 volts and 14.8 volts is astonishing. So is the extra gasoline generator money remaining in the wallet.
I like manual voltage regulated chargers. They do the work remaining after a smart charger says "I quit!" Most good solar systems will do the same however it's role reversal time: Let the smart charger run until its tongue hangs out then let the solar do the rest. Configuring an intelligent charging regimen is highly personal. What works perfectly for one person will probably prove woefully wrong for the next person.
