Solar Charger or Disco in storage??

[wowens79]

Just bought the camper, and currently I have the batteries disconnected since it is at a storage place.

I was planning to install a disconnect to keep the batteries from draining, but I started thinking about a solar charger to keep them topped off.

Any thoughts on which is better, and if solar what is a good solar charger that won't cook the batteries.

Thanks!!

[Sam_Spade]

YOu just need a higher capacity charger.
Assuming a little loss, 5 watts at 12 volts probably produces only about .3 amps; barely enough for a small bike battery that is fully charged and totally healthy.

[Fireballsocal]

I use a battery tender brand 5 watt solar charger on a motorcycle battery. I have been running it for about a year now and am pretty happy with the results. I would like to pick up a similar setup for my TT though not sure if there is a solution for dual batteries or if I need 2 solar tenders.

[Sam_Spade]

rbpru wrote:

I sits for months in the mud room in the winter.

And I repeat:
Even though you might be getting away with that, if it is not an AGM battery you are making a severe dent in it's life span by doing that.
Your choice though.

[westend]

rbpru wrote:
I charge and disconnect my battery so I do not have to worry about water level.

I sits for months in the mud room in the winter.

I have some batteries I treat like this, as well. I do manage to get a charge in them during the Winter. It is not the best for battery longevity. Like S Spade, advises, keeping a nearly full charge will lengthen battery life.

[rbpru]

I charge and disconnect my battery so I do not have to worry about water level.

I sits for months in the mud room in the winter.

[Sam_Spade]

wowens79 wrote:
I don't have access to power at the storage location.

OK so it's a matter of personal preference then whether you take them out or visit once a month to charge or get solar.

If you have easy access to the sun, something on the order of a 25 watt panel with an appropriate controller should be plenty. Don't go too cheap.

They NEED a charge about every 30 days at least by some means.
If AGM you can extend that to maybe 90.

[azrving]

wowens79 wrote:
I don't have access to power at the storage location. It is 2 grp 24 batteries. I always camp where I have power, so I was thinking is solar just for tending the batteries.

I think they probably need some type of tender to keep from over charging. Any more suggestions for a tender?

A solar charge controller will keep them from over charging. Will you be able to keep an eye on the water level maybe every month or so?

[wowens79]

I don't have access to power at the storage location. It is 2 grp 24 batteries. I always camp where I have power, so I was thinking is solar just for tending the batteries.

I think they probably need some type of tender to keep from over charging. Any more suggestions for a tender?

[pira114]

I do not have power at my storage. And I find it worth it to bring the batteries home to be on the tender.

[Sam_Spade]

pira114 wrote:
I do not like just leaving a battery disconnected

And with good reason.

Batteries need to be kept as near as possible to fully charged for longest life. Just sitting there, they will "self discharge" even when disconnected and will be down significantly after about 4 to 6 weeks.....unless they AGM type.

No real need to invest in solar unless your storage location does not have access to commercial power. A little $25 automatic battery tender charger will do just fine.

[azrving]

I have left batteries disconnected for 6 months out of necessity but it's best to keep them tended. If you do solar it may be a good time to look at your whole energy use picture and how you plan to camp.

[pira114]

I think solar is great for helping keep batteries charged while camping. I think a battery tender is much better at keeping them in good shape when not in use. I do not like just leaving a battery disconnected

[time2roll]

Solar is way better

60 watt panel $50

Morningstar Controller 6 amp $42

[SoundGuy]

wowens79 wrote:
Just bought the camper ...

What camper? :h