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 > Charging batteries in place

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Pea Eye

NW, Ga

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Posted: 11/07/09 08:40am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I have two Deep cell 12V batteries in my camper. One out side in front and one in the storage compartment. I have purchased a "Battery Tender plus". My question is, without plugging the camper in 115VAC, how could I run "Battery Tender Plus", to the House 115VAC? after hooking up to one of the batteries? Or.....Is it better to just plug the camper in 115VAC for the winter? Thanks.......


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youth4him

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Posted: 11/07/09 08:49am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I usually pull my batteries out for the winter and tend them in the garage.


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downtheroad

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Posted: 11/07/09 08:49am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I know you didn't ask and please ignore my post if you want to..but.

You said you have a battery in a "storage compartment". Be very careful, especially if this storage compartment is not fully vented to the outside and fully sealed access to the inside of your trailer.

Batteries "gas" when charging and this gassing can be very dangerous.


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jauguston

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Posted: 11/07/09 08:55am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

If your RV has a three stage smart converter that has a 13.2v maintainance mode leave it plugged in. If not use the Battery Tender with a extension cord to available power near it.

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Gale Hawkins

Murray, KY

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Posted: 11/07/09 08:58am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

In GA either way should be fine. You will not have gassing issues with a battery tender type of set up because the brand we have is only 3/4 amp max.

skipnchar

Topeka Kansas USA

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Posted: 11/07/09 09:04am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

If it were ME, Id get that battery out of the storage compartment if you use if for storage of anything. Metal items will corrode badly and cloth items will rott and it probably won't take long. Sulfuric acid is damaging to anything with which it comes into contact. If you feel you MUST keep a battery in the storage compartment it's a good application for the much more expensive AGM type battery.

Direct answer to your question depends on the details of your RV. If you have a maintenance mode on your converter/charger that will usually do an adequate job of charging and if NOT then a maintainer is one option for doing the job. Another option is to charge the batteries fully and just disconnect the negative lead and forget it. If the batteries are any good they'll hold a charge for at least several months once all drain is removed by disconnecting. IF they WON'T hold a charge that long they need to be replaced anyway. Good luck / skip

* This post was edited 11/07/09 09:46am by skipnchar *


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downtheroad

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Posted: 11/07/09 10:07am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Gale Hawkins wrote:

In GA either way should be fine. You will not have gassing issues with a battery tender type of set up because the brand we have is only 3/4 amp max.

Gale, I guess we are just going to disagree about this one.
I still strongly recommend against putting batts in a storage compartment not designed specifically for that purpose..

Read the warnings on the top of any and all automotive - deep cycle battery.

Pea Eye

NW, Ga

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Posted: 11/07/09 10:09am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Thank you Skip,,,I think that I have an AGM type, it looks like a six pack. Size group 34DC....Exide select,...Orbital O6 Deep Force. Sound like a AGM Type? Thanks Gary

Pea Eye

NW, Ga

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Posted: 11/07/09 10:13am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

"Downtheroad" I pulled the batteries out and put em on charge. Thanks for your insight. That's why I am a member of this forum. You people know good things. Thanks again....Gary

Gale Hawkins

Murray, KY

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Posted: 11/07/09 08:34pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

downtheroad wrote:

Gale Hawkins wrote:

In GA either way should be fine. You will not have gassing issues with a battery tender type of set up because the brand we have is only 3/4 amp max.

Gale, I guess we are just going to disagree about this one.
I still strongly recommend against putting batts in a storage compartment not designed specifically for that purpose..

Read the warnings on the top of any and all automotive - deep cycle battery.


Downtheroad one should operate in their comfort zone is my take. While it is not as dangerous as driving and talking on a cell phone there some risk.

I was not aware the OP just was carrying an extra unconnected battery in a store compartment. I was thinking it was connected and in use under normal use.

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