Charging batteries when at home

Submitted: Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at 17:46

ThreadID: 46081 Views:2434 Replies:9 FollowUps:8

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Darcy

I tried searching but didn't help.

How do vaners keep their batteries fully charged when vans are not in use for several months?

. Fully charge and then disconect?
. Use small solar trickle feed? I use this on my boat battery quiet successfully.
. Plug into power?

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Reply By: Member - Gaz@Gove (NT) - Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at 17:57

Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at 17:57

I use a 12w solar panel. Works well.

Mmmmmmmm, now where do we go next?

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AnswerID: 243543

Follow Up By: Ray Bates - Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at 18:21

Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at 18:21

So do I but I have been recomended to get one of those gismos that pulse the battery

FollowupID: 504468

Follow Up By: Derek from Affordable Batteries & Radiators - Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at 20:50

Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at 20:50

Hi Ray

The battery gismo 'Sulfarid' is a good idea. The ones we tested and now stock do a high frequency 15V pulse mode to break up the hardened crystals.

The two pictures are (1) New battery plates (2) 6 moths old battery without a Sulfarid

Regards

Derek.

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Follow Up By: Mainey (WA) - Thursday, May 31, 2007 at 11:05

Thursday, May 31, 2007 at 11:05

Ray,
Leave the Solar connected and use the new Megapulse series (II) or is it now (III) ??

Link-> www.megapulse.net/FAB/index.htm

Connect the cables to the (+) & (-) terminals on your batteries, the later model (III) ?? are suitable for multiple batteries wired in parallel, whereby the earlier models were not!
They are a connect and forget item requiring no maintenance whatsoever and can be used on the vehicle Start battery or in a stationary battery situation as you have.

(or check out Derek's unit)

FollowupID: 504594

Reply By: Grungle - Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at 17:59

Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at 17:59

Smart charger that goes to float when fully charged. Connect to 240V and forget. You will find that probably most forumites will have this.

Regards
David

AnswerID: 243545

Follow Up By: Trevor R (QLD) - Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at 18:28

Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at 18:28

Yep I agree with David on this one.

Regards,
Trevor.

FollowupID: 504471

Reply By: ZukscooterX90 (Qld) - Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at 19:11

Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at 19:11

Solar panels keep ours charged when not travelling in our motorhome,don't forget to check the water level every now & then.
Cheers Bob.

AnswerID: 243561

Reply By: jomah - Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at 19:26

Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at 19:26

Allowing the battery to discharge below 10 volts could damage the battery or at the least shorten their life. It is recommended by battery manufacturers to plug the caravan into normal household 240 volt system every 4 to 6 weeks for 24 hours to keep the charge up in the safe zone. Remember to switch the isolator switch off when not being used but turn on when charging. Most modern caravans have an isolator switch on their battert circuit to prevent leakage. Have a look around the van somewhere in the vicinity of the batteries and you should find a switch marked "battery switch. This has to be on to allow you to use the batteries but turned off when the van is in storage. Hope this helps.

AnswerID: 243563

Reply By: Cobes - Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at 19:48

Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at 19:48

Hi there,
We use solar panels when away and when we come home we use a ctek charger.
I have often wondered if we should just use one 60 watt panel while at home.
I would be interested to hear of any pros and cons. My ctek charger is the 7 amp model, Batteries are 180 amps combined deep cycle, and I use a pl20.
May possibly consider selling the ctek if most think that the pl20 would be fine.

Cheers
Chris.

AnswerID: 243570

Follow Up By: Mike Harding - Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at 20:16

Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at 20:16

I'm curious: how much did your ctek charger cost?

FollowupID: 504488

Follow Up By: Muddy doe (SA) - Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at 20:46

Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at 20:46

399 for 15A model at Adelaide 4WD show on special down from 529 I think

FollowupID: 504495

Follow Up By: Axel [ the real one ] - Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at 21:14

Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at 21:14

Mike ,ours cost $253 as a show special , ctek 7000.

FollowupID: 504501

Reply By: Robin Miller - Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at 20:43

Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at 20:43

Easiest way here Darcy , correct voltage little plug pack designed for the job , under $20.

Robin Miller

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AnswerID: 243594

Reply By: Muzzgit [WA] - Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at 23:12

Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at 23:12

I leave the Jayco plugged in when it's packed away in the garage and flick the switch most Sat mornings and flick it off again when doing the rounds and locking everything up sun evening.

AnswerID: 243647

Reply By: Gronk - Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at 23:57

Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at 23:57

Have AGM's in the CT, and after coming home from camping, charge them up with an Absorbed Power 10A charger ( approx 24hrs) , then leave them until I go camping again !! Simple !!!

But with "wet" batts, a small maintenance charger is the go, plug in and leave it !!

AnswerID: 243651