Simple electrical question about Batt. and charger

[jasoncase]

hey all,

quick question.

the electrical was all screwy when i got this 63 safari, so, i put a new batt. in but i'm a little lost with the wiring.

i've got 2 sets of red and white, heavy gauge batt cable back there, one set near the panel and one over by the rear side hatch.

i've hooked the new batt to the set at the side panel, everything seems to work but, my question is. with no inverter/converter or anything else back there. can i just plug a small batt. charger/maintainer in the the 120 outlets back there and leave it wired to the batt so, it constantly maintains it?

or will i risk shorting the system?

how did the original electrical charge the batt?


thanks
Jay
new guy with a 63 safari.

[mello mike]

Sure, but with it plugged in and charging the battery all the time, you risk boiling your battery dry. You'll need to constantly monitor your water levels to ensure this doesn't happen.

[jasoncase]

even if it's a maintainer boiling will be a prob?
also, does the trailer connection power anything aside from the exterior lighting?
this system is all new to me
thanks again
J

[FLYNCLD]

Ah Grasshopper...soon you will find that there is no simple questions, or simple answers here on the Forum! When you can snatch the rivet from my hand,,,then you will be ready!

[FLYNCLD]

PS-You have to be as old as I am to get that reference!

[Mexray]

Flyncld...you cracked me up.... I'm definitely old enough to get your reference...'Grasshopper'...and sadly, as we've learned recently, you don't want to tie those cords around your neck, too tight!

[mello mike]

Originally Posted by jasoncase

even if it's a maintainer boiling will be a prob?
also, does the trailer connection power anything aside from the exterior lighting?
this system is all new to me
thanks again
J

If it's a trickle charger or maintainer as you call it, you should be okay. Some of the best trickle charge units for batteries are the solar units. They're not very expensive and provide just enough charge to keep your battery maintained.

As for your trailer connection, it depends on how you're wired. Most trailers when hooked up with charge the battery, though not very effeciently.

[63air]

I installed a marine battery charger in my '63. Very small unit and I can leave it plugged in all the time if I want to ,as it is designed to both charge and maintain the battery without cooking it. Whenever I can I use marine electrical products in the trailer ,they are a lot better than the RV stuff.