Battery Charger

luckydc · 02-07-2006, 11:17 AM

I have to put my Bambi in off-site storage for a couple months. There will be no electricity available, so I will be putting the batteries in the basement on a trickle charge.

I have read posts in the past that high light the importance of putting the batteries on a board so that they don't sit on the concrete.

I am wondering if anyone can advise me as to what I am looking for in a charger. Specific model recommendations would really be appreciated! I am battery dumb, de-dumb, dumb. The Bambi has two batteries.

Also, is there anything else I should be thinking about for short-term, off-site storage? I have a boot for the Bambi, so it ain't going. It will be a fenced off area of a reputable campground.

Thank you!

crazylev · 02-07-2006, 12:12 PM

Hi Paul.

I have my two interstate batteries in the basement for the winter, or until we venture out again.

I bought a charger called a Battery-Minder. Here is their link:

http://www.vdcelectronics.com/batteryminder_12112.htm

I have both batteries in maintenance mode with this charger, and I think you can do up to four at a time. They cost about $50.00

This last fall I also bought a set of tire protector/covers for winter storage to protect from UV.

If you get the tire covers from Camping World, then this is exactly what you need: Camping World "Adco ULTRA TYRE GARD" NUMBER 3. These are the ones they sell for tire diameter of 27" to 29"

Harm coming from batterys on concrete is apparently a myth. This coming from interstate.

We keep the shades closed to minimize damage from sunlight exposure.

Best.

Jonathan

davidh · 02-07-2006, 12:13 PM

I would remove Batterys and and give each of them a slow charge untill both are fully charged and then store battery's untill just before you reinstall in trailer recheck charge if still fully charged reinstall if not recharge then reinstall. You can go to any auto parts store and buy a battery charger, get a small charger that has a setting switch from 2 amp to 30amp that is all you will need to maintane your batterys. allways remove charger after the battery is fully charged if you leave on battery you could boil out the acid or fire may result and never leave a charging battery unattended.

luckydc · 02-07-2006, 06:14 PM

Thank you, Jonathan! This is exactly what I needed to hear. I assume the thing is easy to hook-up. I usually have the Bambi plugged into the house, but will be moving soon so I have to store it briefly during the transition. Sure will miss not having right next to the house!

Thanks again!

overlander63 · 02-07-2006, 07:20 PM

A small trickle charger will be sufficient, maximum output maybe 2 amps. Also, the battery on a board is an old wive's tale. The only time you would need to do it is if the concrete floor is painted, to keep from damaging the painted floor.

steelbird312 · 02-07-2006, 07:30 PM

Paul,
A lot of advice, some good, some bad, however, I suggest you check a battery manufacturer website for real facts. It seems Jonathan has done some of that with his use of the battery minder. The battery maintainers are the best thing that EVER came on the scene, just a slight bit more expensive than a trickle charger, but oh, so much better. The board thing really is a myth. Fill to proper level, keep them CLEAN, out of freezing temps, and hook a maintainer to them using jumpers, sit back and watch Nascar!
The best thing, however, is to get in it and go!

davidz71 · 02-07-2006, 07:33 PM

I have both the 1 amp and 4 amp BatteryMinders. They both work great. I bought both through www.batterymart.com While my current trailer has an Intellipower converter with Charge Wizzard which really negates the use of the BatteryMinders, I like the units so much that I have been using them on my vehicles.

luckydc · 02-07-2006, 07:40 PM

Thanks all! I think the batteyminder is the ticket. Will I be able to hook-up both batteries with what comes with it or will I need to purchase additional hook-up wires thingies?

lewster · 02-07-2006, 08:35 PM

luckydc,

That is an 'Old Wives Tale' (sorry girls....). There is absolutely no truth that batteries act any differently when placed on a concrete floor!

Put them where you want....just be sure you use a quality 3 stage charger to maintain them and check the electrolyte level every 2 weeks.

crazylev · 02-07-2006, 08:45 PM

Paul.

To keep both batteries maintaining simultaniously, use the short jumper cables that are attached to your bats. one is a red cable and the other black, both about 8"long.

Also carefully pry off the caps to check the water level before charging, and if necessary add distilled water. Others know much more about this part than me.

If you are just storing batteries for a few weeks or month, maybe you don't have to do anything. Check the voltage of each battery after it has been "resting" for 8 hours or so. Mine after a "rest" read about 12.6 volts.

I think this is good, but there are experts waiting for me to to see how my foot tastes!

Cheers.

Jonathan

davidz71 · 02-07-2006, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luckydc

Thanks all! I think the batteyminder is the ticket. Will I be able to hook-up both batteries with what comes with it or will I need to purchase additional hook-up wires thingies?

If your 2 batteries are wired together already in your trailer, just hook up the ring terminals (on the connector provided with the kit) to one battery and the BatteryMinder charges both. I never had a single problem with my 2 Delco Voyager batteries this way. Both charged equally.