Using external charger?

[FCStreamer]

I was wondering - would I be able to use an external charger like one of these

https://no.co/products/charging/multipurpose

To keep my batteries charged?

My use case - my trailer is "stored" in an RV park and is plugged in 24x7. I don't do many trips. I use it every weekend though. So I keep the Use/Store button in the Store position during the week, and set it to Use on weekends.

I'm thinking I can leave that button in Store position permanently and connect an external charger. I'm not sure if I have to disconnect the batteries from the trailer before I do this. Do I?

Please don't go down the "upgrade the OEM converter/charger" path. It's a long story, so let's just say that's not an option right now.

I'm curious if I can just clamp on an external charger to the batteries as they are or do I need to disconnect them from the trailer first. Any guidance will be appreciated.

[Mattirs]

Go ahead and use an external charger, I have had no problems with mine. Mine is a Batteryminder 1.5 amp that does a great job of keeping the batteries topped off. If heavy charging is needed use shore power for a few hours then let the charger top them off and maintain them.

[FCStreamer]

Do you leave your batteries connected to the trailer while using your battery minder?

[alano]

This charger should be fine.

Simply connect the external charger directly to the battery terminals. You won't do any harm if the use/store switch happens to be in the "use" position, but your batteries will be better served if you double check and make sure you've selected the "store" position.

[Mattirs]

Originally Posted by FCStreamer

Do you leave your batteries connected to the trailer while using your battery minder?

Yes I do. Actually installed a ring connection with a quick connect to the battery.

This way I can disconnect/ comnect swiftly as needed

[jdalrymple]

The store/use switch disconnects the batteries from the trailer except for the propane detector and the tongue jack.

The detector is the problem. It runs the batteries down in just a bit.

Turn switch to store, this will prevent the stock convertor from overcharging and use an automatic automotive charger. No need to remove the main battery cables.



Regards,

JD

[Wayne&Sam]

That's what I do too. I leave the trailer unplugged and also installed a quick connect directly to the batteries.

[FCStreamer]

That sounds great! Now, for the charger, I've read many good things about BatteryMinder, but I'm partial to Noco products. I own a couple of their jump starters. I'm thinking this one is the correct one

https://no.co/g3500

Says $80 msrp but it can be bought for around $60. Cheaper is good. They also sell all sorts of quick connect and extension cables.

This one seems better

https://no.co/g7200

With higher amps but costs more (around $100) and seems overkill.

For my specific use case, I'm leaning towards the 3500. Thoughts?

[jdalrymple]

No need for a high amp charger.

IF the requirement is to simply prevent the batteries from draining during storage, one only needs to provide slightly more amperage than the propane detector draws.

An amp or two will be plenty.



Regards,

JD

[uncle_bob]

Hi

You want to avoid the high current "jump start" and "fast charger" models (at least some brands of them) for this kind of thing. Some of them do wacky things when left on full time. Anything that is designed as a "maintainer" sort of device should be adequate.

Bob

[Lara Me]

I use the Battery Minder that has a 2, 4, and 8 amp setting, desulfation mode, and supports 2 batteries of the same spec.

[dmbecke]

I'm going to use the same over the winter. Does anyone see a need to pull the batteries to inside the house?
That would difficult for me since I barely got these two group 31's wedges in the box and had to modify the lip of the battery box to accomplish this

[Wayne&Sam]

Originally Posted by Lara Me

I use the Battery Minder that has a 2, 4, and 8 amp setting, desulfation mode, and supports 2 batteries of the same spec.

Me too.

[Mattirs]

It all comes down to how fast do you want to recharge the batteries, and then how does the charger maintain the batteries after they are charged. More amps means a faster recharge, but is there a need for a fast charge while the trailer setting at home?

Then once the batteries are charged will the charger groom and maintain them properly. Both brands according to specs do so.
There is a website (Northwestbatteryschool?) that is very educational. It will help you decide. Knowledge is power.
(hard to type on ones phone while riding the bus)
Matti

[FCStreamer]

I pulled the trigger on a Noco G3500. Power is out at the RV park, but I was also able to score a Champion 3500 dual fuel inverter generator. So I'm headed there tomorrow to break in the new generator, install the two new batteries, and install the Noco charger.

Is there a way to disable to Use/Store button? Like a fuse I can pull or something? I'd hate for someone to hit that button by mistake and cause issues with my external charger.

[alano]

Connecting the converter to your batteries won't harm your external charger.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

Ok, if you want to do the ideal thing, there is a way to set it up. Do you want to spend more money on that sort of setup than the batteries are worth? Assuming that getting 10 or 20% more life out of the batteries isn't worth the cost of a new set, just put the battery minder on them and move on. If you are doing this on an industrial scale with a few thousand batteries, then indeed ... that's different.

Bob

[Wanna EB]

I use an external charger and put the camper in store mode. it works great. I have been using Battery Tender brand for several years now and have been very pleased. I leave the batteries in and connected all winter long (Michigan) and they perform very well all year long. I use the two bank model for the AS.

[FCStreamer]

Originally Posted by alano

Connecting the converter to your batteries won't harm your external charger.

Would it cook the batteries though?

[rmkrum]

If there is no shore power to the AS, it's no issue.