Battery Charging with Generator

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by Edutater

I also have an older Vector charger that has an optional 6 amp output, but it only has one set of charging leads.

Your batteries are already in parallel, yes? So one set of charging leads is all you need. Put the positive on the + of battery 1 and the negative on the - of battery 2. The electrons flow through both, and it's the preferred way.

[Bill M.]

I read the link posted on charging with the Anderson connectors. What they said is that you need a 12 volt to 12 volt converter mounted in the trailer and the Anderson wiring to it.

I think the Airstream mechanic who did not push the solar is giving good advise in general. Each to his own. I sort of admire him for his opinion.

[Leilanisteve]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

Your batteries are already in parallel, yes? So one set of charging leads is all you need. Put the positive on the + of battery 1 and the negative on the - of battery 2. The electrons flow through both, and it's the preferred way.

Thanks. That’s exactly what I wanted to hear. Now I plan to leave my battery charger connected like this at storage this summer maybe with a timer connected to it. That will beat running up to connect the power cord intermittently. I should have done that all winter in my garage vs alternating the cables regularly.
I would like a solar suitcase for the road though.

[Tres pinos]

What is TV mean?

[Woosch]

We connect our 2000w generator to the 30 amp to charge. A big leap with charging after I installed the PD4655 converter. For a five night dry camping stay I charge an hour in the morning ( Lisa gets a chance to use the microwave) and an hour in the evening on days two three and four. We run the fans (MaxxFans) at low at least part of the day, fridge, and an overhead light. We also may watch an hour of TV or a movie as well.
We will be testing the waters with a portable solar system next month on a five night dry camp.

[Bill M.]

TV means Tow Vehicle.

[CanyonMan]

I boondock up to 11 days at a a time and use the generator to charge the 2 12v batteries. I still have the WFCO converter. I run the gen about 4 hours per day, most times with the air on as well, and I have never run out of 12v power. While the gen is heavy I didn't have to build anything, I just bought it and use it. And, since it is a Champion 3100W inverter unit it is quiet. Just replaced my 3.5 year old batteries, which seems to be the expected life for flooded cells, and expect at least as well from the new ones.
CanyonMan

[Mc2]

When using the Champion generator are you using a surge protector? I’m going to try boondocking for the first time and normally use a Progressive Industries at the pole. Was going to use 30amp to 50 dog bone and wasn’t sure if the surge protector should be in there too. Also do you have the generator running before plugging in. Thanks for any help.

[Bill M.]

I do not use the surge protector with the generator. I start the gen and then plug in the trailer.

[Mc2]

Thanks for your help!

[AirMiles]

While using my generator, I use this ground fault surge protector item number 74402 from camping world https://www.campingworld.com/30-amp-...surge&start=13
When on shore power, I use a Camco Power Defender https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories.../CAM55301.html

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

^
X2

We only have 120w but portable can stay in the S🌞N longer which is a nice plus. 👍

Bob
🇺🇸

Up-date...the 120w worked so well, we upped to two 180's this Season.
Ten daze...the Honda slept.
Bob
🇺🇸

[Ray Eklund]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

Up-date...the 120w worked so well, we upped to two 180's this Season.
Ten daze...the Honda slept.
Bob
����

*****
My Honda operated flawlessly. Under $900.

My 120 watt Solar Panel operated flawlessly. $120.

Sold the Honda. The loss would have purchased 2.5 Solar Panels.

We do not use Air Conditioning, nor Television when Off the Grid. The Honda would have to run for hours, when the Solar Panel was passive, no noise, no fuel costs. Bob doubled up. Double the Pleasure.

If you Boon Dock to get away from it all... do it. Never regretted selling the Honda, tossed in the gas container at no charge.

If you need daily showers. Air conditioning. Television. Light the trailer up like a Casino... you need a Generator.

If you really Boon Dock... Solar is the answer (although it is Sunny more often in the High Country than the coasts). Otherwise, this is more Glamping on the road at RV Parks.

Sold the Airstream. Pulled out the Tent. Happy, happy... happy. Sometimes being simple is the choice of the few. A flashlight works great. Showers? Only if a river is handy...