Best/quickest way to recharge batteries?

[OB Bambi]

When dry camping, if we need to recharge our batteries, we have a Honda EU2000i. It has a DC charger cord that plugs into the control panel and has two clips that attach to + - (red/black) on the batteries. It says to run the Honda without the eco-throttle when charging batteries.

Would it be better to recharge them with the DC cord directly to the batteries or would it be better to plug the 30 amp 120v. power cord from the AS into the 120v outlet on the Honda and let it run in eco-throttle?

Thanks, Randy

[rangebowdrie]

Have just last weekend installed a batt bank/inverter/charger/eu 3000 system at a mountain cabin. The eu 3000 would directly charge the batts at 12 amps. Using the Xantrex inverter/charger, from the 120v outlet, can charge up to 100 amps.

Your system is different, but using 120v., to run the batt charger is much faster then the small 12v, direct output.

[tpi]

If your trailer is equipped with the same Parallax 7355 converter that mine uses I vote neither of your choices are very fast. My converter is at the rear of the trailer with a long wiring run which makes it even slower.

What I do is use a portable automotive 40 amp Xantrex 3 stage charger when I need a fast charge. Another option is a built in 3 stage converter-charger. Both can be powered by the generator.

[jglabrown]

tpi: Do you leave the batteries connected to the trailer when you charge or do you disconnect and then charge? Is it better to charge one battery at a time or can both be charged together? I've always used the converter, but I like your idea.

[ROBERT CROSS]

This is my solution to the battery charging dilemma, XADC 60A Converter/Charger (Corded), the OEM Parallax just wasn't doing the job.
Plug into the Honda and let the converter do it's job.

The direct connection on the Honda works well for charging the TV battery,(not a deep cell).

I don't see a need to charge them seperately, after all the converter is wired to charge them together, you just need a good unit.

[purman]

The quickest why is to buy a new battery

I'm in the boat of just plugging a battery charger into the gen and charging them that way.

[tpi]

I leave them connected and charge both batteries at a time. It is best to charge both together, they will draw more current from the charger. I do trust the charger won't exceed 14.4 volts and I leave them connected, but if you want to be super cautious hit the disconnect switch before charging them.

[TBRich]

We have the OEM Parallax Converter (for now)... So...given that, am I understanding this correctly that the best way to recharge/top off dual sealed batteries with a generator is to use the 30 amp connection with the generator and charge through the converter? (The converter is located just forward of the axle in the 19' Bambi.) Or is it best to go directly to the battery with the DC connectors...(and if so should the batteries be disconnected by the disconnect swith...or is it OK to leave the batteries connected?) Thanks...

[garry]

What I would do is use a standalone battery charger plugged into the 120VAC Honda this would be the fastest way to charge.

There is no need to disconnect the batteries.

The 12VDC from the Honda will take a long time to charge the batteries as will the Parallax.

Garry

[TBRich]

Thanks, Garry...not having a stand-alone battery charger then leaves us with 2 slower options. Our batteries never get really low because we have solar, but if we are out long enough dry camping they do need a little help from time to time depending on weather/sun/use factors.

[3 Dog Nite]

I have to agree with tpi. I was at a rally where only water was available. Some fellow AS's hooked up a regular bettery charger up to their generator. It was much faster than using the builtin converter/charger. Having a MH, I just ran the engine for a while & let the alternator do it's thing.

Ricky

[azflycaster]

My InteliPower 9245 will shift into boost mode if the battery is low. Boost mode will charge the battery at a higher rate. You can also manually shift the converter into boost mode. Like everything else, more is not always better and you can damage a battery if you over charge it.