Battery Charging?

[dannyl]

Another dumb question!!
When using a battery charger to bring up the charge on the battery do I need to disconnect from the RV when charging?
How do others keep the batteries up when they are not plugged in?
Seems like if mine is parked for a month the battery is dead. I plug into the TV and use that power to extend the feet so that I can hook up.

[Glass Guy]

you can use your tow vehicle to charge the montana battery, just plug in to the connector and let your truck change the battery if the battery is in good condition it shoud charge in about 30 minutes. Roman

[Broome101]

The frig if you have the 12-volt switch for condensation on drains a battery in hurry, also LP gas detector and converter itself draws from your 12-volt system. If parked over long period unhooked to shore power these need to be switched off to avoid battery becoming dead.
Yes you can charger you battery while hooked up, not sure if you are referring to TV or shore power but in both cases you can do it.

[OntMont]

Unless you disconnect the battery, it will discharge in storage for the reasons stated above.

Since you asked how others maintain their batteries, here is my answer. My O5 came with an Iota brand converter. It has provision for adding a "smart charger" which will maintain the battery much better than the "dumb" charger. It adjusts the charging voltage to match the state of charge of the battery, and goes in to maintenance mode when the battery is charged. Look it up on the IOTA website if you have their converter. Otherwise I would have bought a stand alone smart charger and used it to maintain the battery. For long term storage I also have a BatteryMinder (from Camping World) that provides a small pulsed charge that helps break-up sulphate deposits in the battery. If using a charger other than the built-in one, it is probably better to switch off the converter if you can, or disconnect the battery.

Hope this helps, but remember, it just what I do, others may think differntly.


The standard issue charger built into trailer converters is not really a very good battery charger. There are much better chargers on the market.

[Montana_1929]

I have 2 12v batteries and installed a marine type (PERKO) switch. Very easy to install and allows me to select 1/2/both/off. When I store my 5er I just select off. When I pick it up, I turn it to both. Batteries are topped of during the drive via TV. When I dry camp I select #1 and when it shows signs of being low on charge I still have the 2nd battery avail and time to re-charge. So far all works great...Time will be the true test though...

NOTE*** CAUTION!!!You MUST remember to turn batteries on before towing!!! If the trailer should ever detach the elec emergency brake will not work without battery power!!!

Dave


Dave,Sherri,Danielle & Holly
2005 Mountaineer 318BHS
2003 Chevy Silverado Crew-Cab Duramax 4x4 SB