Batteries

[TTNewbees]

A week ago on our way home from camping I dropped off the camper at storage. Went to go check on it. Batteries dead. What are the possibilities for a dead battery after sitting 1 week? This is what I know for sure was physically turned off:
Hot water heater
Fridge
Water pump

I have a keyless entry, but don't know how to turn that off.

[onetonford]

There are several things propane detector, CO detector, Sound system. ETC. all can drain battery you need a battery cutout switch or just remove the cable from post. The keyless entry has a battry in the unit itself if I remember right.

[M109Rrider]

Yep, go to your favorite auto parts store and pick up a disconnect. Mounted mine to the front of the battery box. It even has a removable red plastic key so it can't be accidentally turned on by the curious kid. Still don't know why they aren't an industry standard......

[KyDan]

Check out http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ead-16392.html
in our new FAQ section.

[hoovercab]

We found that the gas detector is what kills our battery. We pull the fuse in the winter as there is no gas on and no need to run it.

[TTNewbees]

Does anyone have a recommendation of what amp is best to recharge these batteries? Before my on board charger on my boat I had a charger that had 3 or 6 amp charging selector. Time to get a new one and want to buy the right one.

[KyDan]

Your question is sort of like the old threads
what is your favorite--
oil
tire brand
sports team
beer
pizza
camp ground
etc???
You will get lots of opinions.

You don't mention what kind or number of batteries you have.
1 or 2 12v?
2 deep cycle 6 volt?

There are plenty of chargers out there that have 2 or 3 ranges.
Just get one that's fully automatic--ie it will automatically charge
and then go into "float charge mode" and finally shut off altogether.
I have a 2/10/25 amp charger like this one--
Amazon.com: Black & Decker VEC1095ABD Smart Battery 25/10/2 Amp Battery Charger: Automotive

This is a high frequency charger that's transformer-less. This means it's
quite a bit lighter than the old fashioned chargers. It might also be less
resilient but I've had good luck with mine. Some of the online ratings
are good and some are bad for this charger so I'm only recommending it
with some reservation.

For keeping them charged while in storage I firmly recommend a
battery tender.
These guys have the absolute lowest online price and free shipping.
Battery Tender SUPER SMART BATTERY TENDER JR. from Derby Cycles
and they're just down the road from me.

[TTNewbees]

http://www.electricgeneratorsdirect....FXSFQAodjRwV3A

Thanks all, just realized I had an optimate, which I purchased with my atv.