Battery Charger vs minder or tender

[judivan]

So I have a new 5er (our 1st rv) and have it in storage, I have taken the 2 batteries out and have them at home. Each battery has a tag on it that reads 24DC 85AH 125RC While I have them out of the trailer I want to keep them charged and ready to go when needed. I have read so much stuff on this issue that I am really confused! These batteries are maintenance free, and I don't want to damage them (We all know it's not cheap to replace them) to the point of ruining them. All I want to do is maintain their charge. Please help me decide what is best for the batteries lives. Thanks for any advice

[ScottBrownstein]

Your RV should have come with a "converter" that will supply the 12 volt loads from your unit as well as charge the batteries...with care. Most come with Progressive Dynamics or WFCO units. The WFCO is either built into your power panel or if separate, looks like this Wfco Converter - Deck Mount 45 Amp-pplmotorhomes.com

The Progressive Dynamics looks something like this: Inteli-Power 9200 45amp Converter/Charger-pplmotorhomes.com

If the unit is built into your power panel you can't see it since it is in a metal box on the back of the panel. I would look in the compartment that the power cord comes into first.

Either one of these units will safely keep your batteries up to charge when you are plugged into shore power. They both have multiple modes that prevent overcharging and maintain the batteries.

[GreenImp]

As posted above, most (all?) modern RV's come with a built in battery charger that is considered a "smart charger". These chargers will adjust their output to properly maintain the batteries for long term storage.

If you do not have power where your trailer is stored, then removing the batteries and keeping them on a "minder" or "tender" is a good idea. The "Battery Tender" by Deltran is probably the most popular brand. Chargers

[davel1971]

the post clearly states the batteries are out of the 5th wheel and at home, so how they are charged in the 5th wheel is irrelevant.

Yes, a Battery Tender would be a good idea. They provide a very low amp charge to maintain, yet won't over charge. You could just switch from one battery to another once a week or so, or hook them together as they are in 5th wheel. Would only need small gauge wire, since charging at a very low rate.

[boondocking]

Another alternative is buy a smart charger and once a month put it on the batteries for 24 hours.

[GreenImp]

Originally Posted by davel1971

the post clearly states the batteries are out of the 5th wheel and at home, so how they are charged in the 5th wheel is irrelevant.

Agreed...to an extent. I left that point alone as I felt the author of the first response was clearly trying to help and that it would have been rude and unnecessary to point out their evident oversight. On top of that, the OP may very well find the information useful as just because they pulled the batteries this time doesn't mean they don't have power available for future use. There is not enough information in their post to determine this.

The supporting information about battery tenders is appreciated.

[fonzie]

This would be a good battery charger/tender/maintainer to use......

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...d_i=B000O707IO

[rockfordroo]

I use this one:

BatteryMINDer Charger/Maintainer/Desulfater — 12V, Model# 2012 | Battery Chargers| Northern Tool + Equipment

[judivan]

I want to Thank everyone that has replied to my thread "Battery Charger vs minder or tender". My Batteries are currently out of my unit so I have them on my work bench in the garage. I can hook them up as if they are in the unit and hook up a BatteryMINDer Charger/Maintainer/Desulfater — 12V, Model# 2012 | Battery Chargers| Northern Tool + Equipment which is suggested by rockfordroo. You all have had great recommendations and I appreciate you and this forum.

[boondocking]

IMO if you are going to spend $80-$90 on a 2 amp battery maintainer to use at home through the winter. Why not spend another $30-$40 and buy a 20-30 amp battery charger with engine start. Way more versatile.
A battery maintainer is a good option if your RV is in storage with access to power over the winter.

[davel1971]

Originally Posted by boondocking

IMO if you are going to spend $80-$90 on a 2 amp battery maintainer to use at home through the winter. Why not spend another $30-$40 and buy a 20-30 amp battery charger with engine start. Way more versatile.
A battery maintainer is a good option if your RV is in storage with access to power over the winter.

2 amp battery tenders are no where near $80-90. $23.30 for a Battery Tender from Amazon. Leaving the batteries on a charger is more likely to cause damage. A 2 amp maintainer will never hurt them.

[boondocking]

@ davel1971

2 amp Battery Tender $80 - check the link below.

Originally Posted by rockfordroo

I use this one:

BatteryMINDer Charger/Maintainer/Desulfater — 12V, Model# 2012 | Battery Chargers| Northern Tool + Equipment

Didn't say to leave it on all the time.

Originally Posted by boondocking

Another alternative is buy a smart charger and once a month put it on the batteries for 24 hours.

[rockfordroo]

I swap my BatteryMINDer between my trailer battery and my tractor battery every few weeks over the winter.

[judivan]

Again, Thanks to you all... I didn't want to start any arguments or hate and discontent.
I take all suggestions into consideration. I will hopefully be able to make an intelligent and informed decision with your help and input...

[CA62Mini]

I use the Optima Digital 400. Works on all 12v batteries. Standard, deep cycle, and fiberglass mat. Computer control conditions batteries, and won't overcharge.

http://www.amazon.com/Optima-Digital...ma+digital+400

[Harkerr]

A good check on any of the tender minders is to check the voltage at the batteries after they have been on charge for a day. Voltage should not be above about 13.5 volts for long term charge. Some cheap units I have found charge over 14 volts and this can cause battery problems. A digital voltmeter is needed to see what is happening with batteries

[opie]

Originally Posted by rockfordroo

I use this one:

BatteryMINDer Charger/Maintainer/Desulfater — 12V, Model# 2012 | Battery Chargers| Northern Tool + Equipment

I have one of these I use to keep my dump trailer battery topped up.

Works well.

[camaraderie]

After putting a FULL charge on your DUAL PURPOSE GROUP 24 75 amp hour sealed wet cells...you may simply DISCONNECT the negative wire in place in either the coach or the workbench and you will lose about 10% of your charge EACH MONTH at room temperature...15-20% in summer heat in the coach. Much less than 10% in the winter.
This means you can leave the batteries disconnected and uncharging...safest.... for at least 90 days without affecting your battery life cycles AND the subsequent bulk charge mode will be better for desulfation than a continuous 1 or 2 amp maintenance charge.
Alternative to physically removing the black wire...you can pop on a $7 battery terminal disconnect switch to make it easier.

[Skyliner]

I'm too lazy to pull my batteries. I bought a cheap 2 stroke $89 generator from Harbor Freight and use an extension cord with 2 male plugs on it and plug it into an external socket (yes, I know it can be dangerous). I leave the generator under the camper and come out once a month, start it, do errands, and come back 6-8 hours later to disconnect the battery. This also forces me to check the camper for any leaks that may have occurred during the winter and check for any intrusion by mice or homeless folk-don't laugh but homeless people squatting in campers in storage is becoming a growing problem.

Your way is probably best.

[Joseph Carozzoni]

Originally Posted by rockfordroo

I use this one:

BatteryMINDer Charger/Maintainer/Desulfater — 12V, Model# 2012 | Battery Chargers| Northern Tool + Equipment

+1 On BatteryMinder 2012 for multiple batteries.

Note that Amazon has it a few bucks cheaper. And it you're Amazon Prime you get free 2 day S&H. And with the new Amazon Store Card, you get 5% back. We're somewhat out in the woods and it's cheaper for us to let UPS do most the driving.