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06-17-2014, 07:17 AM
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#1
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Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Posts: 64
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Battery charger or AC plugin
I was wondering the opinion on keeping my battery topped up in the driveway. I have been using a Schumacher battery charger set on 2 amps and Maintenance Free Deep Cycle settings. An associate mentioned he just leaves his plugged in to the AC. I would like to just use the AC, but have read that the inverter can cook off the electrolyte. I'm guessing the dedicated battery charger would compensate for that? I should mention I also have a battery disconnect switch.
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99 4runner
T12BH Aframe
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06-17-2014, 07:25 AM
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#2
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Site Team - Lou
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: South Eastern PA
Posts: 23,269
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What year is your camper?
New converters are 3 stage and their "FLOAT" is much less than 2 amps continuous (zero until the battery gets discharged to 80% remaining).
If you have an older (2 stage) converter, I would consider replacing it with a newer 3 stage one.
I keep my 2010 with WFCO 8900 plugged in 24/7/365 and use almost no water at all.
FYI - It is a converter (AC to DC) and not an "inverter" (DC to AC).
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Lou & Freya the wonder dog
2008 GMC Sierra 3000HD Allison Duramax
2019 Flagstaff 8529FL
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06-17-2014, 07:35 AM
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#3
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Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Posts: 64
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Herk7769
What year is your camper?
New converters are 3 stage and their "FLOAT" is much less than 2 amps continuous (zero until the battery gets discharged to 80% remaining).
If you have an older (2 stage) converter, I would consider replacing it with a newer 3 stage one.
I keep my 2010 with WFCO 8900 plugged in 24/7/365 and use almost no water at all.
FYI - It is a converter (AC to DC) and not an "inverter" (DC to AC).
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2012 or 2013, is it the newer converter?
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99 4runner
T12BH Aframe
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06-17-2014, 07:47 AM
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#4
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Phat Phrog Stunt Team
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Iowa
Posts: 34,507
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 68Triumph
2012 or 2013, is it the newer converter?
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You have a three stage charger being that new.
TURBS
"Sabre owners united"
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06-17-2014, 08:06 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,748
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Quote:
Originally Posted by f1100turbo
You have a three stage charger being that new.
TURBS
"Sabre owners united"
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Lets say you camp 20 days a year, and you "get ready" for camping another 10 days (plug in to cool fridge top off batts, etc.). That leaves you with 11 months of non use. I'd use a battery charger in the months you most likely arn't camping so as to not use up the converter, over the life of the unit. Just a thought.
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06-17-2014, 08:20 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 1,770
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Keeping the camper plugged in will use a bit more electricity from parasitic uses like the microwave. OTOH, if you go in and out of the camper occasionally (I've been known to quietly contemplate new mods (nap) in mine when the house is overrun with teenagers) and want to have power available, it is your call. I leave mine plugged in and have not had problems with losing battery water.
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Tom
2012 Rockwood A122S
2008 Toyota Tundra Double Cab 4X4
Former owner of a 2002 Coleman Niagara GTE
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06-17-2014, 08:35 AM
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#7
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Site Team - Lou
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: South Eastern PA
Posts: 23,269
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Still Kickin
Lets say you camp 20 days a year, and you "get ready" for camping another 10 days (plug in to cool fridge top off batts, etc.). That leaves you with 11 months of non use. I'd use a battery charger in the months you most likely arn't camping so as to not use up the converter, over the life of the unit. Just a thought.
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Not sure I understand your statement "use up the converter." Typically electronics last longer when used continuously. The power shock of turning something on and off is worse on electronics than continually running them. (this is why modern televisions are "instant on") 99% of the electronics run continuously.)
Using a battery charger when you think it needs charging will result in more stress on the battery (due to perhaps recharging when less than 80% capacity) than using the 3 stage float.
Leaving it on continually will result in damage from overcharging since it will not shut off when the battery is "full" like a 3 stage charger will.
If you must leave a "battery charger" on the battery (like removing it completely and keeping it in the garage); then consider a battery "tender" that has a 4th stage (called de-sulphator) like:
http://www.amazon.com/BatteryMINDer-...y+minder+12248
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Lou & Freya the wonder dog
2008 GMC Sierra 3000HD Allison Duramax
2019 Flagstaff 8529FL
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06-17-2014, 08:40 AM
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#8
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: St. Paul, Minnesota
Posts: 3,367
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Herk7769
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This is what I do; and I disconnect the battery from the trailer. Works great. My batteries last 7 to 10 years using this strategy.
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2021 F350 Lariat 7.3 4X4 w 4.30s, 2018 Wildcat 29RLX
2012 BMW G650GS, Demco Premiere Slider
1969 John Deere 1020, 1940 Ford 9N, 1948 Ford 8N
Jonsered 535, Can of WD-40, Duct Tape
Red Green coffee mugs
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06-17-2014, 08:41 AM
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#9
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Phat Phrog Stunt Team
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Iowa
Posts: 34,507
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Still Kickin
Lets say you camp 20 days a year, and you "get ready" for camping another 10 days (plug in to cool fridge top off batts, etc.). That leaves you with 11 months of non use. I'd use a battery charger in the months you most likely arn't camping so as to not use up the converter, over the life of the unit. Just a thought.
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Mine is plugged in 24/7 365 and has been since new in 2011
TURBS
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