Battery charger or AC plugin

[68Triumph]

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.

[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).

[68Triumph]

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).

2012 or 2013, is it the newer converter?

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by 68Triumph

2012 or 2013, is it the newer converter?

You have a three stage charger being that new.


TURBS


"Sabre owners united"

[Still Kickin]

Originally Posted by f1100turbo

You have a three stage charger being that new.


TURBS


"Sabre owners united"

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.

[Pooneil]

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.

[Herk7769]

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.

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

[acadianbob]

Originally Posted by Herk7769

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:

Amazon.com: BatteryMINDer 12 Volt 2/4/8 Amp Wet/Gel/AGM Battery Charger: Industrial & Scientific

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.

[TURBS]

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.

Mine is plugged in 24/7 365 and has been since new in 2011

TURBS


"Sabre owners united"