Battery charging?

[RichDesiletsJr233S]

I am completely new to TT and hybrid camping. So here is a dumb question... When I have my 233S hooked up to 30 amp service I am assuming that my battery is charging, correct?

I have purchased a small solar panel to trickle charge the battery when it's NOT connected to service.


Rich in Massachusetts
2016 Roo 233S
2013 Ford Explorer XLT

Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

[RichDesiletsJr233S]

I have a seasonal site with electric, water and septic connections so I will be hooked up full time.


Rich in Massachusetts
2016 Roo 233S
2013 Ford Explorer XLT

Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

[caper]

Yes your battery will be charged when hooked up to shore power. It is recommended that you check the battery water level once a month.

[RichDesiletsJr233S]

Originally Posted by caper

Yes your battery will be charged when hooked up to shore power. It is recommended that you check the battery water level once a month.

Thank you! And appreciate your reminder on the water level


Rich in Massachusetts
2016 Roo 233S
2013 Ford Explorer XLT

Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

[jking46]

You won't need the solar tender during your camping season since you are plugged in full time. However if you aren't pluggeg in during winter storage, it will keep the battery topped off. Of course you can always remove the battery and keep it inside in the winter.

[RichDesiletsJr233S]

Originally Posted by jking46

You won't need the solar tender during your camping season since you are plugged in full time. However if you aren't pluggeg in during winter storage, it will keep the battery topped off. Of course you can always remove the battery and keep it inside in the winter.

The solar was only $40 so I couldn't pass it up. I suppose it would be best to just store the battery inside during the winter.


Rich in Massachusetts
2016 Roo 233S
2013 Ford Explorer XLT

Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

[jking46]

I just had to buy a new battery for my camper after only 2 seasons. I always disconnect the negative terminals on both batteries on my fishing boat. However, some moron ( maybe me) neglected to do the same on the camper. Completely dead. Probably won't do that again.

[RichDesiletsJr233S]

Originally Posted by jking46

I just had to buy a new battery for my camper after only 2 seasons. I always disconnect the negative terminals on both batteries on my fishing boat. However, some moron ( maybe me) neglected to do the same on the camper. Completely dead. Probably won't do that again.

Great tip! Somethings get away from us


Rich in Massachusetts
2016 Roo 233S
2013 Ford Explorer XLT

Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by jking46

You won't need the solar tender during your camping season since you are plugged in full time. However if you aren't pluggeg in during winter storage, it will keep the battery topped off. Of course you can always remove the battery and keep it inside in the winter.

You shouldn't have to do any of that since the trailer has a battery disconnect switch.

I stored my Roo for 4 months and the batteries were still nearly fully charged, because I have a disconnect switch.

[RACarvalho]

The question I have is if the charger that comes with the trailer is a smart/3 step charger?

as for charging the battery, use the battery disconet every time you are not using the trailer, that will avoid battery discharge.
I have a 10w solar panel with a little morning start smart charge controller that keep the battery on my boat 100% charged when Im not using it. I intent to have the same set up for the trailer, it works great.
Never leave your battery outside charging during freezing temperatures, that will kill the battery for sure.. I lost a brand new AGM ($$$) battery that way....

[bikendan]

Yes the OP'S trailer gas a 3 stage converter/charger.

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by RACarvalho

The question I have is if the charger that comes with the trailer is a smart/3 step charger?

as for charging the battery, use the battery disconet every time you are not using the trailer, that will avoid battery discharge.
I have a 10w solar panel with a little morning start smart charge controller that keep the battery on my boat 100% charged when Im not using it. I intent to have the same set up for the trailer, it works great.
Never leave your battery outside charging during freezing temperatures, that will kill the battery for sure.. I lost a brand new AGM ($$$) battery that way....

I live in the Midwest and it gets COLD my batteries charge all winter long outside.
Been doing it for ten years.
Sorry but your statement does not hold water.

[TURBS]

Would definitely be beneficial to upgrade to a four stage charger such as a boondocker or progressive dynamics


2008 2500hd Duramax
2015 Columbus 320RS
2016 nights camped "0"
2015 nights camped "34"

[RACarvalho]

Originally Posted by TURBS

I live in the Midwest and it gets COLD my batteries charge all winter long outside.
Been doing it for ten years.
Sorry but your statement does hold water.

What kind of battery do you have?
The marina where my boat spends the winter have more than 100 boats and everybody takes their battery home during the winter.
My brand new AGM, a real marine deep cycle battery, was toasted after winter. The solar panel and charge controler where band new....
So I find really difficult to believe that you really charged your battery while it was frozen... It may be possible that your charge controler stop charging below a certain temperature.....

[rockfordroo]

Originally Posted by TURBS

I live in the Midwest and it gets COLD my batteries charge all winter long outside.
Been doing it for ten years.
Sorry but your statement does hold water.

I agree. I'm in the Midwest, too. Last winter (2014-15) temps were below -10F for 3 weeks straight; no problems. My truck sits outside. I usually only drive my truck every few weeks in the winter, so I probably only drove it once in this 3 week period.

If below freezing was a problem for batteries, ALL of us Yankees would be in BIG trouble.

{Note a DISCHARGED battery WILL freeze - I'm guessing RAC let his AGM discharge, then it froze.}

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by RACarvalho

What kind of battery do you have?
The marina where my boat spends the winter have more than 100 boats and everybody takes their battery home during the winter.
My brand new AGM, a real marine deep cycle battery, was toasted after winter. The solar panel and charge controler where band new....
So I find really difficult to believe that you really charged your battery while it was frozen... It may be possible that your charge controler stop charging below a certain temperature.....

My batteries charge from the converter all winter long.
Actually my batteries charge 365 days a year as the only time my camper is un plugged is when I'm traveling.
No charge controller to stop charging.

[MacDR]

X2 I just pulled a DC27 out of mine a couple of Weeks ago when I added a second battery and just checked it's cell fluid levels..everything looked great..


2013 Ram 2500 "Cummins"
2014 Columbus 340RK
Ready for Spring

[Flybob]

I think the issue with the battery being destroyed over the winter may have been the assumption that a 10W solar panel and controller would keep the battery charged. Taking into account the real world conditions ( sunny vs cloudy days) and the fact that the system was most likely only delivering 0.3 amps peak, the battery probably self-discharged and froze. I was given a 10W solar auto battery charger and after looking at the actual ( measured ) charging capability, I gave it back.

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by Flybob

I think the issue with the battery being destroyed over the winter may have been the assumption that a 10W solar panel and controller would keep the battery charged. Taking into account the real world conditions ( sunny vs cloudy days) and the fact that the system was most likely only delivering 0.3 amps peak, the battery probably self-discharged and froze. I was given a 10W solar auto battery charger and after looking at the actual ( measured ) charging capability, I gave it back.

I think your right.