Battery question

[MSgt Rick]

Normally, between trips, I remove my batteries from my PU and hook them to a float charger. Then I got to wondering, if I plug the trailer in would that keep the batteries charged?

[ironj]

technically yes, but i know my converter will fry the water out of the battery if i just leave it plugged in over long period, and thats just not real healthy....i have a float charger wired into my trailer..so i just plug into that instead...its a little 1.2amp processor controlled unit that just keeps batterys topped up....it would take like 3 days to charge a battery from 50 percent with it! LOL

[ironj]

or do you mean trying to "backcharge" the truck batterys through the trailer connection? Im not sure on that one, but i want to say they are isolated in that direction...maybe not....but even then, i would think if it DID work the converter would eventually cook the water out of your truck batts too...

[MSgt Rick]

Originally Posted by ironj

or do you mean trying to "backcharge" the truck batterys through the trailer connection? Im not sure on that one, but i want to say they are isolated in that direction...maybe not....but even then, i would think if it DID work the converter would eventually cook the water out of your truck batts too...

No, just the trailer plugged into the house. But if it will cook the water out of the battery then I think i will continue to use the float chargers. I like to take the batteries off anyway so they don't walk away, as some things tend to do when left alone.

Thank you for the insight! I learn a lot on this forum (and hopefully help a little too)

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by MSgt Rick

Normally, between trips, I remove my batteries from my PU and hook them to a float charger. Then I got to wondering, if I plug the trailer in would that keep the batteries charged?

In the olden days this was true. campers came with single stage (constant voltage) regulator chargers like your car's alternator. Now the campers come standard with the same 3 stage smart chargers you are using in the garage. Just plug in the camper and forget about it. Check the water level every 3 months or so.

If your 2012 converter is cooking your batteries there is a problem with it.
See the attached manual for the ubiquitous WFCO 8900.

[bikendan]

yea, the fear of converters cooking batteries is a holdover from the days of single-stage converters.
newer 3-stage converters only will do that if they are bad.

if you want to do the trickle charge, by all means go ahead, but it's not necessary.
but for the OP, a 2004 popup may not have a 3-stage converter. you need to find the brand/model and contact the manufacturer.

[MSgt Rick]

Thanks for all of the input. I will check the converter I have next time I open it, which will be soon as we are heading to the central Oregon coast for a week on July 14 . 2004 isn't the "olden days", so hopefully it is the 3 stage variety.

[Herk7769]

Post your model number and we will check it out for you.