Adding a battery charger.

[dcheatwood]

Been thinking about the issue of the onboard converter not charging the battery to its max. At least that's what I understand is the case. I have a rockwood 8282 5er with group 24 deep cycle.
Wondering if I can put a multilevel 15amp charger on the battery, plugged into the 110vt in the under storage so that anytime I'm plugged in to shore power the battery is getting a better charge.
1 Would this be detrimental to the electrical system?
2. Would all electrical still operate?
3. Would the converter continue to charge while the auxiliary charger I'd chagrin, causing overcharging problems, or damage to battery?

I haven't seen this discussed but it probably has somewhere.

Where's my electrical engineers? I need your thoughts.

[KyDan]

Originally Posted by dcheatwood

Been thinking about the issue of the onboard converter not charging the battery to its max. At least that's what I understand is the case.

That's news to me. I believe most modern RVs have pretty decent onboard chargers (converters).
I use a stand alone charger when using the Honda just because I believe
my trailer charger is a bit slower but I think it gets the job done just fine
when we're plugged into shore power and not particularly in a hurry to
boost the batteries.

[TURBS]

what make/ model converter do you have?
If you have a wfco and are concerned then I'd put in a progressive dynamics converter and not worry about an additional charger.

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by TURBS

what make/ model converter do you have?
If you have a wfco and are concerned then I'd put in a progressive dynamics converter and not worry about an additional charger.

The additional charger is a lot cheaper!

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by OldCoot

The additional charger is a lot cheaper!

Yeah but just one more electrical device to go bad.

[RPAspey]

And never forget to only use one or the other to charge. Otherwise with both chargers, only one will charge. It'll be the one with higher output voltage.

Save your $ and get a PD charger. It's designed for RV deep cycle batteries and does a great job.

[rana]

Originally Posted by TURBS

Yeah but just one more electrical device to go bad.

Not to mention:

- "dead weight" of the converter no longer being used
- additional space and weight being taken up
- charge quality is only 'slightly' improved compared to what he would get from a PD

On the pro side:

- you always have your old converter to use as a backup

*can't think of anything else. LOL

[micpib1]

Just another quick question regarding charging batteries; if I "connect" my coach battery and my vehicle battery via the "Battery Connect Button" on my motorhome, will the coach battery charge faster from the alternator while driving? JH

[dcheatwood]

Originally Posted by TURBS

what make/ model converter do you have?
If you have a wfco and are concerned then I'd put in a progressive dynamics converter and not worry about an additional charger.

Hey turbs. You're right. Here's my converter.

Oldcoot, I agree. Cheaper than a new converter.

[dcheatwood]

I was thinking about putting this on the fiver but guess I'll put it on my bass boat cranking battery.

[DickiedooFlagman]

Originally Posted by TURBS

what make/ model converter do you have?
If you have a wfco and are concerned then I'd put in a progressive dynamics converter and not worry about an additional charger.

I agree with Turbs solution. Love the way our PD9245 works. PD9245 45 Amp RV Converter / Charger from Progressive Dynamics

[GlennFC]

You wrote "Just another quick question regarding charging batteries; if I "connect" my coach battery and my vehicle battery via the "Battery Connect Button" on my motorhome, will the coach battery charge faster from the alternator while driving? JH"
I have a 2014 Encounter 36KS Class A motorhome that also has the battery interconnect button on the dash. When my engine is running, it energises a solenoid that connects the engine charging system to the coach batteries. If your coach works the same as mine all you need to do is start your engine and the coach wiring takes over the same way as if you held down the vehicle battery interconnect switch. When you shut off your engine this solenoid is de-energised and the connection broken. This is what keeps you from accidentally draining the engine start battery if you run down your coach batteries.