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Old 06-10-2013, 06:42 PM   #1
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Best way to charge batteries with generator

We have 2 Honda 2000 generators that we will be using for the first time in a few weeks. When we want to use them to charge the batteries, is there any advantage to using a deep cell battery charger? Any suggestions on the fastest way to recharge the two batteries.

Thanks!
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Old 06-10-2013, 06:45 PM   #2
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IMO, the fastest way is to charge the batteries with a smart charger running off of a generator. I've never felt the converter in the trailer charges as fast or as completely.
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Old 06-10-2013, 11:54 PM   #3
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If you are just recharging batteries, I would be surprised if you need both genny's running. How fast is going to depend on what charger you have charging the batteries.

edit: oops just looked at the specs, if it does have a 100 amp converter, you will need both lol
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Old 06-11-2013, 08:28 AM   #4
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If you are just recharging batteries, I would be surprised if you need both genny's running. How fast is going to depend on what charger you have charging the batteries.

edit: oops just looked at the specs, if it does have a 100 amp converter, you will need both lol
I also think one is enough. 100 amps * 13v = 1300 watts, still way below the continuous rating of one generator.

I think you should just let the converter charge it. That's what it's for and it's what most of us use.
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Old 06-27-2013, 07:43 AM   #5
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Quick follow up to this question:

We're planning to camp in a national park campground in the Rockies and they have limited hours for generator operation.

Would it make sense to supplement the converter charging with the battery charger cables that go with the Honda 2000EU?

Pretty inexpensive, so I'm thinking "yes", unless I shouldn't do both at the same time. I don't want to disconnect the battery from the camper just to let the generator charge it directly.

Thanks!

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Old 06-27-2013, 07:26 PM   #6
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NO! using the 12v cables is the WORST way of recharging the battery.
using the trailer's converter is much faster and more efficient.
the only worst way to charge it, is using your tow vehicle.
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Old 06-27-2013, 07:44 PM   #7
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IMO, the fastest way is to charge the batteries with a smart charger running off of a generator. I've never felt the converter in the trailer charges as fast or as completely.
I agree.
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Old 06-27-2013, 08:01 PM   #8
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NO! using the 12v cables is the WORST way of recharging the battery.
using the trailer's converter is much faster and more efficient.
the only worst way to charge it, is using your tow vehicle.
I think you are wrong that the worst way to charge a battery is using your tow vehicle.
TV alternators & generators have been charging batteries for years before converters were on the scene and car batteries last longer than rv batteries.
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Old 06-27-2013, 08:35 PM   #9
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After starting the engine the car battery gets charged and then just hangs out doing nothing. Starting the engine is quick, doesn't draw the battery down much and it really takes no time or power at all to charge it back to its original state. The alternator runs all of the on board demands.
An RV battery may lose 20 to 50 percent of its charge so charging takes more power and time and also requires a more sophisticated pattern of voltage or amps or power.
Converters and chargers normally have more than one stage and most of them have three.
Do we need a physics professor or battery technician to verify that?
Probably not.

The worst way...?
Taking into account the cost of fuel, time, noise, heat, etc. Yeah, it could be the "worst" way.

I love an Old Man and an Old Coot!!
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Old 06-27-2013, 08:45 PM   #10
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Funny how I can have discharged batteries in the trailer and go on the road and after about an hour or two driving, the trailer batteries are full charged. Don't understand how this is the worst way to charge them. Now, if they were discharged and just sitting in a cg and using the tv to charge them I would agree it is a very expensive way to charge them, but saying it is the worst way to charge a battery is a little far out. IMO.
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Old 06-27-2013, 10:08 PM   #11
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OK, maybe not the worst, but Shirley not the best.
And yes I am calling you Shirley!! lol!
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Old 06-28-2013, 07:29 PM   #12
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The worst way...?
Taking into account the cost of fuel, time, noise, heat, etc. Yeah, it could be the "worst" way.

I love an Old Man and an Old Coot!!

yep, that's why i said the worst way.
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Old 06-28-2013, 07:57 PM   #13
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I agree.
times 3

I use a Ship-N-Shore 10 amp charger plugged into the generator. It charges my 150AH bank in half the time the converter takes.

You MUST make sure the water in the battery is to the molded fill line inside the vent cap. Using a fast charger will overheat a battery with low water.

If you are not sure (and you should be) use the camper's converter.

Only use distilled water - not spring water - to top off the cells (to the molded ring) if they need it.
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