Do I have a 3 stage charger/converter? Help!

[ddepr1217]

Hey everyone. I posted this in the other rv forum but the responses led me to believe that maybe I need to get some more model specific information.

Have had the mini lite 2109S for a few weeks. It's currently at my mom's that is quite a ways from my house. Was there this morning and sure enough, batteries are dead (2 12v). Before I charge them and then put a trickle charger on them, I need to know if I have a 3 stage converter/charger in the unit. If so, I'm assuming I can just plug it into the GFI outlet in the backyard and let the batteries charge. Maybe unplugging it every other week?
What do you far more experienced folks think?
Thanks!

[sherdep]

plug the camper in and charge the batteries - if they are totally dead it is going to take alteast a few hours to charge

put a battery disconnect between the trailer and the batteries once they are charged up and this should solve your dead battery issue.
you will get mixed reviews on which side to disconnect but I did the + (red) side of my batteries when I added the disconnect

[Triguy]

I'd be surprised if its a one-way. I believe that's the same 55amp converter as used in the Roo - A WFCO Three stage. You can look up the part number on the manufacturer's website if you want to make sure.

As for keeping the battery charged, most of us disconnect the batteries manually or through a disconnect switch. Its a good idea because the parasitic loads in the trailer will draw it down, as you have found. A fully charged and disconnected battery will keep its charge for several months.

[bikendan]

for one thing, there should be paperwork from the converter manufacturer, in your owner's manual stuff. that would give you some info.
second, you didn't mention what year it is. i think your model is relatively new, so it should have a 3-stage one.
third, all RVs have parasitic power drains and if you don't have it hooked to shore power or have solar panels, your battery will be dead in a few days.

as sherdep said, hook it up to shore power, get the battery recharged and install a battery disconnect switch.

with a disconnect switch, once they're recharged, you just turn the switch and they'll stay charged for weeks. no need to keep it plugged in.

[MtnGuy]

If you have a 3 stage charger, then you can just leave the camper plugged in.....that is what I do. I check the batteries water level about once a month just to be sure, but so far all is A-OK with leaving it plugged in.

[ddepr1217]

Excellent! Thanks for the replies. Going to go tomorrow to get a disconnect switch. Are they difficult to install (read: I'm not very handy when it comes to electrical stuff and don't want to fry my system or myself)? Do I need 2 since I have two batteries or will one suffice since they are wired in parallel?
Thanks again!!

Trailer is a 2012 mini lite 2109S

[sherdep]

Originally Posted by ddepr1217

Excellent! Thanks for the replies. Going to go tomorrow to get a disconnect switch. Are they difficult to install (read: I'm not very handy when it comes to electrical stuff and don't want to fry my system or myself)? Do I need 2 since I have two batteries or will one suffice since they are wired in parallel?
Thanks again!!

Trailer is a 2012 mini lite 2109S

you can go two ways with this
1 - add a disconnect switch that has a switch that (Off - Batt 1 - Batt 2 and all) - can be found at any Marine or RV place

or

2 - just add a disconnect on the plus side between the battery and the camper - that is how I have my two battery disconnected and dont have any issues. Blue Seas single cut off is what I am using

Here is a thread I made when I installed the batter disconnect when I had a single battery - I added 2 new batteries and kept the same disconnect
http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...6-a-12368.html


http://bluesea.com/category/1/productline/2

[bob7794]

I've found that an inline fuse on the + side of the battery is cheaper than a disconnect switch. Just pull the fuse and that's it.