Can you charge the batteries when the unit is closed with shore power?

national757 · 02-08-2015, 05:14 PM

Hey Kids:

Finally got a cover which is good thing but it covers the solar panel that keeps the batteries charged. Tried plugging in to shore power with the unit closed but didn't see any difference in voltage? Any thoughts? Does that switch on the bathroom panel control the charger?

Thanks,

Rob

2007 / 3023

TrailManorMan · 02-08-2015, 06:40 PM

Mine will charge when closed, I have a selector switch also to cut battery when stored, by turning it on and providing ac it will charge.

RottieMom · 02-08-2015, 07:31 PM

TMM, I don't have a special switch or anything on my TM. If I just plug it into shore power periodically, will it charge the battery while it's closed?

Thx,

Padgett · 02-08-2015, 09:17 PM

My battery is on a float in the garage.

TrailManorMan · 02-09-2015, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmboyd

TMM, I don't have a special switch or anything on my TM. If I just plug it into shore power periodically, will it charge the battery while it's closed?

Thx,

Yes but probably should not let it pluged in for long periods of time without checking water levels.

**rickst29** · 02-09-2015, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmboyd

TMM, I don't have a special switch or anything on my TM. If I just plug it into shore power periodically, will it charge the battery while it's closed?
Thx,

Yes, it will charge. Depending on the level of "phantom loads" in your Trailer, you might even want to leave it plugged in continuously - but I wouldn't do it that way (at least, not with the original WFCO - which I no longer have).

If you do have the original WFCO, then a few hours per week might be better for the batteries than "continuous".

RottieMom · 02-09-2015, 05:47 PM

OK, thx for the feedback. I've had my TM in the garage over winter and I've just been plugging it in to power about 3 or 4 days each month. Once I get it out in the Spring, I'll find out how that worked out.

**Bill** · 02-09-2015, 06:25 PM

Cindy -

Someone on this board made a suggestion years ago. I am now trying it out, and the results look good. The idea is to get a good (emphasis on GOOD) battery maintainer such as a Deltran Battery Tender. Go to WalMart and get a 7-way Bargman car-end connector. Wire the maintainer into the Battery Charge and Ground lines in your new Bargman connector. Plug the TM's big black tow-vehicle cord into the new Bargman. The Battery Tender will charge the battery just as if the car were charging it, and the small size of the charger, plus the fact that it is a "smart charger", should keep it topped up without overcharging. I caution against getting a cheap trickle charger or float charger, since it is a constant current charger that may eventually overcharge the battery.

This is an easy solution. You just plug it in and leave it. No need to remember when to put shore power on the trailer and when to remove it. To whomever made this suggestion originally - Rumbleweed, was it you? - thank you.

Bill

RottieMom · 02-09-2015, 08:01 PM

Bill, that sounds like a great idea. Thx!

RottieMom · 02-09-2015, 08:21 PM

Bill, I just looked online and I see battery tenders that are 1.25 amps and 5 amps. Which do I need?

Thx,