Re-charging a towlite camper battery - Hi-Lo camper travel trailer forum

Raiderboy · 07-12-2013, 08:28 PM

I just purchased a Honda eu3000is generator/inverter in case I need to recharge my battery if I camp in the back woods and run my battery dead or down. However, I can purchase a 12v honda battery cord that plugs directly into the generator to recharge my battery if I have to or just plug the trailer electrical cord into the generator or plug a 12v battery charger into the generator to recharge my battery. Which is faster or better? What do you recommend I do if I need to recharge the tow lite battery? Please advise..thanks. ken

RichR · 07-12-2013, 09:59 PM

Plug the trailer into the Honda then you can run everything on the trailer while the battery is charging.

JackandJanet · 07-13-2013, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RichR

Plug the trailer into the Honda then you can run everything on the trailer while the battery is charging.

Correct, and the converter in the trailer will prevent the battery from being overcharged. Additionally, the generator will be much more quiet, since you can operate it on "econ mode". If you use the battery cord, you have to run the generator at full speed with "econ" off.

Don't let your trailer battery fully discharge. That will hurt it. Use the generator each day to restore/maintain the charge.

- Jack

PappaP · 07-13-2013, 10:11 AM

Here is some good information on the level of a battery.

"For longest life, batteries should stay in the green zone. Occasional dips into the yellow are not harmful, but continual discharges to those levels will shorten battery life considerably. Note the large voltage drop in the last 10%".

I found this somewhere before and thought it was worth keeping for future use. Hope this helps.

RichR · 07-13-2013, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PappaP

Here is some good information on the level of a battery.

"For longest life, batteries should stay in the green zone. Occasional dips into the yellow are not harmful, but continual discharges to those levels will shorten battery life considerably. Note the large voltage drop in the last 10%".

I found this somewhere before and thought it was worth keeping for future use. Hope this helps.

I believe that chart came from this website: The 12volt Side of Life (Part 1) It is worth your time to study this article to become familiar with batteries and their bad habits, etc.

PappaP · 07-13-2013, 12:24 PM

Thanks Rich that is where I had seen it before, just couldn't remember, but knew I kept the graph as it was a good measure of battery level to have on hand.

RichR · 07-13-2013, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PappaP

Thanks Rich that is where I had seen it before, just couldn't remember, but knew I kept the graph as it was a good measure of battery level to have on hand.

That graph and a volt meter are valuable tools to keep around if you value your batteries.

Raiderboy · 07-13-2013, 09:10 PM

Wow! You seasoned campers with all the valuable information and tips you've been providing me the past 4 months has been awesome.

I really appreciate it.

Ken

69hilo2 · 07-14-2013, 10:33 AM

Good info Thanks for sharing it.

Later Tim