Trickle Charging

[Jroccaforte]

I have a 1960 era Hi-Lo and just replaced the battery. I plugged the camper into a 110 volt service using the camper's connector. I then plugged a trickle charger into the 110 volt recepticle and attached it to the battery. It has occurred to me that the camper may have a battery charge built in. Does it? If so, should I unplug the trickle charger?

 

[JackandJanet]

If it has a converter that transforms 110 to 12V, then yes, it most likely also charges the battery on its own. But, your trailer is old enough that I don't know if that converter will supply a "float" charge when the battery charge is complete. If not, you would probably damage the battery by keeping shore power plugged in all the time.

And, a standard "trickle charger" is no better. You need a "battery maintainer" if you're going to keep it constantly connected.

In my opinion, the Battery Minder is the best choice. It goes into the "float state" when charging is complete, AND, it applies a pulse modulated input that acts to "desulphate" the battery, which will improve it's ability to both accept a charge and deliver current. In addition, the newest ones have a temperature probe that adjusts the charge rate to the ambient temperature. You don't have to worry about boiling a battery with one of these. Here's a link to one from Amazon:http://www.amazon.com/BatteryMINDer-Charger-Maintainer-Desulfator-System/dp/B00D7HZ6FC

- Jack

 

[Jroccaforte]

Too much electricity

Thanks,
Actually it is a battery maintainer. I am going to remove shore power and investigate the electrical system further.

 

[JackandJanet]

Thanks,
Actually it is a battery maintainer. I am going to remove shore power and investigate the electrical system further.

Good, I would not use the maintainer and shore power together. The only time I connect the trailer to shore power is if I'm going to run the air conditioner or power the refrigerator electrically while camping.

- Jack

 

[hilltool]

If you plug the trailer into shore power and then check the terminals with a multi meter you should be able to tell if there is an integrated charger. If it is charging it should be reading a round 13 volts or bit better. Until you know if t has a charger or not- I wouldn't plug In The battery minder with shore power connected, either. I agree that a 60s vintage charger likely does not have a " float charge" incorporated. Actually, my guess it is just a converter with no charger.

Rick