Battery charging question

[Steve079]

We're taking our trailer dry camping for 6 days. I have a dual 6v battery set up, and am taking my Honda 1400kw Generator along to try and keep up with charging the batteries. The max output of the generator for charging batteries is 8.3 amps. But, it also runs my Schrader 1200 charger. It selects the best charge rate at what ever amp setting it deems necessary. What is the best method to utilize these for charging? Is one better then the other? Can I run both?
How do I best keep them charged?

[Rick]

This page says to charge your batteries from your dedicated battery charger using your generator.

[Canonman]

X2.
Can't tell what TT you have, but most of the newer models use the WFCO converter. These are automatic 3 stage capable units providing recharge, standard use and maintenance amperage/voltage as called for by the charge state of the battery. Check your WFCO model number and confirm the specs on line with WFCO. Then get a Digital volt meter and verify the actual output if needed.

[Desert185]

Originally Posted by Steve079

We're taking our trailer dry camping for 6 days. I have a dual 6v battery set up, and am taking my Honda 1400kw Generator along to try and keep up with charging the batteries. The max output of the generator for charging batteries is 8.3 amps. But, it also runs my Schrader 1200 charger. It selects the best charge rate at what ever amp setting it deems necessary. What is the best method to utilize these for charging? Is one better then the other? Can I run both?
How do I best keep them charged?

With two, 6v batteries the best charging procedure would be to plug your trailer into the generator with plug adapters and let the trailer's converter do the job.

[Steve079]

Ahhh, hook the Trailer to the generator, geez, I feel kinda dumb now. KISS. I think I'll get a 100w solar panel, I think the majority of our trips will be sans hookups, and 2-3 days in length. Given what I figure our power consumption will be that should work.
Thanks!

[JRTJH]

Depending on electrical use, with a dual 6 volt system, LED lighting and limited use of the furnace, you may find that you don't even need to recharge the batteries for a 2 or 3 day trip. We regularly "dry camp" for 3 or 4 days at a time (that's when the tanks get full) and unless we need to run the furnace, we seldom recharge. All of our lights are LED and our only TV use (with a small inverter) is about 30 minutes in the evening to watch the news and weather.

We do take a single 2000 watt inverter/generator with us to use if needed and only take the "dual generator setup" if it's going to be hot enough to need the A/C.

[Canonman]

We are also looking at a 100w solar alternative to running the genny daily to top off the batteries. Met a couple last week at Grand Canyon. Been full-timing 2 years. Went through the smaller 45w to 60w solar packages but they didn't keep up with their usage. Also they were dissatisfied with the "off-shore" manufacture and support. They settled on the Renogy 100 Watt Eclipse Monocrystalline Solar Suitcase with Charge Controller. This looked like a really nice compact and complete package system, And, it's made in the US. We camped next door to these folks for 5 days and they never used their generator even once.
I'm buying one as soon as I reload the "Buckzooka".

[Steve079]

That Renogy 100 Watt Eclipse Monocrystalline Solar Suitcase with Charge Controller is the same one I was looking at, but its nearly twice, what a couple others go for. But, you get what you pay for and it has a better controller and a protective case included.

But, I missed where it said Made in the USA?

[chuckster57]

We install Go solar 160W panels on a regular basis. Permanent mount on roof and control panel inside. Control panel has a built in USB charging port.

http://gpelectric.com/products/overlander-solar-kit

[Canonman]

Originally Posted by Steve079

That Renogy 100 Watt Eclipse Monocrystalline Solar Suitcase with Charge Controller is the same one I was looking at, but its nearly twice, what a couple others go for. But, you get what you pay for and it has a better controller and a protective case included.

But, I missed where it said Made in the USA?

You could be right
The neighbor's unit I saw had that "made in USA" sticker on it and the owner was proud that it was. After further research I cannot confirm the product is actually made in the US. I've left a message for Renogy to confirm the country of manufacture. Will post with their response when received.

[Steve079]

We install Go solar 160W panels on a regular basis. Permanent mount on roof and control panel inside. Control panel has a built in USB charging port.

I have been and looked at my roof, and even though there are already numerous holes in the material itself, the thought of drilling into it makes me queasy. Second, where to mount the control panel inside our small trailer. Finally, with a roof mount, aren't you compromising efficiency if you park in the shade?

When not in use camping, I can use it to keep my fishing boats 2 batteries topped off. My wife won't miss the chargers and batteries out in the carport,and no more hefting them in and out of the boat for charging.

I'm going to check them out though, seems like they charge you alot to put legs on those panels and connect a controller.

[BuxCamper]

The system may be assembled in the USA. Most solar cells are made off shore IIRC.

Sent from my LG-H810 using Tapatalk

[Desert185]

Appears to be an American company based in Ontario, Kalifornia.

https://www.renogy.com/about-us

[Steve079]

Was looking at the solar port, not sure what type of connector this is? Not the typical 2 post offset type, these are the same depth, but slightly different diameters. The connectors are just crimped on the the wires running to the battery, so I change it out of need be. But can anyone tell me what type of male 2 post connector that is? Seems like it would be easier to use them taking the battery cover off each time I use it.
Thanks for all the help!

[Desert185]

Google: rv solar panel connectors

Should be able to find a connector that will match the plug.

[Steve079]

I figured it out. I was getting the trailer and my van set up with the equalizer hitch and bars, when I got done, I checked out the solar ready plug. I had a male/female pair of 2 way flat connectors, but due to bad light, no glasses, etc, I didn't think the make side would fit. Wrong. Took it out just 5 minutes ago, after thinking about it all day, and the plug went right in there.
Wow, hooking up a solar panel is going to be a snap, and my battery cover can stay on.

[GMcKenzie]

A few things.

You should be able to go 3-4 days with 2 6v and LED's. if you can't you should probably figure out why? Is something on that you don't know about? If you haven't switched to LED's, highly recommended you do.

I plug the trailer direct into the generator (with an adapter). I haven't had to in years though as most I camp dry is 3 days. I did before I switched to LED's. Might have to if it gets cold and I run the furnace a lot, but has not been an issue for years. I still take it with me though.

I have a solar panel and really should dust it off to plug it in. But, again, I don't need it for 3 days camping so it's in my front storage just getting in the way. I think mine is 65W

[Desert185]

Originally Posted by GMcKenzie

A few things.

You should be able to go 3-4 days with 2 6v and LED's. if you can't you should probably figure out why? Is something on that you don't know about? If you haven't switched to LED's, highly recommended you do.

I plug the trailer direct into the generator (with an adapter). I haven't had to in years though as most I camp dry is 3 days. I did before I switched to LED's. Might have to if it gets cold and I run the furnace a lot, but has not been an issue for years. I still take it with me though.

I have a solar panel and really should dust it off to plug it in. But, again, I don't need it for 3 days camping so it's in my front storage just getting in the way. I think mine is 65W

Do you run an inverter?

[Canonman]

Originally Posted by Canonman

You could be right
The neighbor's unit I saw had that "made in USA" sticker on it and the owner was proud that it was. After further research I cannot confirm the product is actually made in the US. I've left a message for Renogy to confirm the country of manufacture. Will post with their response when received.

Confirmed today with Renogy customer service. The product is made in China and imported as a complete unit for distribution in the US. Customer service and tech support are provided from their offices in CA. Apologizes for the misinformation in my previous post.

[Steve079]

Thanks for coming back with that info, guys. I apreciate it.