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FWC Battery care

Battery Maintenance Life Storage care

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#1 Bombsight

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Posted 12 July 2017 - 08:34 AM

I have dual deep cell batteries in my 2016 Hawk.

 

When in storage, what is the best method of maintaining their integrity and extending their life?

 

I have been leaving them plugged into shore power with the main powers silver knob near the fuse box pulled out.

 

Any advice from the electronic gurus here @ wtw?

 

Stan?


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#2 flinchlock

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Posted 12 July 2017 - 10:41 AM

I know of these ...

 

http://www.batterytender.com/

 

http://www.batteryminders.com/

 

http://www.batterymi...ner-desulfator/

I have used this one for many many years.  In the later fall, I put the camper battery and all the mower batteries in my basement and use the BatteryMinder separately on each battery for a week or two and just rotate them until spring.  I even take the BatteryMinder in the camper on all trips just in case...

 

Mike


Edited by flinchlock, 12 July 2017 - 10:44 AM.

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'08 ATC Cougar (built 06/16/08)
# of nights in camper: '08=15, '12=21,'13=16, '14=10, '15=52, '16=11, '17=20 (equals 145)


#3 Beach

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Posted 12 July 2017 - 03:06 PM

Since my camper is stored outside, I let my solar keep the battery up when the camper just sits, the controller has a stepped charging system, so it goes into float/maintenance mode when charging is done. If your camper is inside, solar is out but you can use a battery tender(float charger) as mentioned above, or if you have an Iota 30 power system in the camper you should have auto charge capability with that unit. If the Iota doesn't have the maintainer module installed, it is a plug in mod. to the back of the unit. 


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#4 Bombsight

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Posted 12 July 2017 - 05:42 PM

Thanks for the links, guys.

Is there a system where I could use the pigtail FWC supplies for land power hookup? I'm trying to stay away from having to open the battery compartment inside the camper and the need to use alligator clips.

 

I'm impressed with that "Battery Tender" company.


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#5 longhorn1

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Posted 12 July 2017 - 06:02 PM

You can plug into 110 to charge the battery.  I don't know whether you can charge with 110 if the power is completely off so others will have to way in.  I shut the power completely off when we store the camper so that it doesn't draw with the smoke and propane detectors.  The camper is covered and I check on it every 3-4 weeks, and plug in the portable solar panel every 4-6 weeks.  I usually go from the first of November until early March plugging in the portable solar 2-3 times. jd


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http://texaslonghorns01.blogspot.com/

 

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#6 smlobx

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Posted 12 July 2017 - 07:27 PM

Although we have a Hallmark I believe this charger to be the best you can get.
It not only charges the batteries but exercises them to maintain peak performance..

https://www.amazon.c...rds=noco genius
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#7 Bombsight

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Posted 12 July 2017 - 08:27 PM

Longhorn ... thats what I've been doing (110 plugged into FWC pigtail) but I'm not so sure thats the best thing for these deep cell batteries. I'm not even sure that a trickle charger is the best method.

 

smlobx ... that charger looks smart ... and I would probably buy it or the Battery Tender but I don't want to use alligator clips if I can get around it. Thanks for the input though. It may turn out to be the most useful bit of info. 

 

I don't know much about electronics but the more I inquire, the more I get suspicious of various charging methods (i.e. 110 volts through FWC pig tail and trickle chargers of various makes and models).

 

I might try calling the Battery Tender company and getting a solid recommendation from them.


Edited by Bombsight, 12 July 2017 - 08:28 PM.

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#8 smlobx

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Posted 12 July 2017 - 09:39 PM

Bombsight the Noco Genius has two different methods of attachment. The clips like you mentioned and a pair of wires with rings that you can permanently attach to the terminals.
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Eddie
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#9 Bombsight

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Posted 12 July 2017 - 11:27 PM

smlobx ... You're saying that the "Loops" can be left on the battery permanently and the other ends connection is easily accessible?

 

If so, I can live with something like that ... I'd just have to run the 110 power source through the turn buckle access door.


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#10 Vic Harder

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Posted 12 July 2017 - 11:33 PM

I have a Genius wired permanently to my batteries.  If the camper is off the truck for the winter and stored indoors, I just plug that in and I'm good.

 

OUTSIDE, the solar panels are carefully tending the batteries way better than the Genius can via my Victron MPPT controller.


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