Trickle charge
15 replies
SeasideBill replied on 04/12/2021 11:24
hitchglitch replied on 04/12/2021 19:34
Posted on 03/12/2021 19:46 by SeasideBillOn board charging systems are generally not very sophisticated and are not best suited to long-term trickle charging. I’m not sure what fits the description of a ‘cheap trickle charger’ as the posts above describe ‘intelligent’ or ‘smart’ battery chargers aka ‘battery conditioners’. Theses are specifically designed to be connected to a battery on a long-term or indefinite basis without overcharging it. They employ a number of variable functions to charge and maintain the battery in optimum condition. I’ve used them on classic cars in the past while in long-term storage. My record is a Halfords battery that was 14 years old and still going strong when I sold the car.
weedkiller replied on 15/12/2021 20:41
Posted on 15/12/2021 20:41
Thank you all for your replies
My 12v socket is only live with the caravan master switch on
ideally I would like to be able to connect a trickle charger without disconnecting the battery from the caravan , so that I can use internal lights . I would switch off the onboard charger at the 240v isolator when using the trickle charger and disconnect power to the trickle charger before using on board services. I dont want to take the battery out of its locker to charge it and then put it back due to a wacky Knee.
I did try using the onboard charger but I think over time it could fry the battery I have recently changed the battery so dont want to damage it or the onboard systems.
I asked Ctek for their views but did not get a reply.
any experts out there who can tell me if I will damage the onboard charger ??
cyberyacht replied on 16/12/2021 08:23
JohnM20 replied on 16/12/2021 08:35
Posted on 16/12/2021 08:35
For several years I have given my battery two hours charge each day using a timer on my hook-up cable and using the built in charger. This maintains the battery state as 'Good' on the panel in the caravan. So far (tempting fate) this has worked fine with a good battery report also from my service engineer each year. The battery is approaching 7 years old. I realise this is only any good for people with continual access to power.
weedkiller