Posted on 30/10/2016 13:58
I can now charge the caravan battery where I store the van! My question is, is it ok to charge just once a month for a about a week at a time as I won't be using the van until March. I have to have new shock absorbers done on my tow car (boo Hoo). I can't afford new shocks, Christmas and take another holiday. So advise would be great.
Posted on 30/10/2016 14:08
What is it powering while in storage? Ours powers the tracker and alarm and in winter I have to swap it every 4 to 6 weeks and recharge it. So as to charging it every month, if your power drain is similar that would be about right. As to leaving it on charge, that depends on what sort of charger is in your van. When I remove mine and charge it at home I use a smart charger, which can be left connected until I return it to the van.
Posted on 30/10/2016 14:10
Buy a low priced volt meter and check the voltage every few weeks.
If the voltage is down to 12.3 volts charge it for a day or so.
My leisure battery maintains it's charge for many weeks as there is no current drawn from it.....However, if you have an alarm fitted that will draw a current check the battery every three weeks.
Posted on 30/10/2016 20:47
You should recharge every 4 - 6 weeks but preferably only for a day or so. Much depends on what kind of charger you have in the van but unless it is a "smart" charger e.g. Sargent, you should not leave it on charge permanently nor should you let the battery voltage drop significantly. An ordinary caravan charger does not produce a high enough voltage to properly charge a discharged battery.
Jennyeb
Caravanner