Battery Basics ??

[phorner]

Thanks, Joe.

What should be the amp output rating of an appropriate battery charger for this application?

What would work well charging 1 or 2 batteries at a time?

[Joe Cannarozzi]

We made the mistake of leaving bay doors open for a couple of weeks while camping, draining the chassis and charged up 2- 12's at a time with a 30 amp charger and it wasn't an hour before it was running.

[truk4u]

Paul,

I would unhook the ground cable to the equalizer while your working on this stuff, that will prevent any problems if you short something and the clicking will probably stop. I would also kill both 12 & 24 volt switches.

I just added a Quest charger for my chassis batteries that is a 3 stage charger, bulk, absorbtion and then float and can be used as either 12 or 24.

[MangoMike]

Paul,

Although Jon's '97 Elegant Lady came with a chassis battery charger, the Mothership, which is a classic did not.

Like Tom, I added this 3 stage Marine battery charger which kept everything up to par without cooking the batteries.

Picture 25.jpg

at amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Guest-2611A-Ba.../dp/B000NHZV1S


MIke

[jimblu]

The Iota 24 volt 40 Amp charger converter http://www.iotaengineering.com/dls2740.htm
allows you to troubleshoot with the key on for extended periods, and will marginally power the bus off the generator or inverter if the 24 volt alternator expires turning a no go into a non event. It can be left on in float mode and might even increase the life of the batteries.

[phorner]

Thanks, Truk and Mike...

I ordered up the 3 stage marine charger from Amazon (last one in stock!) and expect it next week. I'll probably need some guidance for installation.

I'm also out the door to get a better portable battery charger. This 6 amp rate just doesn't get the job done....

And, I'll make sure to disconnect the ground on the equalizer. Hopefully, I'll remember to reconnect it!

Is it OK to simply disconnect each battery and charge 1 at a time? I like to keep things simple.... every once in a while it keeps me out of serious trouble.

[JIM CHALOUPKA]

Can Paul jump the house to the chassis to get started

[MangoMike]

Installed in the Mothership

I used the outlet from the block heater.

charger_2513.jpg

MIke

[Jon Wehrenberg]

Paul,

Please post your type Liberty. It will help answer some questions, such as Jim's about jumping.

Jim,

If Paul has an Elegant Lady he can jump from the house to the chassis because it is 24V, but if he has the Classic he cannot because it is a 12V system.

[MangoMike]

Jelloman,

Get that Amazon charge account ready.

Picture 26.jpg

http://www.amazon.com/Allstart-Batte...4794752&sr=8-1


Mike