Date:         Tue, 7 Sep 2004 16:36:30 -0600
Reply-To:     Gnarlodious <gnarlodious@EARTHLINK.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Gnarlodious <gnarlodious@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject:      Re: Trickle Charger Hookup
In-Reply-To:  <413E301A.6040803@jiddware.com>
Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

Entity JD Foster spoke thus:

> This weekend I picked up a little trickle charger that I'd like to
> permanently install and hardwire so that it keeps the battery topped off
> whenever the westy is plugged in.  The question I have is with regards
> to the instructions, which say to disconnect the negative terminal from
> the battery when putting the charger on.
>
> Is this just a general safety precaution or is it really necessary for
> this application?

Well, if it's a cheapie charger with a transformer it likely has spikes and
overvoltages.  In your case however, the Westy might just be primitive
enough to be unfazed by a low quality charger. Especially if it's charging
the auxiliary battery first in the cascade. I'm pretty sure they say that to
disclaim liability in case someone burns out their expensive new computer
controller.

A more important question is, does this "trickle charger" have current
control? Or will it overcharge your batteries?


--  Gnarlie

"Too many OB-GYNs aren't able to practice their love with women all across
this country"
                    George Bush, in a speech attacking John Edwards