Date:         Mon, 24 Jul 2006 11:25:40 -0400
Reply-To:     dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
Subject:      Re: Trickle Charger (follow up 182 Amps)
Comments: To: David Johnson <davidj@ELPASOTEL.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <53190037-098E-4ACE-995B-2A14AF55851C@elpasotel.net>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

The problem with the charger concept is that you need a 110V supply. If you have a 110V supply, you don't need 12V Stuff.

Battery chargers in general are not designed to support batteries under load, especially chaep ones. A trickle charger will not keep up with any significant laod. You would need a smart converter-charger to do this without damaging the battery and placing noise on your stereo and other electronics causing all sorts of grief.

For short term use, a standard group 41 battery with a simpe relay control will take care of your small toys without leaving you stranded with a dead engine battery. I typically get 2 to 3 seasons out of the $40 Wal-Mart special and if you don't there is the 18 month free replacement.

Dennis

----- Original Message -----
From: David Johnson <davidj@ELPASOTEL.NET>
Date: Monday, July 24, 2006 10:10 am
Subject: Trickle Charger (follow up 182 Amps)

> Ok, so thanks to all the list for the feedback on the RM 182 amps -
> sounds like no matter what, the best I could hope for is a few hours
> of fridge time.  Just so far have not gotten my fridge lit on propane
> yet, so will probably have to pull it and clean out the combustion
> chamber and try again.
>
> So, with that out of the question, I am not sure a deep cycle battery
> is worth it for the other 12v stuff.  So has anyone used any of the
> trickle type chargers to keep a main battery up against a light
> weight inverter.  I have seen them in the 2 watt trickle charge
> range.  That seems awfully light weight, so has anyone used them to
> try and keep up a main battery against moderate use (maybe a fan, a
> couple hours of laptop draw for a movie, some lights).
>
> Thanks again,
> David.
>