trickle charging (1 Viewer)

[Gunner29]

Have heard this mentioned in some thread but how do you trickle charge a leisure bty and why do so??

 

[pappajohn]

trickle charging is a slow low current charge...usually just one or two amps at most.
its also known as 'float' or 'maintenance' charging

this gently charges your battery and ensures it is always charged without being overcharged.

many modern onboard chargers will revert to trickle charging if left on hookup for extended periods, but some don't and could overcharge your battery resulting in electrolyte loss and the constant need to top up with water.

a small, low output stand-alone charger connected to the battery should be fine.

 

[Gunner29]

trickle charging is a slow low current charge...usually just one or two amps at most.
its also known as 'float' or 'maintenance' charging

this gently charges your battery and ensures it is always charged without being overcharged.

many modern onboard chargers will revert to trickle charging if left on hookup for extended periods, but some don't and could overcharge your battery resulting in electrolyte loss and the constant need to top up with water.

a small, low output stand-alone charger connected to the battery should be fine.

Not technically minded esp when it comes to elect etc. can you/anyone recommend a "Small low output stand alone charger"

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[hilldweller]

Not technically minded esp when it comes to elect etc. can you/anyone recommend a "Small low output stand alone charger"

Do you need one ? Ours has the built in charger running all the time. Check with your MH instructions or the charger instructions.

 

[pappajohn]

as Brian says above, do you really need one ?

if you do want one then something like this... [ame="http://www.amazon.co.uk/CTEK-CTE-MXS5-0-12V-Battery-Charger/dp/product-description/B004ZWV1JI/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=248877031&s=automotive"]THIS[/ame]... will do the job.

not cheap but a quality charger.

 

[jonandshell]

'Trickle charging' is a process from the past.
It's bad for batteries, full stop. An uncontrolled constant charge will just dry your cells and lead to the battery's early demise. It was utilised in the days before 'intellegent' contolled chargers became available.
Your modern built-in charger should maintain a charge of approx 13.2V when the van is laid up. Modern chargers will not keep charging an already-charged battery, thus preventing gassing and water loss.

Just plug your van in, and forget it! The on-board charger will look after things in your absence!

Do check your instruction book though. Your distribution panel should see to it that when your leisure battery is charged, your engine battery will be charged too. This eliminates discharging caused by alarms, etc.

Your Sigma should be so equipped, but as a caveat, you should check your instruction manuals.:thumb:

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[Gunner29]

thanks for the advice:thumb: Instruction Manual it is then

 

[hilldweller]

Instruction Manual it is then

Don't you just hate it when that happens !

 

[pappajohn]

Don't you just hate it when that happens !

Goes right against the grain, dunnit !!!

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