battries overcharging

[fwernlein]

If it helps: my OEM set up was two 45amp "dumb" chargers. While
camping, this was fine, demand and supply were largely balanced, as I
would have hookups for a couple of days, then boondock for a few.
Usually, one charger would cover my needs, after boondocking, I would
use both for a day. Problem was when storing at home, leaving one
plugged in all the time would overcharge. I used one/both by simply
unplugging one charger in the bay.

One of the dumb chargers finally died, and I replaced it with a 45amp
IOTA automatic charger. I have the second OEM unit still in place as
a spare/quick charge assist.

When camping, my method is to monitor the battery condition (volts at
rest) and typically just use the one IOTA charger. After a big
drawdown, I will sometimes use both chargers if I need to quickly
charge up the bank.

In areas that prohibit gensets....I also added a solar panel to keep
the batterys up.

For storage, I bought a heavy duty timer from Home Depot that plugged
into the 120vt. receptical in the bay and leave then OEM dumb charger
unplugged, the IOTA charger plugged into the timer - which is set
to "charge" the batteries about 1-2 hours a day when stored.

IF I had the OEM dumb chargers...i would just get the timer. When one
of the dinosoars finally dies, replace it with an automatic charger.

frank
85fc33

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "putneyflash"
wrote:
>
> From what i have read this is a common problrm on older birds. How
do
> we prevent it? i hear about a automatic voltage regulator that will
> keep the battries from drying out.
> Thanks for all the good information that is wiliiingly shared.
>
> re brake 1983 fc-35 sb
>