So, how does the battery stay charged when just sitting in driveway???
I do not understand the magic of the battery system....I still find the computer somewhat magical so basically, pretend I am five.
When I first got the new to me camper, the battery worked and I was able to plug things in. I tried using it on my maiden voyage and no go...please explain it.
You need a Battery charger you can hook up to your battery directly while sitting in the drivewall, you have two options you can do. #1- Just a regular automatic Battery Charger will do but do look for a "Battery Tender", this keeps the Battery at full charge then with a float charge, this hook-up requires you to hook directly to the battery post. If you remove your Battery then this is your best way to go with a Battery Tender.
#2- The other way is to run a 110v home cord to plug into your camper while it is parked in your driveway, this will keep your trailer Battery charged. Did your Camper come with a power cord? If it is long enough you will be able to plug it directly into a 110V source with the required plug adapter.
The Plug adapter can be found at Wal-mart or any place that sells RV supplies.
Here is what I do:
Assuming that you start with a fully charged battery as a result of towing home and as a result the TV has fully charged the battery. When I get home I remove the red wires from the battery post so that the small loads of the trailer- CO detector or whatever won't discharge the battery over time. Then the next time I want to go camping I hook up the red leads and I have a (almost- see below) fully charged battery. Some owners have put a switch near the battery to do this, but it only takes me a few seconds to unscrew the nut on the battery post and pull the wire off and I am lazy.
Over the winter, I remove the battery, bring it in to the garage and hook up a battery tender as discussed above. A disconnected battery will slowly discharge- about 5-10% per month so the battery tender keeps it fully charged and ready to go in the spring.
David
Quote from: @nixter68" source="/post/14722/thread" timestamp="1440995019So, how does the battery stay charged when just sitting in driveway???
It doesn't.
See David's explanation. Note that not EVERY tow vehicle has the wiring set up to recharge the battery while you are connected and driving along. This depends on both your trailer wiring and the tow vehicle.
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I do not understand the magic of the battery system....I still find the computer somewhat magical so basically, pretend I am five.
Think of it
like the gas tank for your car a glass of milk with your cookies, but it has a tiny leak so it's always draining even if you leave it untouched.
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When I first got the new to me camper, the battery worked and I was able to plug things in. I tried using it on my maiden voyage and no go...please explain it.
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I don't think it happened the way you relate it. The battery will not provide AC power, only 12 volt DC. The only was this could be true is if you had the trailer plugged into an AC power source. Which supplies AC power, and also recharges your battery.
Things on your trailer that require AC power (and thus don't work if you are only on battery power aka "dry camping" aka "boondocking"):
Air Conditioner (and typically you want the AC power supply to be at least the 30 amp, 15 amps might draw too much)
Microwave
AC outlets
Battery charger
[/p][p]
[/p][p]* I suppose it is possible to have an inverter (a gizmo that magically turns DC into AC so you can plug stuff in) driving your AC outlets but that is atypical as it is a very inefficient way to make AC power. You'd be better off with a generator, which if it is small probably won't provide enough power for the microwave or air conditioner.[/p][p]
Things on your trailer that will work off the battery until it's completely drained (you may not have all of these):
Radio
Lights
Water Pump
Refrigerator
Fans
Slideout motor
12 volt outlets (looks like the lighter outlet in your car)
Water heater ignition
TV antenna amplifier
CO detector
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On my 10.0 when I am not using it I disconnect the battery. Right before I go camping I put a slow charge in it with a charger I got at Walmart. If you leave it plugged in it will run down quicker. Always worked for me. I don't worry about ruining the battery. It should last for years like this.
another option...a small solar panel to keep the batteries topped up when not in use
many options...i use this one http://www.amazon.com/Battery-Tender-021-1164-Solar-Charger/dp/B004Q86JJ8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1441076195&sr=8-1&keywords=deltran+solar+panel&pebp=1441076184592&perid=16KMA29CYAKRR9KJ4QAS
You guys/gals are awesome. Loved the milk and cookies analogy. I understand much better now. Just got back from my second official outing (I don't include all the driveway use this summer), first time with the hubs and it was a success! I think I can get him to go again.
Each time I learn something new. Thanks to all of you for your guidance, advice and humor. Much appreciated.
You might find out like myself you really don't need the battery to often on a Quicksilver. For me it just adds weight on the tongue.