Battery/Charging systems, Battery question
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| dacoop7 |
 Jul 22 2008, 10:25 AM
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#1
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Group: Members Posts: 4 Joined: 22-July 08 Member No.: 2,917 Favorite Truck Camper(s): Lance Type and Brand of Truck(s) Owned: Chevy 1500 extended cab short bed Type of Tiedowns used: Happijac Truck and Camper Setup: Silverado 1500, timbren-m-41.html">Timbren, Happijac tiedowns, Lance 805  |
I'm new to the truck camping lifestyle, and still learning about everything. We rarely go camping at a "plug in" site, and prefer the way out of the way sites.
I'm wondering about battery maintenance. We have a Lance 805, which is a very light camper, with only a heater, fridge, fans, and lights (plus stove, and pumps) So far, we have been ok with a 3 day trip, but not sure how close we are coming to running out of power...is there a way to check? I don't have any sort of on board voltmeter. Is there a specific tool to buy to do this? Also, when I get back, what is the best way to recharge. I have a battery tender charger, but should I hook that up to charge, or just plug in the camper? Thanks all! I'm excited to get going in this new way of camping...and hope to learn all about it over the next year or so! |
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| Spanky |
Jul 22 2008, 09:33 PM
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#2
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 Moderator Group: Moderator Posts: 320 Joined: 24-June 06 From: Silver City, New Mexico Member No.: 144 Favorite Truck Camper(s): Lance 1030 Type and Brand of Truck(s) Owned: 1999 F350 Power Stroke Dually SuperCab Type of Tiedowns used: Torklift Truck and Camper Setup: 1999 Ford F350 4x4 Super Cab 1 ton Dually Lance 1030 Torklift tiedowns |
When you plug your camper into your truck and start your truck the battery starts charging in the camper. I have a little rule that I follow and that is every evening right before I am ready to settle down for the evening and have a cold beer and sit by the fire, I start my truck and let it run for about 15 minutes to charge the battery. This way I don't have to worry about it. When you get back from camping you can plug your camper into 110 and make sure your converter is on and this will charge your battery. I keep my camper plugged in when it is sitting here at home at all times. If you are traveling and drive everyday then your truck should keep your battery fully charged.
Gary  -------------------- 1999 F350 Power Stroke Dually Super Cab, 2003 Lance 1030
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| dacoop7 |
Jul 23 2008, 04:12 PM
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#3
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Group: Members Posts: 4 Joined: 22-July 08 Member No.: 2,917 Favorite Truck Camper(s): Lance Type and Brand of Truck(s) Owned: Chevy 1500 extended cab short bed Type of Tiedowns used: Happijac Truck and Camper Setup: Silverado 1500, timbren-m-41.html">Timbren, Happijac tiedowns, Lance 805 |
QUOTE( y @ Jul 22 2008, 08:33 PM) When you plug your camper into your truck and start your truck the battery starts charging in the camper. I have a little rule that I follow and that is every evening right before I am ready to settle down for the evening and have a cold beer and sit by the fire, I start my truck and let it run for about 15 minutes to charge the battery. This way I don't have to worry about it. When you get back from camping you can plug your camper into 110 and make sure your converter is on and this will charge your battery. I keep my camper plugged in when it is sitting here at home at all times. If you are traveling and drive everyday then your truck should keep your battery fully charged. Gary  Wow...great! Thanks! I figured I couldn't leave it plugged into the house, for fear of overcharging. I usually plug it in a day or 2 before leaving, just to charge it and cool the fridge down. I also didn't realize running the truck on idle would give much of a charge...I assumed it was just a trickle charge. Will it still charge in only 15 minutes or so even though it is just plugged into the truck by way of the trailer 6 plug hookup? |
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| Spanky |
Jul 23 2008, 07:53 PM
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#4
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Moderator Group: Moderator Posts: 320 Joined: 24-June 06 From: Silver City, New Mexico Member No.: 144 Favorite Truck Camper(s): Lance 1030 Type and Brand of Truck(s) Owned: 1999 F350 Power Stroke Dually SuperCab Type of Tiedowns used: Torklift Truck and Camper Setup: 1999 Ford F350 4x4 Super Cab 1 ton Dually Lance 1030 Torklift tiedowns |
Yes if the truck is running. What I meant by starting my truck to charge is this, if you leave home with a fully charged battery, then while on your way to camp your truck is steadily charging the battery, by starting your truck and letting it idle for at least 15 minutes or so each day it will "keep up" with demand. Now, this works for me and it really depends on how much power you use. It may take a 30 minute period of idiling. Also if you use a generator it too will charge your battery.
Gary  -------------------- 1999 F350 Power Stroke Dually Super Cab, 2003 Lance 1030
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