Batter charger and converter.

dmascheck · 11-30-2017, 04:35 AM

Can you run a batter charger and converter on your batteries simultaneously?

I know the question comes up WHY? Just curious?

**wingnut60** · 11-30-2017, 06:59 AM

Should be no problem to do that--except the possibility of overcharging and boiling the batteries.
In my case, when boondocking, I have found the running the gen + the auto battery charger will replenish the batteries much faster than the gen/converter alone.
Just need to be aware you can damage the batteries by an overcharge if the auto charger is not multi-stage.

dmascheck · 12-01-2017, 05:16 AM

Pretty much what I figured!

I will put in a new smart converter today and hope it will help maintain the batteries. I also changed all the bulbs to LED and it's made a significant difference in our older trailer. Everything electrical I do in the RV is geared towards the battery efficiency!

Have a great day!

**wingnut60** · 12-01-2017, 06:49 AM

Very smart to go to LEDs--on my previous Suites, did the change and battery charge lasted significantly longer. New one has LEDs already.
When it comes time to replace the batteries, do some research and get the largest deep-cycle 6 volts you can fit in. Do not use 12volt marine/deep-cycle, not near as good as true 6volt deep-cycles.

dmascheck · 12-01-2017, 08:42 AM

I'm happy and I love the King of the Road. While no longer made anymore, the quality of build, far surpasses others I see made today! Just trying to update with newer features!

If I knew what I know now, I would have gotten Trojan or electric Fork lift batteries. Bought two deep cycle 12 volts from NAPA. Found out about the Trojan's later and tried to cancel the others, but they had them in already, so I don't like to renege on something they brought in for me!

What is the difference on having two Trojan 12 volt cycle batteries vs two 6 volt??? Seems two 12's would be just as good?

Do you have a brand or type and number you prefer?

**wingnut60** · 12-01-2017, 10:14 AM

T105s...'nuff said.

dmascheck · 12-01-2017, 10:26 AM

Great thank you!

dmascheck · 12-01-2017, 12:51 PM

They have two different ones!
Trojan Reliant T105-AGM Deep-Cycle Battery $269
Trojan Trojan 6 Volt Battery T-105

Also what is this??
4 X TROJAN BATTERY T-105 PLUS 6V DEEP CYCLE FLOODED 225 Ah

My batteries are in an area that is hard to service. Would the AGM be better?

Again, they have 12 volt ones also. You still think two 6 volts will do better than two 12's??

**wingnut60** · 12-01-2017, 02:03 PM

Any of the t105s should work--up to you how much to spend. Many have bought true deep-cycles at Sams/Costco and such. Just be sure it is deep-cycle only and not a 'Marine/start Deep Cycle'
A battery is mainly an electrical storage device--power available is equal to what you put in with a charger. Basically, you want the most AHs you can afford and will fit in your space--kind of like truck engines, "there ain't no replacement for displacement" The larger AH storage, the longer you can use the power before needing to recharge.
Also, why 6-volt deep cycle? They will last longer and take provide more recharge cycles than a 12-volt, and will somewhat recover from over-depleting the charge past 50% better.

dmascheck · 12-02-2017, 07:19 AM

I'll upgrade when the ones I have go south!

Being I have no slide out tray, would it not be wise to go AGM, so I don't have to check the fluid? I wish there was some way to install a battery slide out like it has for the propane. Seems they would have thought about it in the design.

**wingnut60** · 12-02-2017, 11:58 AM

I believe both Morryde and LCI (Lippert Components, Inc) make slide out trays, along with several others if you have the patience to search the web. Just be sure it is capable of supporting a couple hundred pounds.

dmascheck · 12-03-2017, 05:14 AM

I noticed a main basement slide out tray which was nice. any complain that it wastes space! I never saw one small enough for the batteries! Sure would be a help, servicing them hence thinking about AGM.

**wingnut60** · 12-03-2017, 06:20 AM

Check this one out---

http://www.dyersonline.com/morryde-b...RoCkUYQAvD_BwE

dmascheck · 12-04-2017, 04:23 AM

Thank you! I need to measure mine. Mine is narrow, but deep! Sure would be handy!

The more I did into my older trailer, the more I like it! Everything is very soundly built, to last! I have a friend that had the same trailer and put 120,000 miles on it!

**wingnut60** · 12-04-2017, 07:09 AM

Also:

https://www.lci1.com/kwikee-storage-trays

LCI (Lippert) is the supplier of most of the sliding trays you find in the fivers...ought to be a battery tray that will fit. There are also after-market industrial suppliers of slides that may work if LCI doesn't have one.

dmascheck · 12-04-2017, 08:03 AM

I appreciate the help. Right now, I’m worried about the handle breaking off that allows the water tank to be filled. Not made anymore. So next weekend I’ll unload the basement to get good access to see if I can take it loose from the boards it’s attached to.

Good news is I got the new converter in. One more checked off my list.

Have a great day!

dmascheck · 12-04-2017, 02:02 PM

It would sure be nice to have them in the basement, but on my design there may be too much wasted space! But then even one in the basement would help getting things out much easier! The batteries are a must do! I need to get some measurements and they are listed on Amazon!

I notice MoRryde has them as well. Everything I have is from them and I may keep it in the family. I notice they have better stairs, and the installation seems very easy! Next purchase!

Thank you!

Notanlines · 12-05-2017, 06:28 AM

We vote yes to the battery and LP tank slides and vehemently NO on the basement slide. It is a terrific waste of space. If you travelled with very little in the basement it would be fair, but not if you put a large amount of stuff in there. Ours went in the garbage.

Stripit · 12-05-2017, 08:16 AM

Now I had the exact opposite feeling for the slide out tray. I bought a rack from Walmart and cut it to fit so I could have my clear plastic totes stacked on the slide out tray. Mine slid out either direction and things I used at every stop were on the ends of the tray for easy access. Things not used often were in the middle and just sat there till needed. I would order one again as I found the tray very handy to have and use.

dmascheck · 12-05-2017, 09:23 AM

It’s not the first time I’ve heard that.

I have everything packed in individual clear plastic boxes with clamp on lids. I have one for sewer, one for potable water and gas, one for wheel oriented items plus an Dewalt impact wrench. Another for electrical items, then general camping items packed on top and a collapsible ladder.

I thought it would be nice to have it slide out so I could grab what I need. Oh well.

I have a slide for the propane tanks and I’m looking for one for the batteries.

Other plans upgrading toilet and the stairs!!

Thank you!