Charging with new golf cart batteries question

luvmytab

I am in the process of hooking up my new golf cart batteries. I was going to plug in my T@B to fully charge it, like I do every year and I was told that by friend I did not need to do that this year because i have the new fully charged golf cart batteries. In fact, he says it could even ruin my batteries. I am confused.....advice is welcome and appreciated. Thank you!

Verna

The converter is used to charge the batteries, so it will maintain the charge in the batteries.

Some say they leave the converter connected all the time, some connect the power occasionally to maintain a charge.

I've been connecting power for two or three weeks, disconnect the power for a week or so, connect it, etc. In the past, I have also used a Battery Tender Jr to maintain the battery charge between trips. And, yes, I do have the dual 6V golf cart battery set-up in my T@B. 

And there will be many opinions of what is best for you, so do some reading here about trickle charging, maintaining a charge and using the converter and decide what is best for you. 

ColoradoJon

Like @Verna explained there is no issue with connecting power and allowing the converter to maintain your new batteries.  To expand on that a bit - the converter on the TAB is a 3 stage charger.  If the batteries truly are fully charged the converter will switch to maintenance mode and keep your new batteries topped up.  It will not damage your batteries.

luvmytab

so, if i heard your both correctly, at this point, since we are heading out in a few day for this years "maiden journey" (can't wait!) and prob will not have time to fully educate myself on maintenance,etc of my new batteries...suffice to say I can plug it into power for my own peace of mind and it will not hurt anything....still not sure if it is necessary or not as I am so green on electrical language and concept....but sounds like I will be educated and actually understand what a converter is.  thanks!

JohnDanielsCPA

A converter (converts) 110 volt energy to 12 volt, which is why you can charge a 12 volt battery from a 110 volt outlet.  An inverter (converts) 12 volt energy to 110 volt energy, which allows you to use your battery's 12 volt energy to power 110 volt appliances.  A T@B comes equipped with a converter; it does not come equipped with an inverter.  Note, however, that an inverter can drain your battery fairly quickly if you are using your batteries (through the inverter) to power 110 volt appliances.

ColoradoJon

What @JohnDanielsCPA said

And yes, you can plug in  your camper and hook up your batteries without hurting anything.  My 230Ah Duracell batteries were *not* fully charged when I bought them so it's good insurance to do so

Enjoy your first trip of the year!

Sharon_is_SAM

Make sure your battery cut off switch is turned to "On" to charge/maintain charge.