Battery Charge

DanL

When my Tab 400 is in winter storage, I do not have access to an electrical outlet to keep the battery plugged in.     I also cannot remove the battery because I live in a condo.    I am going to use a generator to charge up the battery.     I am wondering if there is a charge time difference between plugging the trailer directly into the generator or plugging a battery charger into the generator and connecting to the battery posts.   Thanks!

N7SHG_Ham

I would charge it fully, disconnect the battery with the big red battery disconnect and not worry about it. If you do decide to charge a high quality battery charger Direct to the battery should work better than the WFCO converter.

Marceline

DanL said:

When my Tab 400 is in winter storage, I do not have access to an electrical outlet to keep the battery plugged in.     I also cannot remove the battery because I live in a condo.    I am going to use a generator to charge up the battery.     I am wondering if there is a charge time difference between plugging the trailer directly into the generator or plugging a battery charger into the generator and connecting to the battery posts.   Thanks!

If it's stored outside there are small (10w) solar panels that will trickle charge the battery to keep it topped up.

DanL

Marceline said:

DanL said:

When my Tab 400 is in winter storage, I do not have access to an electrical outlet to keep the battery plugged in.     I also cannot remove the battery because I live in a condo.    I am going to use a generator to charge up the battery.     I am wondering if there is a charge time difference between plugging the trailer directly into the generator or plugging a battery charger into the generator and connecting to the battery posts.   Thanks!

If it's stored outside there are small (10w) solar panels that will trickle charge the battery to keep it topped up.

Hello Marceline.     This is a good idea.    Do you have to leave the storage compartment door slightly open to allow the wires to get to the battery?

pthomas745

The batteries, if not under any load, will hold their charge for a long time.  The "self discharge" of is very low.  N7SHG has the right idea.

Find the comments here about self discharge of batteries:

https://www.solar-electric.com/learning-center/batteries-and-charging/deep-cycle-battery-faq.html

Sharon_is_SAM

@DanL, as pthomas45 stated, your AGM batteries in your 400, once fully charged, with the battery switch off, will last all winter with limited discharge.  You don’t even need a solar trickle charger.  Just check it once in a while for your own peace of mind and to prove to yourself that your battery is adequately charged.

Michigan_Mike

As people have noted the battery should be fine for the winter when fully charged and with the battery switch in the off position.  A fully charged battery has a freezing point around -80 °F while a discharged battery has a freezing point around 20 °F. By keeping the battery fully charged during the winter months, the electrolyte is less likely to freeze and cause unexpected failures.  That's what I do to all my batteries here in Michigan, I charge them up fully, leave them intact (no current draw from anything) in the equipment and have not had any issues after using them in the spring.   

As for using a small solar panel, Zamp makes a solar port that can be install anywhere on the trailer and would allow you to plug the panel in and out as needed.  

https://youtu.be/FCfPvS6iTzk?t=17

ScottG

All good advice.

Also, I have a feeling running a generator at your condo is not going to endear you to your neighbors.  ;-)

BirdieJane

We had an AGM battery failure do to cold last weekend. Battery went from a full charge to nothing in 3 hours after the temp dropped. Check into it. Renogy is sending us a new one.
not sure how cold it gets where you live, you might want your battery stored in a warm place.