Question about using a trickle-charger while truck is parked (aka home time)

I wouldn't recommend a trickle charger (usually 1-1.5 amps) but I would go with what is called a float charger. A trickle charger is just that, it puts out a low amp charge continuously. Even tho its low amp they can and will overcharge a battery if left on too long. the float charger (we have used Battery Tender brand in the past, don't know about them much anymore haven't bought one for about 5 years) will float or adjust the amps to maintain around 12-14 volts, and will shut down completely if it senses it goes over that point. Much better for the batteries.

 

If it is your own personal truck that YOU bought, then do as you please. If it is a company truck, then ask one of the shop mechanics. If you fry any of the batteries they will go thru the system checking for a charging system problem, and if they determine you caused the problem, what do you think will happen to you then?

I have had a Battery Tender myself, for my motorbikes, and it works well, however, it is still an electrical device that can go beserk at any time, and fry your battery..
again., if this is your rig, bought and paid for, have you priced APU's and the tax advantages, etc,etc?

 

My truck has the Volvo factory inverter that switches to a charger when plugged into shore power.

 

I'd like to learn of a solution too. Have fridge, lights, GPS, TV, XM, basically every cigarette lighter plug is being uses even if the device is off it is still 'vampiring'. In the last few months I've already spent more money on jumpstarts than it would have cost to buy 6 brand new batteries lol. Most of that charge was from this nationwide place that advertises, 'you call, we show up' lol. Anyway thought I could recoup some of that by just being more careful and idling a little more etc and making the batteries last a few months longer.

They are standard batteries and 19 months old so it is time plus they dont like being drawn down past a certain point then recharged. Previous batteries I had in there lasted 3 years and were the deep cycle variety which can be drawn down to zero charge and recharged with no damage.

Long story short I would like an inexpensive way to float or maintain my batteries with my little 2000 honda generator-- any ideas?

 

http://www.iotaengineering.com/dls45.htm

 

These, http://smartercharger.com/
They are what is used on all Bentleys.

 

I have solar panel changers in all of my trucks that I throw on the dash and plug into a constant power cig lighter. I never come back to dead batteries. I don't know how well they would work if your using power at the same time though.

 

i don't think you'll fry the batteries with a 1 amp trickle charger. unless the truck is going to sit for a week. with 4 batteries. your talking .25 amps to each battery. and 4 batteries = 4000 amps.

i'd get a 2/6 amp charger. and let it charge on 6 amps while sleeping. unless you have a fridge, then leave it on the entire time. maybe on the 2 amp setting.

you'll have to figure out what you use during your wake time. and what might be needed during sleep time.

harborfreight sells chargers cheap. and they DO refund or exchange if you want something else. so does walmart.

 

Not much you can do other then buying a Xantrex Prosine 2.0. This is a smart inverter/charger/shore power unit for around $1,200. When you park at an RV park you plug the extension cord into it and it makes the switch to external power. It's also a smart 100amp battery charger that won't fry your batteries. It backs off the amps when needed and to zero when they are charged. A normal battery charger keeps going non stop until your batteries either boil, melt or start on fire.

Chances are you are using more then a trickle charger can put out. Your batteries will slowly discharge or the trickle charger will burn up. You have 4 batteries. Your in a truck, not a car with one battery.

I've been this route before.

http://www.xantrex.com/power-products/inverter-chargers/prosine-2.aspx