Keeping the battery charged in the camper.

[bazzaboy]

Guys,

In my new camper trailer I have a 120AH battery for running various items. Question .... as the trailer will sitting for long periods between use, what's the easiest or most efficient way of keeping the battery charged? I thought of fitting a caravan style waterproof 240v socket and permanently mounting a trickle charger next to the battery, or perhaps using my portable 240w solar panels. I'm not overly keen of leaving my portable solar panels out in the weather for prolonged periods.

What have others done?

Bazza

[threedogs]

All I use is my 20 watt panel,

Why use 240V when solar is free

[Sir Roofy]

I use 80w fold panel just leave it with the camper and the reg just floats till we use the battery

[the evil twin]

Guys,

In my new camper trailer I have a 120AH battery for running various items. Question .... as the trailer will sitting for long periods between use, what's the easiest or most efficient way of keeping the battery charged? I thought of fitting a caravan style waterproof 240v socket and permanently mounting a trickle charger next to the battery, or perhaps using my portable 240w solar panels. I'm not overly keen of leaving my portable solar panels out in the weather for prolonged periods.

What have others done?

Bazza

A $25 10 watt panel off E'bay will do the job. http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Solar-Panel-12V-10W-with-Alligator-Clips-Battery-Charger-GENUINE-SUNTECH-CELLS-/181254244444?hash=item2a3398485c

You don't need a Reg with that size panel into 120 AH.
If you are worried about not having a Reg then only put the panel on for, say, a few days once a month.
The parasitic drain on a camper battery should be almost zilch

[bazzaboy]

A $25 10 watt panel off E'bay will do the job. http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Solar-Panel-12V-10W-with-Alligator-Clips-Battery-Charger-GENUINE-SUNTECH-CELLS-/181254244444?hash=item2a3398485c

You don't need a Reg with that size panel into 120 AH.
If you are worried about not having a Reg then only put the panel on for, say, a few days once a month.
The parasitic drain on a camper battery should be almost zilch

I like this option. Good to know about not needing a regulator on this size set-up. I could just plug this 10w panel into an external lighter socket.

Thank you.
Bazza

[ashhunter]

Supacheap has them for about $25

[Hawk2014]

Disconnect the neg terminal.