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Old 08-25-2014, 06:25 AM   #1
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Dead Battery

I left my battery plugged in during storage and the last time I went out it was pretty well dead. Disconnected it as I will from now on. Iam heading out this weekend. There is three (3) ways I know to charge, which one (1) should I do?

1) Battery Charger
2) Hook trailer up to shore power and let trailer charge the battery
3) TV charging as I drive down the road

I don't want to burn anything up, I know if your car battery goes dead you should never charge it with your alternator, as you will burn the alternator up

Thanks
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Old 08-25-2014, 06:57 AM   #2
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I don't want to burn anything up, I know if your car battery goes dead you should never charge it with your alternator, as you will burn the alternator up
Never heard that before and I managed a 50 vehicle fleet for 15 years. The mechanics jump started many a dead battery and let them charge while being driven. The alternator has a built in regulator for just that reason.
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Old 08-25-2014, 07:01 AM   #3
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You didn't say the age of your trailer. The newer units have multi stage converters in them that allow you to keep your trailer connected to shore power continuously. If it's an older unit with a single stage converter, then you would be better off to use a smart charger to maintain batteries. You will not burn up your alternator charging with your TV. Your amperage is limited by what your wiring harness will allow to go to your batteries as you go down the road. A better bet might be a manual disconnect on your batteries that would stop battery drain. Each situation is different depending on your circumstance and equipment.
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Old 08-25-2014, 01:33 PM   #4
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It is a 2010 297BHS. I saw someone wire up a disconnect looked like it was for a race car. That will be going on mine. Right now I am going to just open up and pull the wire off
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Old 08-25-2014, 01:34 PM   #5
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I don know on my truck when I press the trailer tow button i pushes out additional power to charge the battery, so I guess I will pull it home and just plug it into shore while I am loading it and just finish the charge with my truck

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Old 08-25-2014, 01:44 PM   #6
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Lots newer trailers come with a disconnect switch. You can order a perko switch on the www. You will need a 6-12 inch double ended battery cable to complete connection. Wally World for $2-4, Works great. If your running on the original battery it's around 5 years old and may be time to replace. Good luck.
Here's one for $19.99
http://greatlakesskipper.com/guest-3...battery-switch
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Old 08-25-2014, 02:01 PM   #7
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I am thinking something like this screwed into the battery box
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Old 08-25-2014, 03:18 PM   #8
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That will work, but as it has no protection skirt make sure to use the neg side of the battery. You will still need the double ended battery cable to complete. 4 gauge..switch to starter.
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Old 08-25-2014, 03:38 PM   #9
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This is on a trailer. Wire is maybe 10 gauge. 8 at the most I will just cut the negative lead and crimp on some new stake on connectors. My negative lead is plenty long enough
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Old 08-25-2014, 03:47 PM   #10
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That will work great.
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Old 08-25-2014, 11:04 PM   #11
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I haven't needed a disconnect in the past but now that we leave our trailer in a storage lot I can see one in my future. It is much easier to turn a switch than mess with the cables each time.
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Old 08-26-2014, 11:51 AM   #12
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$14 at O'Reily auto parts going on this weekend
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Old 08-31-2014, 05:12 AM   #13
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Installed check it out
Attached Thumbnails
image.jpg  
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Old 08-31-2014, 05:14 AM   #14
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Another drain I found out is I have a power antenna and never knew it. Power was always on. Not any more
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Old 08-31-2014, 05:39 AM   #15
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Installed check it out
Nice. And I see you have a line to secure the key so it won't get lost.
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Old 09-06-2014, 05:00 PM   #16
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Why not just pull the 30A fuse? All of my trailers have had a 30A fuse in the fuse holder in the positive wire just outside the battery box. My 2007 Eagle and my new 2015 White Hawk have it, as did all of my previous trailers.
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Old 09-07-2014, 05:59 AM   #17
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I just like this better turn the key and walk away. I am just not a fan of plugging and unplugging something I don't think is designed for that kind of wear and tear. I am sure people have been doing that way for years with no issues. I just like this way better
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