Complete campervan beginner - confused by batteries!

bigmac77 · Sep 23, 2016

aileen said:
I'm trying hard to understand the posts about keeping batteries charged. I have no problems in summer when I'm camping and driving I also have a large solar panel. My question is would a trickle charger be sufficient to charge the batteries when the VW is in storage indoors for five months?. There is no storage facility available with electric hook up and the Cali will be stationary while I'm in Asia each year
Thanks for any advice
Aileenonroad

Why not store outside and let the solar panel look after the batteries for you.

aileen · Sep 23, 2016

bigmac77 said:
Why not store outside and let the solar panel look after the batteries for you.

aileen · Sep 23, 2016

Thank you both for your answers. The storage facility is willing to let me plug in a trickle charger but not hook the Cali to the mains. I do have the adapter for that
Re the outside storage and solar panel. I don't know how accurate the display panel is but the percentage of battery charge goes down daily when stationary even though the regulator is flashing. I see an immediate response when I turn on the ignition and the percentage of charge shows 90%. Of course there is also little sunshine in Ireland during winter months
Thanks for input. Aileen

Californiaman · Sep 23, 2016

It might be worth pointing out to them that by plugging into the mains, you are simply connecting to the existing on-board trickle charger....

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WelshGas · Sep 23, 2016

Californiaman said:
It might be worth pointing out to them that by plugging into the mains, you are simply connecting to the existing on-board trickle charger....

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Agree. Cannot see what the difference is. In fact probably safer all round using the California Charger as it is designed for prolonged use and would keep all 3 batteries in good condition.

AlanC · Sep 26, 2016

WelshGas said:
Agree. Cannot see what the difference is. In fact probably safer all round using the California Charger as it is designed for prolonged use and would keep all 3 batteries in good condition.

Plus if there is a problem, the van electrical system (including the charger) will be quickly isolated from the mains feed by the double pole breaker in the back cupboard.

Alan