What do you use to charge your batteries on hook up?

[CamperJack]

I've not really looked into this as much as I have researched solar and battery to battery chargers. I may be interested in fitting one "just in case". I don't plan to use many sites or hook up but would be nice to have if, for some reason, I'm unable to charge via solar or B2B or find myself on a site with hook up or using sites more than I thought I would.

From what I understand you want something called an intelligent multistage charger? Are these different to trickle chargers?

What do you guys use or what do you recommend a good value one for occasional use?

Cheers!

 

[glenn2926]

Hook up does charge the batteries.

 

[two]

You need an 'intelligent' mains charger for EHU. These are much more than a triple charger. You'll need one that respects the chemistry of the habitation battery bank you intend to use (Wet/AGM/Gel/Lion). Get one with capacity to charge at least the size of battery back you intend to install.
You are right to consider adding a mains charger. It's a much cheaper source of power than B2B and more reliable and effective than solar.

 

[CamperJack]

Hook up does charge the batteries.

Hi glenn2926.

In a self build I will need to put something in between where you plug in the power lead from the camp site hook up into my van and my batteries. Something like this, I think? But I'm not sure.

Victron Energy Blue Smart IP22 Bluetooth Battery Charger - 12V 15A, 1 output

Victron Blue Smart IP22 6-stage battery charger 12V 15A (1 output). Multi-stage, Bluetooth-enabled charger for boats, caravans, motorhomes, campervans.

www.12voltplanet.co.uk

 

[hilldweller]

From what I understand you want something called an intelligent multistage charger? Are these different to trickle chargers?

Trickle charge and fast charge in one.

Ebay "caravan charger".

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[CamperJack]

You need an 'intelligent' mains charger for EHU. These are much more than a triple charger. You'll need one that respects the chemistry of the habitation battery bank you intend to use (Wet/AGM/Gel/Lion). Get one with capacity to charge at least the size of battery back you intend to install.
You are right to consider adding a mains charger. It's a much cheaper source of power than B2B and more reliable and effective than solar.

Thanks for the reply, two.

So I need an intelligent mains charger for EHU. Okay.

In regards to matching it to the batteries I have, I will be using 2x 110ah hankook batteries, for a total of 220ah. It says they are sealed calcium. (Here: https://tinyurl.com/Hankook110ahCal)

Trickle charge and fast charge in one.

Ebay "caravan charger".

Thanks, Hilldweller. I have to admit that the choice is a little boggling when you don't know a lot about them. Do you have one or do you have any particular brand recommendations?

 

[peterc10]

Most motorhomes are fitted with a unit that charges both engine and habitation batteries, with different charging regimes depending upon the type of battery and also acts as a 12v distribution system with several circuits and fuses for the many 12v items that are fitted to modern motorhomes. It can also work with separate or integrated B2B and solar chargers so all work together. Most common makers of these are Sargeant (mainly UK motorhomes only), Schaudt and CBE. Suggest you have a look at their websites to see what they offer. They are not cheap.

 

[Campervan_man]

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-...0001&campid=5338547443&icep_item=373009372865

20A intelligent charger. Charges up to 260A of lead battery. £35
cheap, cheerful and do the job.

You can buy a better quality Numax version for £100 on ebay as well.

 

[Campervan_man]

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-...0001&campid=5338547443&icep_item=192081718251

 

[glenn2926]

Hi glenn2926.

In a self build I will need to put something in between where you plug in the power lead from the camp site hook up into my van and my batteries. Something like this, I think? But I'm not sure.

Victron Energy Blue Smart IP22 Bluetooth Battery Charger - 12V 15A, 1 output

Victron Blue Smart IP22 6-stage battery charger 12V 15A (1 output). Multi-stage, Bluetooth-enabled charger for boats, caravans, motorhomes, campervans.

www.12voltplanet.co.uk

Ahh, sorry didn’t realise it’s a self build. I’m sure there will be lots of people here to help.

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[hilldweller]

Do you have one or do you have any particular brand recommendations?

A quick look and if I had to buy today this would do.

20A means that a 100Ah battery is going to take 4 hours or so to recharge.

I bought a big solar panel kit of these guys and was very pleased with the service.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-...0001&campid=5338547443&icep_item=122314362986

 

[nicholsong]

Camperjack

AB2B charger only works from the alternator not the EHU.

If you want to know more about then Sterling's website does a good explanation as to how they work to put maximum charge into leisure batteries.

Geoff

 

[Richard n Ann]

I bought this from Photonic Universe. Main reason was because I'd just changed to a gel battery and it has a gel setting. What type of battery are you fitting?

PS there's 10% off if you are in the C&CC club ?

12V solar panels charging kits for caravans, motorhomes, boats, yachts, marine

12V solar panel solar charging kits for motorhome caravan boat campervan yacht marine off-grid

www.photonicuniverse.com

 

[CamperJack]

Camperjack

AB2B charger only works from the alternator not the EHU.

If you want to know more about then Sterling's website does a good explanation as to how they work to put maximum charge into leisure batteries.

Geoff

Hi Geoff.

I realise that that a B2B works via the engine when driving. That's why I want both a B2B and a hook up device as well. I'll be sure to check out Sterling's website.

 

[CamperJack]

What type of battery are you fitting?

I'll be getting two 110ah sealed calcium batteries for a total of 220ah. (Here: https://tinyurl.com/Hankook110ahCal)

I did think about perhaps increasing to three batteries if I felt the need at a later date.

If one of these EHU chargers says it charges under the 330ah that would make my battery bank would that just slow down the charging? Or could it be potentially harmful in some way?

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[Richard n Ann]

I'll be getting two 110ah sealed calcium batteries for a total of 220ah. (Here: https://tinyurl.com/Hankook110ahCal)

I did think about perhaps increasing to three batteries if I felt the need at a later date.

If one of these EHU chargers says it charges under the 330ah that would make my battery bank would that just slow down the charging? Or could it be potentially harmful in some way?

No it will just charge slower, you'd probably want the bigger one though for 3 batteries.

 

[CamperJack]

A quick look and if I had to buy today this would do.

20A means that a 100Ah battery is going to take 4 hours or so to recharge.

I bought a big solar panel kit of these guys and was very pleased with the service.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-...0001&campid=5338547443&icep_item=122314362986

Brian,

Thank you for taking the time to have a look for me. This looks ideal! I'll probably get one of these. Pleasantly surprised at the price too.

The range of upto 400 ah will allow me to add that third battery in the future, should I ever think I need it.

Jack.

 

[hilldweller]

Brian,
Thank you for taking the time to have a look for me.
Jack.

It was touch and go, I rescheduled two meetings and told BBC news I wasn't doing interviews today.

I love easy questions.

 

[Raul]

Have you ever thought of a inverter charger? This could be a very nice integration with auto switch over and UPS function, fully programmable charger and inverter, just a idea.

 

[CamperJack]

Have you ever thought of a inverter charger? This could be a very nice integration with auto switch over and UPS function, fully programmable charger and inverter, just a idea.

I vaguely remember I read about those or watched a video or something a few months back. I think the guy made the point that if that one unit that does break you'll be knackered. I think I agree. Although the auto-switchover and convenience of one unit does appeal.

It's interesting because there are so may ways to do things.

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[CamperJack]

It was touch and go, I rescheduled two meetings and told BBC news I wasn't doing interviews today.

I love easy questions.

I hope the Beeb were not too disappointed ! It's appreciated anyway.

 

[Richard n Ann]

Have you ever thought of a inverter charger? This could be a very nice integration with auto switch over and UPS function, fully programmable charger and inverter, just a idea.

I fitted a 1000w inverter for Ann's '40w' ? hair straighteners and it has a charger function, great to have as a back up ?? it's not a multi stage charger, it's really a 13.8v power supply. But as I say, great to have as a back up.

 

[Mhambi]

I have Victron multiplus, which is an inverter and charger all in one.

MultiPlus - Victron Energy

The MultiPlus, as the name suggests, is a combined inverter and charger in one elegant package. Learn more about the MultiPlus models.

www.victronenergy.com

 

[Baggydave]

Hi
in our self build when on site for longer than a month we simply use a stand alone battery charger(Lidl’s £10) when the need arises, usually only if the sun don’t shine. usually leave plugged in overnight Or until fully charged light comes on.
Connected to the engine battery it charges our leisure ones as well via the split charger. We've used this process for the last 4 years with no problem.

except for winter the solar is usually enough to keep all bats topped up. We don’t have a tv & use iPads charged via usb for entertainment etc. All lights are led.