Community Forums

wenbellz · 10-16-2014, 04:28 PM

I have a 2010 Northwood Nash travel trailer. I've invested in a shut off switch and regularly remove my batteries during the winter months, keeping them charged with a Battery Tender. My question is about keeping the 100% charge while being connected to shore power in a campground. To me, it seems counterintuitive to connect up a Battery Tender to the batteries while they are receiving a charge (albeit only up to 80%) through the onboard converter/charger. Kinda new at this so I'm still learning what I can do and can't. What do I need to do to charge the batteries with my Battery Tender while still having 110 power in my trailer in the campground?

vsheetz · 10-16-2014, 04:44 PM

Welcome!

Not sure I understand. For storage you remove the batteries and keep them on a battery tender. And then while using the RV you are on shore power and the batteries are charged by the converter. You do not need to connect the battery tender in the using the RV scenario - the converter is providing for battery charging and 12vdc items, while the shore power is providing for 120vac items (to include the converter).

**pasdad1** · 10-16-2014, 05:21 PM

What brand/model of converter/charger do you have? If it's a 3 stage charger, then all is good.....it will take great care of your batteries while you are on shore power at the campground.

If it's only a 1 stage charger, it might be worth it to upgrade to a 3 stage model. A really good one by Progreessive Dynamics can be had for about $180 or less (install not included).

IdahoBob · 10-16-2014, 05:53 PM

Your 2010 Nash and its original converter will take outstanding care of your batteries without a tender. I say that based on 3 years experience with our 2010 Arctic Fox.

Bob

chaps2018 · 10-16-2014, 06:14 PM

Regardless of how or what you charge with, ensure plates are covered w/distilled water...If you own a battery tender I know I am preaching to the choir. ;-)

wenbellz · 10-17-2014, 11:21 AM

Thanks to all who responded to my post. I was just trying to avoid getting a replacement for my Nash's converter/charger. While I'm sure that the newer Arctic Fox's have the three stage c/c, I'm pretty sure that my lower level Nash does not, though it would be worth finding out from the manufacturer. And I am pretty compulsive about checking those little water levels, that's for sure. Again, thanks all for talking me through this.

lanerd · 10-17-2014, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wenbellz

While I'm sure that the newer Arctic Fox's have the three stage c/c, I'm pretty sure that my lower level Nash does not

Using a simple digital multimeter will allow you to determine if your converter/charger is a 1 or 3 stage unit. If you don't have one.....get one. They are probably the #1 item you should have.

Ron

wenbellz · 10-19-2014, 10:49 AM

Just as a followup on this issue, I contacted Northwood Manufacturing and received a very prompt and helpful response to my inquiry about my converter/charger. With their info, I looked up my unit on the converter/charger's website and found out that it accepts a "wizard" (which they sell, of course) that controls charge and monitors the batteries for, get this, a mere $35. Thinking I'll go this way. Thanks to those who responded to my uninformed inquiry. :-)