BatteryMINDer Plus or Not?

[sidewinder2]

Driver,

I checked the coach and I believe I do have an intelligent charger. It is a Freedom 458 Charger/Inverter and I have an on/off switch for the inverter inside the coach.

So now my question changes: My Freedom 458 seems to have it all including the ability to equalize the house batteries. However, the equalizaiton process requires a Freedom Basic Remote ($105) or a Link 1000 ($300). I have room to replace the on/off switch with either the Basic Remote or the Link 1000.

Since my chassis battery is a sealed unit, I'm inclined to just worry about the house batteries as someone suggested earlier.

I'm looking for some feedback from those of you with either the Basic Remote or the Link 1000 as to which way makes the most sense. I plan on using the same remote cable that is used for the on/off switch which I believe is a four conductor telephone type cable.

Thanks again for all your help!

[BryanL]

RV batteries should not need an equalization charge. That kind of charge should only be done when it is found that some cells in a battery are at a lower state of charge than others (i.e. significant differences in specific gravities) even after it has supposedly been fully charged. Equalization charges are hard on batteries (fully charged cells get overcharged) and should be done with full hazmat precautions and knowing what you are doing. Sealed batteries, especially, do not do well with intentional over-charging and should not be subject to equalization charging.

The best way to handle equalizing batteries in an RV is to provide prompt, vigorous, and complete charging of the battery in addition to storage maintenance that keeps the batteries out of the heat and provides a maintenance charge that inhibits sulfation and keeps a full charge.

As for the BatteryMINDer and multiple batteries - yes, all the batteries would need to be in parallel and then the major issue of concern is the 'softening' of the waveform -- not that big a deal in the overall scheme of things I think.

[sidewinder2]

Bryan,

Thanks for the input. It sounds like the best thing for me to do is nothing!

I'll stick with the inverter on/off and plug in at every opportunity.