We just got an RV that came with two deep cycle batteries that run in parallel.... I want to grab a generator to be able to charge these batteries while we are out camping and not around any local power.
Can I just grab a small 1000/1200 generator and a 10-12 amp battery charger? Or would I need something larger?
We just got an RV that came with two deep cycle batteries that run in parallel.... I want to grab a generator to be able to charge these batteries while we are out camping and not around any local power.
Can I just grab a small 1000/1200 generator and a 10-12 amp battery charger? Or would I need something larger?
Thanks!
Depends on how many amp-hours you use per day. Use 100 amp-hours, you need at least 10 hours on a 10-amp charger to replace them. Use 30 amp hours you need three hours on a 10-amp or 1 1/2 hours on a 20-amp. Actually a lot more time for most consumer-grade chargers because they start backing down from nominal ratings at 50% to 80% charge.
Charging a battery bank is somewhat like a frog on a log who can jump 1/2 to the end of the log in any jump. Every jump takes about the same time but the amp-hours returned to the battery become smaller and smaller. That's why solar, with a good charge controller, is one of the better ways to recharge batteries. It is not uncommon for me to see my solar panels "putting in" just one amp to 875 amp-hours of storage.
Check to see what make and model the 'converter' (what rv's call a battery charger) in the RV is. It may be a good unit.
If you do go the generator route--make sure to get an "inverter generator". It will be quieter, and will save fuel when it is under light loads.
Ormrod wrote: Hey guys,
We just got an RV that came with two deep cycle batteries that run in parallel.... I want to grab a generator to be able to charge these batteries while we are out camping and not around any local power.
Can I just grab a small 1000/1200 generator and a 10-12 amp battery charger? Or would I need something larger?
A large generator isn't necessary for just charging the relatively small battery banks that all of us have in our RV's. As Pianotuna said, it takes time to charge batteries and (unless you have AGM batteries), you can only push so much power (amp hours) into a battery bank in a given amount of time. Think of it this way. Your house is essentially is connected to a very large generator, yet your RV batteries still take a long time to completely charge when you plug your RV into your house outlet. So a portable generator that puts out more power than your batteries can accept (or your charger can handle) will only make lots of noise and use lots of fuel. So the short answer is to get a small generator if you only want to charge batteries.
Of course there are other uses for a generator like using the microwave, portable electric heater, air conditioner (if the generator is big enough) or for a backup power source at home. So some folks have a generator large enough for these tasks (maybe not all at once) and then plan their generator run times for battery charging to coincide with other high demand power uses, such as using a heater, cooking with the microwave, or running lots of lights. While it is unlikely that you will ever get your batteries completely charged using this method, you will get them to about 80% (the frog most of the way down pianotuna's "log")
If you do go this route, investigate your charger (converter) in your rig to see how much current it puts out. Your batteries most likely can be bulk charged at about 30 amps (+/-), yet most stock RV converters only put out a few amps (and if they do put out more, often the wiring is so small that there is too much voltage drop between the charger and batteries anyway). If this is the case with your converter, you may want to use a separate battery charger that puts out more power. A "smart" automotive style charge would make a excellent, temporary, way to accomplish this. If you want to make it more permanent, you may want to look at a larger charger (converter) and/or wires between it and battery bank.
The beauty of solar (should you decide to go this route in the future) is that while it doesn’t put out a lot of power (relative to a portable generator), it does put out that power over the longer time period that batteries need to properly charge to 100%...without the noise, smell, or fuel consumption. Solar also keeps your batteris well topped off when in storage....as long as your panels get sun light that is.
Everyone's needs are different and it may take some time using your rig to determine what yours are and what will work best for you. But that's the fun part anyway
What do I do? I have a nice little Honda 2000 watt generator that I have never used. I also have a fancy Zantrex charger with heavy wires to the battery that I seldom use.
Instead, I use solar (300 watts) and have a four 6 volt deep cycle batteries to get me though the cloudy days (we use the RV mainly in the winter...i.e.; in the snow and rain). I have also reduced power consumption by switching all my lights to LED's. So far, my battery bank seldom drops below 90%...unless my wife goes crazy with the microwave
I use a Honda EU2000I and I love it, it runs everything except the AC. If I was buying a generator today I would get the Yamaha 2400, so I could also run the AC.
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2012 Jayco Eagle Super Lite 29.5RKS
2011 Chevy 2500 HD 4x4 Duramax
B&W Companion Hitch - Firestone Ride-Rite Air Bags
Honda EU2000i Generator
The Honda EU2000 will run a 9000 btu air conditioner and the Companion model has a 30amp receptacle. The Honda can also work with an external tank for extended run times under a load.
As mentioned you cannot quick charge a deep cycle battery so there is much less to be gained with a generator and no nearly enough to carry around the gas if that is your only need for the generator.
We just got an RV that came with two deep cycle batteries that run in parallel.... I want to grab a generator to be able to charge these batteries while we are out camping and not around any local power.
Can I just grab a small 1000/1200 generator and a 10-12 amp battery charger? Or would I need something larger?
Thanks!
I'd go for a Honda eu2000i. Very reliable, will have enough power for the charger and some small appliances, and you can pair it up with another 2000 watt Honda inverter for enough electricity to power an A/C or microwave. The extended run tanks can't hurt either.
elkhornsun wrote: The Honda EU2000 will run a 9000 btu air conditioner and the Companion model has a 30amp receptacle. The Honda can also work with an external tank for extended run times under a load.
As mentioned you cannot quick charge a deep cycle battery so there is much less to be gained with a generator and no nearly enough to carry around the gas if that is your only need for the generator.
I'd go for a 2000W generator. The 1000 watts are nice but often won't run the microwave, and may not be able to power your on board battery charger if the battery is really low and it is a 45A or bigger charger. And I regulary use a single honda 2000 to run my Coleman power cub 9000BTU A/C, works great
As to the comment you can't quick charge a deep cycle battery, I'd disagree. I have a pair of trojan T-125's deep discharge and I have regualary hit them with 90A at the start of the charge and they have lasted 8 years and over 500 charge discharge cycles and are still going strong. Just keep them watered. But charging at that rate takes a pair of honda 2000's.
Look at the honda 2000 and yamaha equiv. both very fine generators and very quite as well.
2011 Keystone Outback 295RE
2004 14' bikehauler with full living quarters
2004.5 Silverado 4x4 CC/SB Duramax/Allison
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