re: "The first obvious problem is that the truck batteries aren't deep cycle. You would certainly have a negative effect on the longevity of the batteries."
oh. no. not the deep cycle thing again ;-(
the term has no usable pertinent definition in the RV context, cycle life isn't an issue in typical RV use, ... what is at issue is that you just avoid any deep cycling of your batteries which is necessary in due consideration of an appropriate reserve as well as battery life.
I think Don is on the right track. It takes time to properly and fully charge a lead acid battery and such a charge is needed for best battery service satisfaction and life.
Will it work?
Yes, of course it will.
However, in my Tioga Class C, given the choice between running a 4KW Onan generator and a 460 Cu. In. Ford V8 to charge a couple of batteries, I will run the generator!
Same goes for my son's fifth wheel; given the choice between the 360 Cu. In. Cummins, and the built-in 3.6KW propane powered generator, the generator wins!
No matter how I look at it, whether it be noise, fuel cost, pollution, green-house gasses, whatever, the generator wins, IMO.
Yes, solar is great. IF the sun is shining!
Wind power is great, too, IF the wind is blowing!
And, if the wind is not blowing TOO MUCH!
Besides, I already have the generators, no need to spend the money on solar panels or a windmill.
CM1, USN (RET)
2002 Fleetwood Southwind 32V, Ford V10
Toad: 2006 Jeep Rubicon LJ
Other toad: '06 PT Cruiser, Kar Kaddy dolly
Toy: 1977 Dodge W100 CC SWB, 3/4 ton axles & springs
"When seconds count, help is only minutes away!"
I have one battery on the camper and one spare battery that I keep in the back of my vehicle. When the one on the camper gets low I switch it out with the one in the back of the vehicle. I use a battery charger plugged into an inverter which is plugged into the cigarette lighter to charge the battery when we are out driving around. This charges the battery in the back so it is ready when the one on the camper gets low (usually around 2 days use). I only have the inverter and charger on when driving so it doesn't drain the vehicle battery. It has worked well for us as we tend to drive around to see sites, shopping, etc, enough to get it charged up.
mowermech wrote: Will it work?
Yes, of course it will.
However, in my Tioga Class C, given the choice between running a 4KW Onan generator and a 460 Cu. In. Ford V8 to charge a couple of batteries, I will run the generator!
Same goes for my son's fifth wheel; given the choice between the 360 Cu. In. Cummins, and the built-in 3.6KW propane powered generator, the generator wins!
No matter how I look at it, whether it be noise, fuel cost, pollution, green-house gasses, whatever, the generator wins, IMO.
Yes, solar is great. IF the sun is shining!
Wind power is great, too, IF the wind is blowing!
And, if the wind is not blowing TOO MUCH!
Besides, I already have the generators, no need to spend the money on solar panels or a windmill.
Since the OP said;
vesh1717 wrote:
...If I am without shore electricity, can I simply hook up jumper cables and charge my RV battery...I don't have a generator, and don't plan on getting one.
BTW, that is what my MH does when I drive it (and most others work about the same). When I start the MH a "relay" engages and connects the house battery to the chassis battery. Both are charged this way. Not terribly efficient unless you are driving. But it certainly works well when you are driving anyway.
EDIT: Sorry, read it wrong. I wouldn't connect them together unless the engine is running, as others have said.
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