Recharging with generator - Hi-Lo camper travel trailer forum

DennisB · 08-12-2015, 12:20 PM

Hi..I have a 2008 1508t and a Honda 2000ie generator.
How do I tell when to recharge the system with the generator and how long to run the generator but avoid overcharging?

Any advice appreciated

JackandJanet · 08-12-2015, 12:48 PM

If you plug the Shore Power cord into the generator, it will charge any time the generator is running and will not overcharge the battery since the converter reduces the charging current and voltage as the full state charge is reached.

If you use the battery for anything, It would be beneficial to charge the battery daily.

I bought one of those "Watt Meter" devices and connected the Shore Power cord to it and then it into the generator. When starting, the Wattige would be above 200, but would quickly start dropping. I'd usually disconnect the generator when the Wattage read 70-80 Watts.

- Jack

RichR · 08-12-2015, 01:40 PM

When the voltage on the battery with nothing turned on goes below 12.0 volts it is time to recharge. Deep cycle batteries must be constantly monitored in order to preserve their life.

Here is a two part article that tells you about everything you need to know about batteries and 12 volt systems.

The 12volt Side of Life (Part 1)

and

The 12volt Side of Life Part 2

Luckydog671 · 08-12-2015, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RichR

When the voltage on the battery with nothing turned on goes below 12.0 volts it is time to recharge. Deep cycle batteries must be constantly monitored in order to preserve their life.

Here is a two part article that tells you about everything you need to know about batteries and 12 volt systems.

The 12volt Side of Life (Part 1)

and

The 12volt Side of Life Part 2

Great articles Rich!

Here is a good resource as well:

http://www.amazon.com/Managing-12-Vo.../dp/0964738627

DennisB · 08-12-2015, 02:51 PM

Thank you very much for the replies. I heard that Walmart has a device that plugs into the cigarette lighter of the trailer that will read the battery power.
Anybody know what that device might be called. I went to Walmart and couldn't find it and the guy there didn't know what I was talking about

Luckydog671 · 08-12-2015, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DennisB

Thank you very much for the replies. I heard that Walmart has a device that plugs into the cigarette lighter of the trailer that will read the battery power.
Anybody know what that device might be called. I went to Walmart and couldn't find it and the guy there didn't know what I was talking about

Hi Dennis,

Try this on Amazon. I recently purchased one and it works great!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ilpage_o08_s00

RichR · 08-12-2015, 04:57 PM

This is what Walmart sells online, it's the same as what Amazon shows.
Equus Innova 3721 Battery and Charging System Monitor - Walmart.com

renoites · 08-13-2015, 11:00 AM

While the cigarette lighter plug-in is very useful info.
Spend the same or a small amount more and get a multi-tester instead. You can use it at the battery. You can use it at the cig plug in. you can use it for checking for resistance, where there might be a short. You can check amp usage, etc,etc.

I have a cigarette plug-in inside of my trlr. I use it to run my Ipod. I don't believe that a cig plug-in is standard in a hi-lo.

Is a much more useful tool. Spend your tool dollars wisely!

Luckydog671 · 08-13-2015, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by renoites

While the cigarette lighter plug-in is very useful info.
Spend the same or a small amount more and get a multi-tester instead. You can use it at the battery. You can use it at the cig plug in. you can use it for checking for resistance, where there might be a short. You can check amp usage, etc,etc.

I have a cigarette plug-in inside of my trlr. I use it to run my Ipod. I don't believe that a cig plug-in is standard in a hi-lo.

Is a much more useful tool. Spend your tool dollars wisely!

Agreed! I like the plug-in monitor in addition to having a multimeter. The monitor is just an easier way to do a quick check on battery usage without having to go outside in the cold and rain!

Treeclimber · 08-13-2015, 11:39 AM

I use the monitor myself. Got it from Amazon $13.65. Called Innova 3721 Battery and Charging monitor. I think if I could, I'd wire a more suitable one into my monitor panel, but this is very good for it's purpose. Also use it in the TV. There is a difference in voltage output when connected to the trailer.

Tree