Battery charging

Jasper124
Jasper124 Forum Participant Posts: 2
edited January 2016 in Caravans #1

when charging my battery whilst hooked up to mains, do I need to switch on the master switch? I have  a Bailey Ranger GT60 510/4.

Comments

  • Vicmallows
    Vicmallows Forum Participant Posts: 580
    500 Comments
    edited January 2016 #2

    You certainly don't on my Elddis, and I'm pretty sure this is true of most makes.

    If you have a multimeter, it is very easy to check; the voltage measured at the battery will rise noticeably when on charge.

  • rogher
    rogher Forum Participant Posts: 609
    500 Comments
    edited January 2016 #3

    Best to try it and see.

  • GyynNorma
    GyynNorma Forum Participant Posts: 69
    edited January 2016 #4

    The answer is no. Bailey vans are normally fitted with a volt meter, to check ,take a reading when you switch on, and again when you switch off. You should see an increase in the reading. The reading whilst charging is in progress should be 13volts plus.

  • TheAdmiral
    TheAdmiral Forum Participant Posts: 506
    edited January 2016 #5

    No

  • Jasper124
    Jasper124 Forum Participant Posts: 2
    edited January 2016 #6

    Thanks for the replies everyone.

    Next question, how often should I charge the Battery during a layup?.

  • commeyras
    commeyras Club Member Posts: 1,853 ✭✭✭
    1000 Comments
    edited January 2016 #7

    About once a month to keep it at above 13v.

  • GyynNorma
    GyynNorma Forum Participant Posts: 69
    edited January 2016 #8

    I check the volt meter and if it is holding its charge there is no need to top it up.

  • intransient1
    intransient1 Forum Participant Posts: 15
    edited January 2016 #9

    The voltmeter fitted to most caravan, especially the older needle type are only good as a general guide.

    When my battery is fully charged the voltmeter does not show the voltage to be 13v.

    I usually check my battery every 2 weeks as the alarm is always on in storage.

  • GyynNorma
    GyynNorma Forum Participant Posts: 69
    edited January 2016 #10

    AND, not forgeting, your battery may be fitted with a charge indicator which changes colour when it is charged or run down. But more often or not it is situated on the top of battery which you cann't see when fitted in the battery compartment.