Battery Charging - Power mover as a lock

[Michael_374376043]

Is it OK to keep the mains electricity on charging the caravan battery permanently whilst parked at home and is it a good idea to leave the Motor mover locked on, in drive position, to add another security. Any would be thief might not realise why the van would not tow. I'm not too sure what it might do to the tyres.

 

[Dave_374330759]

I deally you should charge the battery with a multistage charger so that it gets a boost up to 14.4-14.14.6 volts every now and then. Leaving the battery on charge from the caravan charger which only gets up to 13>8v will eventually cause the plates to suphate and reduce the capacity of the battery.

As to leaving the motor mover engaged over a long period it will probably put permanent dents into the tyres and the continuous pressure on one side of the rollers may cause the bearings in the mover to get distorted.

 

[Michael_374376043]

Thanks Dave - where do I obtain a multistage charger and what cost ? Think I will forget the extra security idea with the motor mover

 

[RogerL]

There are several smart multi-stage chargers available - from time to time Aldi sells it's Auto-XS at

 

[Michael_374376043]

Thanks for all your info - I think I will just use the caravan charger from time to time (but keep an eye out for the Aldi charger). Would a monthly charge of 3 days be about right ? Are there products that would tell me the state of the battery ?

 

[Dave_374330759]

have a shufti at this site

http://batteryuniversity.com/index.htm
it will give you a bit of background and info on lead acid batteries

 

[RogerL]

If it's a smart/intelligent charger it can, and should, be left connected permanently.