Trailer breakaway battery - best way to keep it charged when not in use
I've got a Reece breakaway battery on the trailer I built earlier this year.
Like this one: https://trailercamperaustralia.com.a...50-85-320.html
Its got an inbuilt smart charger, so only needs a 12v feed from the tow vehicle to charge it. I've got it connected to the tail/position light circuit on the trailer so I always tow with the lights to keep it charged.
Last time I went to use it the battery was flat. Only been sitting for 4-6 weeks (its previously sat for longer and still been OK).
I'm not convinced the cheap Chinese battery it isn't dodgy, but aside from that I need an solution to keep it charged when not in use.
I can think of a few different methods, but has anyone got a simple working solution for keeping these things charged?
Steve
Trailer breakaway battery - best way to keep it charged when not in use
A general suggestion and what I do with all my 12V batteries that need periodic or occasional charging is to install an easily accessible Anderson plug. My battery chargers terminate with a Anderson plug, as do my portable solar panels, so at charging time there's hardly any stuffing about undoing straps, opening battery boxes or reaching in to access hard-to-get-to terminals. Also, there's no risk of alligator clips popping off, which used to happen from time to time.
Trailer breakaway battery - best way to keep it charged when not in use
The breakaway unit has an inbuilt bulk/float charger, so I’m thinking if I connect a small solar panel to that input it should be safe enough from overcharging.
Currently that charger input is
connected to the tail/position light power, so if I just splice the solar panel in it will run the lights too.
Thinking that if I also put a diode between the splice point and the tail light feed it will stop the solar powering the lights, but still allow the power from the light circuit to get to the charger when driving.
Assuming the alternator is putting out ~14v then the ~0.7v drop across the diode will mean over 13v to the charger which should be enough to keep it charged.
Anyone see a flaw in that plan??
Steve