Need new battery - questions

[scappoose]

I have a 2000 Coleman Sedona that I recently purchased.  It needs a new battery and I have a couple of questions.

(1)  I know I need a deep cycle.  How do I initially charge the battery?  

(2)  Do I need to purchase a battery charger?  If so, I see a wide range of these out there, what will work for me?  Any suggestions/links would be great!

(3)  My first time out with the new battery will be next week while dry camping in Northeastern Washington (hunting).  Anything special I should be sure to look out for with a new battery?

(4)  I only intend on running the furnace (fan) with the battery.  Can I expect the battery to last for three nights of running the fan (expect temps to be in the 20's at night)?

As always, thank you in advance for your replies.  This site is great!

[AustinBoston]

I have a 2000 Coleman Sedona that I recently purchased.  It needs a new battery and I have a couple of questions.

(1)  I know I need a deep cycle.  How do I initially charge the battery?

NOT with the charger/converter that came built-into your Sedona.  Most converters will charge, but they are not active enough and end up just trickle charging the battery.  trickle charging is about the worst thing to do to a deep cycle battery.

A good automatic 3-stage charger is best, but barring that, get a meter and charge until the voltage at the battery (not at the charger) reaches 14.4 volts.  Use the highest current setting, and watch it closely.  Disconnect the charger and let the battery sit for several hours.  If the voltage drops below 12.7 volts, throw it back on the charger until the voltage comes back up to 14.4 volts.  It might take a few iterations of this to get a full charge.  If the charger has a lower current setting (about 5 amps) it would be better to use that for second and subsequent cycles. (Note to self: This answer could get me in trouble. )

(2)  Do I need to purchase a battery charger?  If so, I see a wide range of these out there, what will work for me?  Any suggestions/links would be great!

The most important thing is for it to be a "three stage" charger (unless you want to also buy a meter and watch the thing like a hawk).

(3)  My first time out with the new battery will be next week while dry camping in Northeastern Washington (hunting).  Anything special I should be sure to look out for with a new battery?

(4)  I only intend on running the furnace (fan) with the battery.  Can I expect the battery to last for three nights of running the fan (expect temps to be in the 20's at night)?

If you are going to use the furnace all night, no.  One should not be a problem, but depending on the size of the battery, you may only get 1-2 nights of continuous furnace use.

Pop-up tenting seems to have a negative R-value (not really, but it seems that way) so keeping one more than 15-20 degrees warmer than outside is a serious drain on everything.  Keeping one more than about 30-35 degrees warmer than outside is nearly impossible.

Austin

[jakelaw]

Scappoose, I would suggest the full reflectix treatment be done to your trailer as well.  It will cost you a little less than $50 at Lowes and will do wonders for your heat retention.  Also make or get solar covers for your bunk ends this will help with condensation as well.