converter & battery charging

[RETCAMPER]

I have an auxiliary 12V battery for our Cheyenne PU. However we normally use the 110V AC power source. The PU manual mentions that besides converting 110 AC to 12V DC, the converter can also charge the auxiliary battery if I connect the battery. Is this correct?

[DoubleD]

I have an auxiliary 12V battery for our Cheyenne PU. However we normally use the 110V AC power source. The PU manual mentions that besides converting 110 AC to 12V DC, the converter can also charge the auxiliary battery if I connect the battery. Is this correct?

That should be correct.  You probably have a converter like this:  http://www.bestconverter.com/Centurion-Replacment-_c_63-1.html

Make sure you connect the lead up near the battery before plugging in and unplug it before storing the PU, so you don't run the CO detector and run the battery down.

[wavery]

I have an auxiliary 12V battery for our Cheyenne PU. However we normally use the 110V AC power source. The PU manual mentions that besides converting 110 AC to 12V DC, the converter can also charge the auxiliary battery if I connect the battery. Is this correct?

It will charge your battery but not a good charge.

It would be best to hook the battery up to a "Smart" 3-stage battery charger. You will get a more complete charge and it will extend the life of your battery.

[rccs]

Wavery   if he has the WFCO converter it has a built in 3-stage charger which does a good job of charging the battery, check the Best Converter website for information.

[Billy Bob]

Yep, that converter/charger is PLUG and go PLAY. :p

[mike4947]

Your WFCO converter will indeed charge, keep charged, and not over charge your battery. One of IMHO the few things that Fleetwood has done right with their PU's is to switch to using the WFCO converter.
 
My only complaint is that using a converter does not give you any easy way to check the amount of charge so you know when the battery is actually "full".
Today's new smart chargers come with a very accurate percentage of charge meter that are really accurate. This is really only an issue if you can't for any reason keep the trailer plugged in for several days to ensure a full charge.
 
Like DD mentioned either keep the trailer plugged in or disconnect the battery to keep the phantom draws such as the propane detector from over time discharging the battery.
It also helps to check on the water level in the battery on a regular basis. Proper charging of a deep cycle battery will generate some "boiling"/evaporation of water and needs checking; and as the old saying goes "expose a plate, create a doorstop".

[RETCAMPER]

Thank you all for your helpfull comments. It is a WFCO converter. I'll connect the battery when we set up the PU and will make a point of disconnecting the battery when closing up.

[RETCAMPER]

I forgot to mentioned in my earlier post that when we setup we always connect to the 110V AC power at our property. So the battery use is strictly when there is a power outage.

[tlhdoc]

Your battery should stay in good shape with the power converter that Fleewood is now using.  When I need to replace my converter I plan on getting a WFCO.