Battery PAL

[Civil_War_Buff]

Everyone knows that the secret to good battery health in your pop-up is to keep it charged.  Just sitting it begins to drop capacity immediately.  I have used "Battery Pal" devices for years with great success, and while surfing I found a great deal on them.  Take a look at them here

http://www.homier.com/default.asp?page=detail&sku=05115

I paid $17.95 for mine.

Happy New Year!

Larry

[brainpause]

Is the link very similar to the type of Battery Pal that you have? I assume so. At the same time, I'm a little leery of a battery keeper that costs 4.95. But I'm interested.

ON EDIT: I've been looking at other products at that website. All have "good" prices, but how good is the equipment? For instance, there is a 25 gallon upright air compressor for 139.99. Those are usually hundreds of dollars. So, what's up?

I didn't get "itchy" about buying the Battery Pal-thingy, because it doesn't seem like a special price, like it ends at New Year's or something. I want to know if it is worth buying, because other units (Battery Pal, for instance), are usually 30-50 bucks.

Any advice, Larry, or anyone else?

Larry

[brainpause]

Ok..I've ordered mine.

Larry

[popupcop]

I purchased a band saw and a lathe from Homier when they came through town a few years ago.  Both tools have been reliable though I have used the drill press much more than the lathe.  
 
I bet you will do alright with the charger.

[brainpause]

Just wanted to review this item. It's been 8 months.

I have not made any measurements with the voltmeter, but I hook it up when we get home, and the battery is always ready when we go on a trip. Must be worth 5 bucks.

Larry

[Civil_War_Buff]

Just wanted to review this item. It's been 8 months.

I have not made any measurements with the voltmeter, but I hook it up when we get home, and the battery is always ready when we go on a trip. Must be worth 5 bucks.

Larry

Thanks Larry, I was wondering how that was working out for you.  I figured that if it didn't you would not speak to me, and seeing as I haven't heard from you. . .  ;-)

I am glad that it is working OK.  I know that I do like mine.

[AZPopper]

Thanks Larry, I was wondering how that was working out for you. I figured that if it didn't you would not speak to me, and seeing as I haven't heard from you. . . ;-)
 
I am glad that it is working OK. I know that I do like mine.

I'm not seeing these on the site anymore. I know it's been awhile since it was posted, so maybe they don't carry them anymore, or am I just missing them?

[Civil_War_Buff]

I'm not seeing these on the site anymore. I know it's been awhile since it was posted, so maybe they don't carry them anymore, or am I just missing them?

They are still there, you have to type in the item number (05115) in the search for and then click the GO button.

[brainpause]

I guess I should take some voltage measurements. That would make the review more substantial. Will try and "use" the battery and then make some measurements.

Larry

[brainpause]

I guess I should take some voltage measurements. That would make the review more substantial. Will try and "use" the battery and then make some measurements.

Larry

I took some measurements before our last trip. The only thing our battery powers is one Coleman Powerchill. Not sure on the draw, but it will give an idea.

After keeping the PAL on the battery for an undetermined amount of time (I usually just keep it on there), It measure to 13.6 volts immediately after removing the PAL. After a few hours of being off the PAL, but not being used, it still measured 13.6. I was pleased with that.

We drove for 5 hours (including stops), powering a PowerChill during the drive. I can't remember when I measured, but sometime before we left to come back home, I measured at 12.5 volts.

If I measured at home, after the trip, and after about 9 hours total, I can't remember measuring. But I am pleased with these measurements.

Larry

[AZPopper]

Okay, these may be 2 dumb questions, but here goes... :p
 
Is using the Battery Pal any different from just plugging in the PU a day or so before camping? Do they accomplish the same thing?
 
I have 2 batteries on my PU, so assume if I went with the Battery Pal I would need 2 of them?
 
Thanks for patience with a novice.

[brainpause]

Not a dumb question at all. I may not have a good answer.

On popups that are my popup's age, the converter will charge the battery, but only to about 80% (somebody correct me if I'm wrong). It will not top off the battery. Also, when the battery is not in use, it needs to be topped off and charged with a float charger, like the PAL, to maintain it properly.

However, if I'm not mistaken, the newer converters, possibly like yours, will top off a battery better.

I hope someone else jumps in here, like Mike4947.

Larry

[Civil_War_Buff]

Okay, these may be 2 dumb questions, but here goes... :p
 
Is using the Battery Pal any different from just plugging in the PU a day or so before camping? Do they accomplish the same thing?
 
I have 2 batteries on my PU, so assume if I went with the Battery Pal I would need 2 of them?
 
Thanks for patience with a novice.

Although the label on your batteries says "Deep Cycle" that doesn't mean leave it dead and recharge when you need it.  These batteries will last longest and perform best when they are kept charged.  Batteries just sitting begin to discharge immediately, and can be so low as to render it useless (without charge) in as little as 3 weeks.  

I use 2 battery pals, one on each battery when I know that I won't be going anywhere for a while (4 weeks or more), and during winter storage.

As Larry stated, the float charge, only charges the battery when the charge state drops by 1-3%.  It won't overcharge (like a regular battery charger can do), and it will provide a longer service life for the battery as a result.

A  great site for battery education can be viewed here http://www.batteryfaq.org/

Also, I am sure that the very knowledgeable people here will add thier wisdom as well.

[AZPopper]

Thanks for your responses. I'm still not sure I understand all the ins and outs of battery charging, :confused:  but I just ordered 2 of the 12v chargers from Homier.  I'm going to check out the battery web site also when I get a chance.