Battery Charging

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Mon, 05/22/2017 - 00:22

skipper20

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Last seen: 7 years 2 weeks ago

Joined: 05/20/2017 - 09:55

Battery Charging

Hi all, just took delivery of a 2003 Scamp 13 last Thursday so this will be my first post. The seller did not have the original user's manual to pass on but he was able to give me a hand drawn picture of the electrical panel showing the fuse and CB locations plus photocopies of some of the appliance manuals. I'm curious about the onboard battery charger. When the trailer is parked and plugged into 120v shore power, with the CB for the charger in the "On" position, how do I know that the battery is actually being charged? And, if it is, will the charger automatically go off and maintain the battery when it is fully charged or do I have to remember to switch it off by manually tripping the CB to the "Off" position? BTW, my tow vehicle does not have the 7 pin connector so I have to use a flat 4 adapter which means the battery is not being charged while I'm driving. As such, I'm totally reliant on 120v shore power to keep the battery topped off. This is why I'm curious about how the trailer's built-in system works. TIA,

Mon, 05/22/2017 - 19:43

ManWithaVan

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Last seen: 3 years 2 months ago

Joined: 11/07/2013 - 21:56

Battery Charging In an Older Scamp

First; Congratulations on your New-To-You Scamp !!!!

The easiest way to determine if your on-board-charger (commonly called a "Converter") is working is by checking the battery voltage just before plugging into "Shore Power" and right after you plug-in. There should be a jump in voltage to (around) 13.7 volts after you plug into Shore Power.

If you don't have a "Multi Tester" yet, you need to get one. The Multi Tester is the most useful tool you can have when it comes to analyzing Electrical Issues (both 120 volts AC and 12 volts DC).

I bought mine from Sears for around $10:

Here is an Amazon Search for various Multi-Meters:

As Always,

Happy Scamping !!!

Mon, 05/22/2017 - 22:04

(Reply to #2) #3

skipper20

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Last seen: 7 years 2 weeks ago

Joined: 05/20/2017 - 09:55

I have one and thanks. Your

I have one and thanks. Your suggestion makes sense. Not sure why I didn't think of it myself.

Bill in Seattle

Mon, 05/22/2017 - 20:27

LEberhardt

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Last seen: 1 week 19 hours ago

Joined: 11/02/2013 - 20:08

Battery Easy Check

As mentioned above, there should be a voltage jump. If not, the first check should be the inline fuse to the battery positive. Check for clean fuse contacts. My fuse is right next to the terminal and I tuck it into the battery box, otherwise it corrodes in the rain and loses contact. I leave my '06 plugged in all the time while home here in upstate NY and my second ever battery is still holding a charge.

Lynn

Mon, 05/22/2017 - 22:00

(Reply to #4) #5

skipper20

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Last seen: 7 years 2 weeks ago

Joined: 05/20/2017 - 09:55

Thanks Lynn, from what you're

Thanks Lynn, from what you're saying it sounds like leaving it plugged in all the time will not overcharge the battery. That's kind of what I thought but I wanted to be 100% sure. Thanks again,

Bill in Seattle