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Topic: How to Charge batteries w 15amp service (Read 561 times) previous topic - next topic

How to Charge batteries w 15amp service

My wife and I are new owners and looking for the best way to keep batteries charged w household plug and 15 amps at storage facility I really appreciate this forum
Looking forward to your suggestions
Thanks

Re: How to Charge batteries w 15amp service

Reply #1 –
BillTN,
Welcome to the ForeForum.

Easy: Use a male 15 amp to female 30 amp AND a male 30 amp to female 50 amp ADAPTERS.

That allows you to plug in your coach.

Be sure little else (120 VAC) is on.

If batteries are deeply discharged, use your inverter panel (newer models) to select power share/power save which limits the amps of 120 VAC used for battery charging.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: How to Charge batteries w 15amp service

Reply #2 –
Note:  Using this procedure (above) will charge the house batteries, but will not charge the start batteries.  To keep the start batteries topped off, use a small 120V "smart" battery charger/maintainer (suitable for the type batteries installed in your coach) plugged into one of the coach outlets, OR (highly recommended) use a device like the Trik-L-Start that will "borrow" some of the charge from the house batteries.  See links below:

Ultra TRIK-L-START Starting Battery Charger/Maintainer

Trik L start Amp L start or Magnum battery combiner
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: How to Charge batteries w 15amp service

Reply #3 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
Easy: Use a male 15 amp to female 30 amp AND a male 30 amp to female 50 amp ADAPTERS.
The adapters recommended by Brett are available from CAMCO at Camping World, or at many Walmart stores.  Every coach should carry these two adaptors, which will allow plugging in under almost every possible scenario.

Camco 55165 15M/30F 12" PowerGrip Dogbone Electrical Adapter with Handle -...

Camco 55412 12" L5-30 30 AMP Plug to 14-50 50 AMP Receptacle PowerGrip...
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: How to Charge batteries w 15amp service

Reply #4 –
At max load the 30 to 15 adaptor will get hot in use.  Monitor it carefully.  Maybe not legal in some locations and maybe cities because of this.  Replace if worn.  Buy two. 

Years ago (30+) I used to built heavier power cords with the lower amp ends for customers.  Never a 50 with a 15 end but a lot of other various sizes. 
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: How to Charge batteries w 15amp service

Reply #5 –

You can get 15/20 amp to 50 Amp adapters. I use them for such use.
See below
Connecticut Electric CESMAD5020 Rv Plug Adaptor 14-50R Receptacle to 5-15...

If the 15 Amp power is not real strong or batteries are somewhat low, before I plug in I run the Engine for a few minutes and while running, plug in. My theory is to avoid the initial heavy load on the charger when you plug in.


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Eric & Nancy
1999 36 Ft. U320 WTFE
2016 GMC Terrain

Re: How to Charge batteries w 15amp service

Reply #6 –
On my Prosine inverter there are dip switch settings that allow you to limit the AC service rating.  You can set it for as low as 8 amps which will limit the charging to 55 amps.  Kinda of what Brett said.
Probably most other inverters have this feature also.
Forest & Cindy Olivier
1987 log cabin
2011 Roadtrek C210P
no longer 1999 36' U320 build #5522
2013 Rzr 570 & 2018 Ranger XP1000
2006 Lexus GX470
2011 Tahoe LT 4x4
Previous 1998 45' 2 slide Newell, 1993 39' Newell