Charging battery at home

[RogueIT]

If I plug my Scamp into a regular house outlet using a 15/30 converter...Does that charge the battery? Forgive the improper and possibly wrong wording. I know jack about 'lectric. I just don't want the battery die, and was wondering if the house would charge it by just plugging it in.

[sunnyone]

If your Scamp has a good multi-stage charger/converter, you can keep the battery charged by leaving it plugged in. In my 2020 Scamp 13’, the charger was under the rear driver side bench.
I had the same question when my Scamp was new. Here’s a link to the thread with more details:

https://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f95/question-about-trickle-chargers-93867.html

[RogueIT]

Originally Posted by sunnyone

If your Scamp has a good multi-stage charger/converter, you can keep

Thanks!

[jerrybob]

Depends on your converter.....some can overcharge and damage your battery if left plugged in all the time. My Casita is stored here on our property. I have a battery cut off switch. Our trailer is plugged in all the time. I leave the cut off switch off (no power to battery) most of the time. About once a month in winter....I open cut off switch and let power to battery for 5 to 6 hrs then turn it off again. Been doing this for 20+ yrs.....battery charge is maintained.....don't have to remove battery.....my batteries last 5 to 6 yrs......standard battery. Good luck.

[RogueIT]

Originally Posted by jerrybob

Depends on your converter.

I have the standard issue that scamp was installing in 2017...I'll have to crawl under the bed to see. Next time I change the sheets, i'll notice...thanks

[Jon in AZ]

Your 2017 should have a multi-stage smart charger, but you can check with Scamp to be sure. You also need to determine if your trailer has any parasitic loads in the form of circuit boards that are always on. Electronic fridge controls, battery monitor, and hardwired safety detectors are possible culprits.

In the absence of parasitic loads, once a month for a few hours or overnight should be enough to keep your battery topped off. The self-discharge rate is probably about 3-5% per month. Parasitic loads will increase that rate and require more frequent charging.

If you leave your trailer power cable continuously connected, the cord port is a potential entry point for mice and insects. You need to seal it tightly or swap it out for a marine-style detachable cord.

For us, because our trailer was not stored conveniently near an electric plug, it was easier to remove the battery and leave it on a smart charger, which we run once a month.

There's a lot to learn when it comes to RV deep cycle batteries. I'd recommend searching "how to care for RV battery" and read a few articles. Even something as basic as determining your battery's state of charge is not so simple. I learned a few things the hard way, and I am still learning.

Best wishes becoming friends with this vital component!