Charging batteries

[FIGJAM]

I'll be testing before I hit the playa.

Lasy year I brought my 3500 watt genny and 15gal. compressor.

Only used them a few times for tires and presurizing my water tank.

It's space and wieght I can save going this route.

[ygmir]

if you're only using the genny for tires and water pressure, have you considered a good quality manual air pump? Foot operated or lever, good ones put out a lot of air.

[FIGJAM]

Yeah, but I'm lazy.

I've got one of those portable pancake compressors that run for maybe 2 min. to charge, and will pesserize the water tank 2 or 3 times once it's full.

Sooooo, I'll just use that with the inverter.

[FIGJAM]

I just checked how fishermen recharge the deep cycle batteries for their trolling motors.

When they go on trips lasting a week or two, they hook jumper cables to the deep cycle and idle the truck for an hour. Sweet!

[The Bee]

Given the noise of the diesel engine and the noxious fumes of the diesel exhaust, I would make charging from the truck engine a last resort for an emergency only. If you do it daily for an hour, I can hear the collective sigh of relief from your neighbors each day when you turn the engine off.

I like the idea that someone mentioned of bringing two batteries and charging one with a solar trickle charger while the other is in service. Then maybe you'd reduce the time you need to use the truck from daily to only once or twice during the week.

[FIGJAM]

Last year I recharged once during the week just for peace of mind.

My truck is far quieter than a genny and will only idle for 1 hour.

Even thuogh the trike can go 40 miles on a charge, that's the only reason I'll need a charge.

If I do this when there's a stiff breeze, middle of the day, I don't see a problem.

[The Bee]

If I do this when there's a stiff breeze, middle of the day, I don't see a problem.

Right on! That works.