Re: [VAC] Battery Overcharging

[Jim Dunmyer <jdunmyer@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Bob,
 You do have some valid generalizations.

The battery will not be drained if you use the lights while plugged in,
that's what the UniVolt is for. Basically, the U.V. is a big 12VDC power
supply that also does a half-assed job of charging the battery. You
don't need to "use the DC lights to discharge the battery", just use
them whenever you want light. (!)

If you simply use the trailer and UniVolt as designed, you'll have
little trouble and should get 3-4 years out of a standard ol' "Marine/RV
Deep Cycle" battery. Check the water in the battery at least monthly and
don't leave the trailer plugged in during long periods of non-use.
However, you SHOULD plug it in for 24 hours once per month during long
periods of non-use.

For the most part, all of this technical nonsense amounts to is fun and
games for the purist. IF you do a lot of dry camping/boondocking, then
it becomes a bit more real. IF you want to get a bit more than 3 or 4
years out of the battery(ies), you need to pay attention to the
technical crap. However, if your camping normally includes an electrical
hookup, follow paragraph 3 above and you'll be happy.

                                                            <<Jim>>