Jumper Battery

Espresso

Espresso

Senior Member
Joined
Aug 2, 2012
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282
Location
SF Bay Area
What do you think of using a portable "jumper" battery to power a camper? My '05 RAM doesn't have the room to mount a 2nd battery under the hood and I'm not thrilled with the idea of installing a battery inside the camper. I like the convenience of a portable battery, but I'm not sure it would be up to the task for more than an overnight trip.

http://www.sears.com/diehard-platinum-portable-power-1150-with-jump-starter/p-02871988000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

Are there other options I should consider?
 
I have a new Hawk camper just picked up on Oct 1st it has 2-12 volt batteries installed under the front end of the roll over couch. I have a solar panel on the roof with the wiring to charge the batteries from the panel and the truck charging system all installed by FWC. The 2 batteries are AGM. I believe all Four Wheel Campers have the batteries installed inside the campers. You have to be frugal on your use of the battery to do a lot of things for to long a time or too many things at one time. What ever you do have fun...
 
Battery inside the camper is pretty standard. AFAIK there isn't really much risk with sealed batteries like AGM's. Everyone here seems to do it trouble free. And as stated above, 22ah isn't very much juice at all. My $.02
 
What do you think of using a portable "jumper" battery to power a camper? My '05 RAM doesn't have the room to mount a 2nd battery under the hood and I'm not thrilled with the idea of installing a battery inside the camper. I like the convenience of a portable battery, but I'm not sure it would be up to the task for more than an overnight trip.

http://www.sears.com/diehard-platinum-portable-power-1150-with-jump-starter/p-02871988000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

Are there other options I should consider?

Where are you going to store the "jumper" battery? You might as well get the real thing and place it where the rest of us do.The battery's that come with the campers will at least give you more hours of usage.Wiring one up with the truck charging system isn't a problem or a tricky one.You will be better served to go with an in house battery.The jumper goes have those added features but after you use the 22ah power what than?
Frank
 
Thanks for your responses. Looks like I'll have to start working on installing a real battery.

I like the AGM battery, but I thought they require a special charger.
 
I installed 2 AGM batteries under the bed of my Dodge. I built a tray that located them between the frame and the side of the bed in front of the rear tire.
 
Camelracer - I hadn't considered mounting the battery under the bed. Have you posted pictures of your installation? I searched the forum for battery installations, but didn't find any pictures.

Also, does an AGM battery hook up to the charging system just like a standard battery. I've read the AGM battery requires a special charger.
 
Also, does an AGM battery hook up to the charging system just like a standard battery. I've read the AGM battery requires a special charger.


Most shore power charges (ie the ones you plug into 120V AC) that are stage charges have settings specifically for different types of batteries. Does your camper have the IOTA charger or no charger at all right now?

The main issue with the truck alternators is sometimes they won't completely top off the battery, but as long as there is a shore power charger or solar charger they can finish off the job to maintain optimal battery life.
 
Most shore power charges (ie the ones you plug into 120V AC) that are stage charges have settings specifically for different types of batteries.

Such as this one (mine), for example:

gallery_2431_332_7400.jpg
 
Most customers are installing 1 or 2 deep cycle sealed (AGM or Gel Cell) batteries under the couch inside the camper.

But if you decide you want to keep the battery outside of the camper you could look at something like this ...

I have not seen one of these in person, but it looks simple.

Maybe easier that trying to fab your own battery box tray for under the bed.

If you put the battery under your truck bed, can just get a big ol' wet cell deep cycle battery and hook it up to your truck battery or alternator (with fuses & separator) for recharging purposes.

http://www.torklift.com/o.php?w_page=hiddenPower


KISS (keep it simple)

There are many ways you can do it, many different chargers available, and many different batteries.

I'm usually looking for something affordable, simple, and reliable. Reliable being the key! The last thing you want is a dead camper battery when you are out camping.


(Don't go cheap though. Everytime I have gone cheap, I have usually regretted it)

:)



.
 
Stans under the truck bed mount looks intriguing.I checked a dealer in the Salinas area ,on line and they gave no price or other applications other than Fords.
I will keep this in mind should I want another battery.
Thanks Stan.
frank
 
I have enough projects; i don't need to custom fab something I can purchase off the shelf. I like the idea of mounting it under the bed and an AGM means I never have to crawl under the truck to maintain the battery. I'll have to make sure this bracket will truly secure the battery. I'm planning a trip to Baja this winter and I don't want to find the big bump the back tire just rolled over is the battery that just fell out of the holder.
ohmy.gif


Will the IOTA charge the AGM battery?
 
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