wanna run a few deep cycle agm batts in the bags for camping

[rcmatt007]

we all know that our stators are constant output, meaning at a certain RPM (not idle) they put out their max and, while Honda upgraded the stators along the way, it doesn't take much to reach that max. The system then shunts off unneeded charge. Once you connect the two batteries, your bike battery will try to charge the other battery, so sprout is right, you don't want them connected when you need all the power to start. The question then is whether the constant output stator HAS enough output to charge up a drained deep cycle battery. If not, or if only a little extra, your bike battery will quickly equalize its charge with the deep cycle battery.

I would try experimenting on how long your deep cycle battery will run the things you need.

When we were up your way for the Ilse of Man run and having to keep recharging a car battery for redwoods bike (remember--dead stator) our 6 amp charger ran about 4 (or more) hours every night

[Brant]

My battery ran my cpap with the humidifier last night, 11 pm to 6 am. Battery Voltage at start was 12.5 and this morning was 12.2. I was expecting a bigger loss, so I was impressed. I should be able to run several days before needing a recharge. Outside temp may have an effect if the humidifier has to run in colder weather.

[82aspy]

tx for the report, i didn't think they used alota juice, but didn't know for sure,

basically a fan in there with some electronics, no?

low draw should also mean a way smaller batt would work i'd think

[salukispeed]

Switching Separate batteries in the marine industry is common and works too. By selecting one at a time or both gives some flexibility. I too am considering a Additional/separate battery as I get my trailer set up for next year. Hope to supplement with one 15 watt solar cell even thought I know it is of minimal help. Might you consider a bit larger charger to minimize the time needed to recover. We take an additional 10 amp unit when out with the Motorhome and dry camping to cut the full recharge time in 1/2 when the generator is in use or where shore power becomes available.. Anytime the battery is less than full charged it is slowly taking its toll on the plates and sulfation is working slowly against you.

[sproutroot]

adding to that. there's a lot of misinformation about what "fully charged" means, and what charge voltages are required to get there. even measuring a battery's voltage is usually done incorrectly. doing these things wrong will significantly shorten the life of a battery. knowledge really is power.

http://www.aussiebatteries.com.au/deep- ... tery-info/

[rcmatt007]

which is why deep cycle batteries are made differently than regular batteries. They have a lot thicker plates, and pound for pound have a lot less amp hours. And, there is differences in how many cycles are battery has. Boat batteries have more than car batteries but golf cart batteries have more. Like everything it is "get a little here, you have to give a little there".

[salukispeed]

I believe Boat U.S. and west marine have great charging info and charts too for getting the most of your batteries because the industry demands so much of the batteries. But it takes a bit of reading to get the most out of it. We used to do the large tour buss type motorhomes and they were in the same dilemmas as the larger sail boats with there usage and life expectancy.

[Brant]

adding to that. there's a lot of misinformation about what "fully charged" means, and what charge voltages are required to get there. even measuring a battery's voltage is usually done incorrectly. doing these things wrong will significantly shorten the life of a battery. knowledge really is power.

http://www.aussiebatteries.com.au/deep- ... tery-info/

Thats interesting. Guess I'll top off the charge.

[sproutroot]

AGMs are different than gels are different than flooded. Even within those titles, different manufacturers will have different recommendations. Just saying, if you want to get the most out of your batteries, do your homework.

[82aspy]

looks like no huge deal running an aux deep cycle batt

http://ngwclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php? ... 82#p667900

One of the reasons the trailer weighs more than I would like is the fact that I run a group 27 deep cycle RV battery mounted under the trailer behind the axel to off set some of the weight of the cooler and shower boxes mounted on the tounge. That's enough power to run the 12 volt cooler all night, the LED strip lights for interior light and recharging the cell phone/ tablet and the electric blankets as needed.

[Toehead]

You can add a battery isolator, like this: http://www.powerstream.com/battery-isolator.htm

This will take care of managing the charging. You won't have to worry about overloading the bike charging system, as it only will allow the batteries to charge once the main bike battery is already topped off. It also won't let the auxiliary batteries suck all the juice out of the main battery.