Charging your batteries from your tow vehicle

bassindude · November 29, 2015, 08:01:39 AM

With my upcoming move to a condo, my boat will be housed in a storage unit without power. I had remembered a thread about Stay N Charge where you charge your batteries from your tow vehicle. The thread was older and things have changed I'm sure, so my question is, is anyone using this type of system? If so what brand and how well does it work. My outboard is only a 25 hp so that won't likely provide any charging help. My trip to the lake will almost always take at least a half hour or more, so that will give me an hour of charg time minimum for the trip home then back to the lake. Any thought and help will be greatly appreciated

Jim

Pferox · November 29, 2015, 11:30:27 AM

have you looked into a Solar charger? I don't have any personal experience with them, but would think that one of those set up with a trickle / maintenance mode charging almost all the time would be worth the investment. Hate to put the boat up with a uncharged battery, it is rough on it.

Princeton_Man · November 29, 2015, 12:37:39 PM

I don't think the drive-n-charge will be adequate to put your battery away charged.

A solar panel charger outside the unit feeding into the storage unit would be my first choice. Another thought would be make transporting the battery as easy as possible and charge at home.

While they're very pricey, maybe a lithium battery would make things so much easier.

bassindude · November 29, 2015, 01:03:26 PM

From what Ive read solar chargers are practally worthless for this application. Quick disconnects were and are my first option for pulling the batteries. Was planning on putting my onboard charger in the closet and do it that way, but Ive read some good things about the Stay N Charge system and wanted further input.

Jim

Princeton_Man · November 29, 2015, 04:35:43 PM

I think the drive-n-charge system is a great idea but charge rates are too low to be practical for a storage charge. Great for adding a little build up between lakes or long hauls without being plugged in. Don't know if you ever do overnight or multi-day trips? You may want to keep an on-board charger as well. -Jim

Kris · November 30, 2015, 07:04:32 PM

Quote from: bassindude on November 29, 2015, 01:03:26 PM
From what Ive read solar chargers are practally worthless for this application. Quick disconnects were and are my first option for pulling the batteries. Was planning on putting my onboard charger in the closet and do it that way, but Ive read some good things about the Stay N Charge system and wanted further input.

Jim

Do a search for Anderson Power Pole connectors. I use the 75 amp version for the trolling motors on my reservoir rig. Unplug the TM and put it away inside. Never had a problem while running my Minn Kota Endura 55 or the Endura 55 C2. In the Spring both will be wired with the Andersons on the stern.

bassindude · December 01, 2015, 06:04:20 AM

Thanks Guys.

Jim

Ron Fogelson · December 02, 2015, 10:05:30 AM

Stay in charge is a good product with being able to charge on the road, on the water and plug in at home but for storage without power I'd pull the batteries. IMHO they won't last long being stored at partial charge and both battery life and time on the water will be hampered.