Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks: Safely charging 12 volt batteries for dry camping

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Safely charging 12 volt batteries for dry camping

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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7518
Printed Date: 21 Jun 2025 at 9:46pm
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Topic: Safely charging 12 volt batteries for dry camping

Posted By: Happy Tripping
Subject: Safely charging 12 volt batteries for dry camping
Date Posted: 04 Mar 2016 at 4:14pm

I have hesitated about getting 2 batteries for dry camping because of the need for recharging safely. With a trickle charger, a quote from the internet -

"Batteries are Direct current you must be careful because you can cause them to explode if they are overheated..."

So, ... If the 2 batteries are in parallel and nearly identical, one trickle charger will work.

But, I am electricity-challenged, how do I guarantee maximal safety??

Replies:

Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 04 Mar 2016 at 6:00pm

No problem. The only explosion danger is overcharging with a high current charger, charging in a confined area without air circulation, or connecting the charger backwards. The best plan is to leave the Pod plugged in and let the onboard converter do the job, but a trickle charger or battery maintainer will work fine with two batteries in parallel. Just check the water level every two months or so.

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Charlie
Northern Colorado
OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD
PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD

Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 05 Mar 2016 at 8:50am

Don't buy a trickle charger. Buy a smart charger. If you can hook your pod up to shore power before going to the boonies, let the pod's charger do it, it's a fair decent 3 stage charger.

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