What is different between std battery charger & RV charger?

[saabman]

It's all in the title:
What is different between std battery charger & RV charger?

I have a standard 12v car battery charger and was wondering if I can use 12v lights/appliances while charging? I don't plan to crank the engine however...

My though was I modify the charger and turn into a sort of shore power system...

Any bright ideas?

[AndrewST]

The standard battery charger is designed to charge a battery over night or 12 hours from empty to full. You can not leave it connected to the battery permanently or long time unless you want to cook it.

By RV charger, I suppose you mean better quality ( more expensive...) charger.
In these higher quality ones, they are designed to survey the battery the whole time it is connected.
If the battery is empty,it will boost the current to charge it during an initial periode (approx.4-6 hours depending on the model) then reduce the amperes until it is near full.
Then it will float the current to maintain the battery condition at its best.
It will chose the best mode depending on you battery charge level.
With these models when connected to the net, you can use the 12V appliances without draining the batteries.

You can check under www.cristec.fr for some products.
I am just about buying CPS2 charger with a nice reduction as new CPS3 product will come in march.
If you want you can jump in... 1,2or more better price maybe

[02Chevytonner]

Saabman,

I just ordered one of these today for my Chevy van build. 30 amp AC 120v in, with space for ac branch circuits, a 45 amp dc 4 stage charger and 12 volt distribution, all in one package.

http://www.bestconverter.com/4000-Series_c_138.html

Rick

[saabman]

Hmmm yup you're right Andrew...
I must look into this more carefully
thanks for the offer Andrew, what are you paying for the CPS2?

[AndrewST]

I am taking the 40A model covering up to 400A of battery (it's for my boat) 3 battery connections, accepts 110 and 220V.
You need to add all your batteries and the charger is 10% of your battery amps.
List price CHF 992.- and I pay 744.- (-25%)

Am thinking taking one additionnal for the van but I have no idea of the batteries on board I have to plan.
Will have to ask in an other topic.

[saabman]

Originally Posted by 02Chevytonner

Saabman,

I just ordered one of these today for my Chevy van build. 30 amp AC 120v in, with space for ac branch circuits, a 45 amp dc 4 stage charger and 12 volt distribution, all in one package.

http://www.bestconverter.com/4000-Series_c_138.html

Rick

Rick looks like good kit
Do you know if these type of charger/panels are available in 240 V as well? I know the US is 120 V (or 110 V)...

Andrew thanks for your offer but I plan only to have quite small batteries as I won't be needing months of power so I think a cheaper small charger will do. I am building up a pile of parts for my electrical install: mains plug, cables, pipes, lamps, etc...

I have found a neat little charger but nee an explaination:
What does this mean?

After the battery is charged the unit drops to a safe float voltage and the unit will act as a power pack, safely delivering power to feed any on board power requirements up to a maximum current of the charger

Thanks for your help

[AndrewST]

Originally Posted by saabman

I am building up a pile of parts for my electrical install: mains plug, cables, pipes, lamps, etc...

I have found a neat little charger but nee an explaination:
What does this mean?

After the battery is charged the unit drops to a safe float voltage and the unit will act as a power pack, safely delivering power to feed any on board power requirements up to a maximum current of the charger

Thanks for your help

Saabman,
It is the same type as the one I am looking into.
It means once the battery is charged, it will control the battery level and maintain the charge with low ampere. Preventing it of boiling...
If you use 12 v on board and you are connected to shore power, the charger will provide the power not the battery (maintained full)...

[saabman]

Ah-ha! Andrew thanx!!!
This is what I need!
Good advice

Check out www.sterling-power.com