I am wondering whether or not I could use an inverter working from my car power supply to power a battery charger to charge my leisure battery whilst on the move. I have single eclectics on my car and in theory an inverter sounds a good alternative. There's always a but though isn't there, what wattage inverter would a battery charger require? I asked at Maplin's but they didn't know. I wonder if anyone else uses one and if so what spec would I need please? Any info would be gratefully received thanks.
Inverters should not be used to run battery chargers.
They are inefficient. Possibly only 60%.
Your better off wiring the battery to the 12v circuit with a suitable fuse.
Why add an inverter when you already have the correct voltage to charge the battery?
Get a smart charge relay to protect your car battery from running down. This will only charge the leisure battery when the engine is running without the need for switches etc.
Your leisure battery should also be vented outside the vehicle. hydrogen gas is given off when charging and thats flammable.
On the safety side, I certainly wouldn't have a leisure battery in the boot of my car. In an accident, you could have a 30kg lump flying forward at 60mph. Don't assume the back seat will hold it, because it probably won't. People have been killed or seriously injured by such things as their pet dog on the back seat flying forward in an accident.
On the other hand, accidents only happen to other people.
I have been in a car that rolled and he had a battery behind the seat. Luckily he had tall bucket seats and the battery didnt come forwards.
But it left a big dent in the roof.
He was only doing 30mph but a car braked in the roadworks to make an illegal right turn. Front left brakes grabbed and pulled the car to the left into the kerb and over we went.
I keep stuff strapped in the boot now.
Always have bungee cords and stronger straps in the car.
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Topic: Charging my leisure battery
