Can a CTEK Battery Charger be Used to Charge a Deep Cycle Battery While Using Lighting in a Trailer

Question:

Hi, I wanted to install a 12v power source deep cycle battery in my utility trailer for lighting. I wanted to know if using lights on a regular basis with the charger pluged in would harm the charger?

asked by: Trevor

Expert Reply:

Yes, you can use the CTEK US 3300 12-Volt Battery Charger, item # CTEK56158, to charge a battery while using the lights in the trailer. One thing to keep in mind is that the smaller battery charger will not be able to keep up with the lighting use in the trailer and the battery will eventually be drained, if not allowed to charge when the lights are not being used. It will not harm the charger.

A better option is a charger that has a supply mode. The CTEK MULTI US 7002 12-Volt Universal Battery Charger w/ Pulse Maintenance and Backup Power, item # CTEK56353, has the supply mode and will supply full power to the battery and keep it charged when using the lighting in the trailer on a regular basis.

From a safety standpoint you do not want to have the battery mounted inside the trailer. Batteries give off fumes that can be dangerous, especially when charging. The battery should be mounted outside of the trailer for safe operation and charging. The use of a vented battery box like the Battery Box Vented - Marine 24, item # DW03009, (check size of your battery) mounted to the outside of the trailer is recommended. These boxes are usually mounted on the A-frame tongue of the trailer.

expert reply by: Bob G