Etorque RAM Storage: Can I use a drip charger to maintain charge?

[mresseguie]

I've got a trip coming up where I won't be able to drive my RAM 1500 etorque truck for over a month. I'm concerned that the battery(ies) will die because the Etorque system draws power if it just sits in my driveway the whole time. Can I simply use a drip charger to slow charge the battery while I'm away? [Our other vehicle is a Lexus RX450h, and we use a drip charger if we'll be gone for more than a month.]

And, no, I won't let you babysit my baby while I'm away, but thanks in case anyone offers.

 

[vincentw56]

I've got a trip coming up where I won't be able to drive my RAM 1500 etorque truck for over a month. I'm concerned that the battery(ies) will die because the Etorque system draws power if it just sits in my driveway the whole time. Can I simply use a drip charger to slow charge the battery while I'm away? [Our other vehicle is a Lexus RX450h, and we use a drip charger if we'll be gone for more than a month.]

And, no, I won't let you babysit my baby while I'm away, but thanks in case anyone offers.

Yes, you can use a battery maintainer on it. The eTorque doesn't just drain the battery on it own over time though. Mine has set for almost 2 weeks without issue. A month though, I'm not sure.

 

[mresseguie]

Yes, you can use a battery maintainer on it. The eTorque doesn't just drain the battery on it own over time though. Mine has set for almost 2 weeks without issue. A month though, I'm not sure.

Thanks! Do I attach the cables to the 48v battery behind the backseat or the +/- connections in the engine compartment?

 

[dajogejr]

Under the hood.
I’m unaware of a 48v trickle charger/float/maintainer…
Hook it up to the primary 12V battery.
Once the truck starts, the generator will power/charge the 48V and then it steps down to charge the primary.

 

[dajogejr]

Yeah.. I’m a nimrod.
Golf Carts are 48V…so they certainly make maintainer for them.
I just don’t think it’s necessary for the truck.

 

[FourByBud]

Just hook to the 12v battery. I do mine for months at a time. No issues.

 

[Willwork4truck]

Used to be peeps just disconnected the battery/ies.

 

[boogielander]

just hook up a charger to the 12v battery under the hood.
i have solar panels on my camper that trickle charges the starter battery under the hood when the LiFEPO4 in the camper is full, and never had an issue with the starting battery. I have e-torque too.

 

[mresseguie]

Used to be peeps just disconnected the battery/ies.

Right you are. My '07 Tacoma is sitting in my garage with its battery disconnected. Sometimes I think I should sell it, but it's only got 109,000 miles on it. At this rate, it'll be another 15+ years before it hits 200k.

 

[Willwork4truck]

just hook up a charger to the 12v battery under the hood.
i have solar panels on my camper that trickle charges the starter battery under the hood when the LiFEPO4 in the camper is full, and never had an issue with the starting battery. I have e-torque too.

A cheap 20-30 watt panel could do the same for him. He could suction cup it to the roof. I had both of those sizes to keep a 70 amp rv battery going that just sat outside, the 20 was a bit small so I switched to a 30. Always use a charge controller with it, voltages from a panel are too high (20+) to wire direct.

 

[boogielander]

A cheap 20-30 watt panel could do the same for him. He could suction cup it to the roof. I had both of those sizes to keep a 70 amp rv battery going that just sat outside, the 20 was a bit small so I switched to a 30. Always use a charge controller with it, voltages from a panel are too high (20+) to wire direct.

he could. but if he parks inside then a battery tender would be better lol
i do 2x200w because i do have 2 separate systems lol, one's 100AH the other is like 3000wh. need as much as i can buy to charge up fast

 

[Willwork4truck]

If parked inside he could use a “lunar panel”…