Community Forums

Alan Roberts · 09-28-2018, 07:17 AM

Hello - I have found a storage facility here in the Phoenix area that is covered with electricity - perfect. However, the electricity (15A) is on once a day for 4 hours (and then the next row of RV's gets it for 4 hours).

I have never encountered this practice before - is there any concern with this approach as it relates to keeping the batteries charged ??

Thanks in advance

Alan
02 Windsor 40 PKD

K7JV · 09-28-2018, 09:05 AM

I would do almost anything to have that in our storage unit!! When the power is available, your batteries will charge. That is so awesome! Just be sure that all 110 VAC (Heat pumps, A/C's, water heaters, etc.) and 12 VDC loads (lights, pumps, fans, etc.) are left in "OFF" status. Also, on our coach, we would need to leave our main coach battery disconnect switch in the "CLOSED" position. If we wanted charging for our chassis battery, we would need to leave that disconnect switch in the "CLOSED" position, as well. You will have some parasitic loads on your batteries during the off times, but far less energy than what four hours of charging would restore. Fifteen amps will be way more than adequate to keep your batteries ready for action.

sbleiweiss · 09-28-2018, 09:08 AM

I would consider how many RVs are in each row. 15 amp spread among many Rvs is spread pretty thin and may not charge your batteries.

**pasdad1** · 09-28-2018, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sbleiweiss

I would consider how many RVs are in each row. 15 amp spread among many Rvs is spread pretty thin and may not charge your batteries.

I don’t think the OP meant RV’s shared the same 15 amps.... just that each row of 15 amp sockets was turned on one at a time.....which makes sense.

cry42 · 09-29-2018, 06:24 AM

Keep our 97 Dynasty in a covered situation, with standard 120VAC, 15 amp service. Using a Timer set to come on twice per day for one hour to charge the batteries and seemingly has worked well for over a year. Check battery water lever every 2-3 months and have only added minor amount. Old Cummins never hesitates to crank up.

JohnBoyToo · 09-29-2018, 08:01 AM

interesting - you put a timer on yours?
I just leave ours plugged into the 20 amp at our storage lot all the time but do have to check water monthly...

Might consider putting a timer on it - good idea )although he charges me $20 more per month for power, still worth it!)

sbleiweiss · 09-29-2018, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pasdad1

I don’t think the OP meant RV’s shared the same 15 amps.... just that each row of 15 amp sockets was turned on one at a time.....which makes sense.

If that is what he meant then I agree that 15 amp for four hours should be fine for charging his batteries.

cry42 · 09-30-2018, 07:24 AM

I choose using a Timer for two reasons; the storage place was a bit concerned about the amount of electricity potentially used, but made a special provision to supply a 120VAC outlet (actually a long extension cord) and I agreed to an extra $5/month for electrical. I did not see any real need to have the Inverter/Charger running continuously, but lots of folks do leave their coaches fully plugged in all the time. If I had the coach at home and had the ability to plug it in, I might would do the same since it would be easier to keep an eye on it. But my coach is 18 miles away. I picked up a 24 hour Pool Timer from Home Depot or Lowes, wired a male cord/plug to the input and a female cord/plug to the out. Using a Dog Bone to connect to the coach. As noted, it runs twice a day for about an hour each and after a years use, have not had any issues with timer, batteries or the landlord.

Good luck with what ever method used and best wishes to all.