Community Forums

cocos camper · 07-17-2012, 12:26 AM

I finally got my big rig mirrors on so i could fold them and get the rv
in my garage.the wiring to the factory switch was a trick but i got it done finally .Now its inside Im in there alot working on different things
so i plug it into the 110v all the time
is this good thing to do ?
i hear a fan , i believe behind the breaker panel that kicks on sometimes
i just want to make sure im not causing a problem or shortening the life
of all items involved
thanks
not sure if it matters but its a 2005 georgie boy pursuit , gas v10

H. Miller · 07-17-2012, 04:35 AM

Ours is plugged in 100% of the time... 120vac @ 20 amp circuit... Keeps the batterys charged, provides light and vacuum electric for cleaning. Can't imagine a down side.

CHCam42 · 07-17-2012, 07:04 AM

10 years No Problem. Check the water in the batteries as they are charging. We leave the refer on 24/7.

Dogpatch · 07-17-2012, 07:17 AM

The sound you are hearing is likely your charge/converter. Check out what type you have. Best is a 3 stage charger which should allow you to stay plugged in with minimal maintenance. If it's not, it will be tough on your batteries and they will tend to lose water. Regular checks will then be needed.

vsheetz · 07-17-2012, 07:22 AM

I installed a 30 amp recep at home just for this - coach stays plugged in whenever home. As others have commented, ensure you check batteries regularly.

djbmsu · 07-17-2012, 07:48 AM

Our Tiffin is always plugged in however we do turn off the inverter.

burfurd · 07-17-2012, 08:00 AM

Also leave our coach plugged in while home. With the residential refrigerator, it is almost a necessity.

On a side note, if your batteries are needing water lots, try putting about 2 oz. of mineral oil in each cell. This should help lots but you will still need to check your levels. This also helps corrosion in the battery compartment.

burfurd

stuhly · 07-17-2012, 08:15 AM

X2 on the oil in batteries. I have not added water in over two years and I keep it plugged in all the time. Live in the MH six months of the year. Also no corrosion in the batt compartment.

wa8yxm · 07-17-2012, 10:47 AM

I kept mine plugged in full time when I was a part-timer RVer, still do for the most part now that we full time.

HOWEVER the answer is dependent on the converter.. I will name two: Progressive Dynamics 9200 series, (3 stage smart converter/charger) Good idea, Magnetek 6300, (single stage known for boiling batteries dry if left plugged in too long) not such a good idea.

Others, are in beteen. but with any good 3-stage box, GO FOR IT.

Mr_D · 07-17-2012, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by burfurd

Also leave our coach plugged in while home. With the residential refrigerator, it is almost a necessity.

On a side note, if your batteries are needing water lots, try putting about 2 oz. of mineral oil in each cell. This should help lots but you will still need to check your levels. This also helps corrosion in the battery compartment.

burfurd

On a 6 volt battery you need 4 oz of mineral oil in each cell, on a 12 volt battery use 2 oz.
My OEM Interstate U-2200's went just a couple months short of 10 years this way.

cocos camper · 07-17-2012, 10:18 PM

thanks everyone for the info
i feel better knowing im not causing
a problem
im tyring to get it ready for the yellowstone trip next week
so i dont need any new problems

Manuel B · 07-18-2012, 01:27 PM

I have a 120 watt 6.32 amp solar panel, but sometimes I hear the cooling fan on my converter/charger kick in, didn't notice it until I moved in fulltime and stay hooked up, my solar charge controller will not overcharge my batteries but I'm wondering about the converter/charger, and why I need it to be in-line with the batteries when I have the solar system ?, my town has a pop. of 8,500 so nobody here understands the workings of these systems,
I would like to put in a switch so I can disable the charge function on my converter when hooked up, has anyone done this ?, I haven't contacted the maker of the converter yet to ask them about my idea, is this dumb ?

Cat320 · 07-18-2012, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wa8yxm

...HOWEVER the answer is dependent on the converter.. I will name two: Progressive Dynamics 9200 series, (3 stage smart converter/charger) Good idea, Magnetek 6300, (single stage known for boiling batteries dry if left plugged in too long) not such a good idea.

Others, are in beteen. but with any good 3-stage box, GO FOR IT...

Good advice. Without the smart converter, you will fry your batteries.

John H... · 07-18-2012, 06:15 PM

As mentioned above, the only negative would be the battery issue, I haven't yet, but do want to add mineral oil to the battery to prevent water loss. I'm plugged in all the time.