OK to leave it plugged in?

[Quadhauler]

Just curious if anybody leaves their trailer plugged in. I have an extension cord running out to my trailer out in the driveway and was wondering if I would cook my batteries leaving it plugged in for long periods of time? I have a Weekend Warrior FS2600. Any thoughts?

[Quadhauler]

Just curious if anybody leaves their trailer plugged in. I have an extension cord running out to my trailer out in the driveway and was wondering if I would cook my batteries leaving it plugged in for long periods of time? I have a Weekend Warrior FS2600. Any thoughts?

[RustyJC]

It all depends on your power converter. If you have a simple, dumb converter, then you will boil the batteries dry pretty quickly. If, on the other hand, you have a sophisticated converter/charger (my last 2 5th wheels have been equipped with the Progressive Dynamics IntelliPower 91XX series converters with the Charge Wizard accessory), you only have to add water to the batteries once or twice a year based on my experience, and our 5th wheel stays plugged in 24/7 in covered storage.

Rusty

[Two Bit]

Many "original equipment converters" will indeed cook your batteries if left plugged in all the time. Our converter, "a magnatec 7xxx series", will boil the batteries (even though the converter manual says it will not) so I throw the battery disconnect and keep the batteries charged with a "battery minder/desulfater". The fiver stays plugged in at home all the time since we are in and out of it once or twice each week.
Replacement converters with "smart chargers" are available that will not ruin batteries. We may eventually go that route if our converter dies.

[WWFan]

QH:

hey...glad to see ya around here!

This one I know all too well...before I got the IQ4 Smart Controller for the IOTA converter, I cooked almost 2 gallons of water out of our 4- 6volt batteries I had just installed. We do have a crib next to the house for our SLC, and it is always plugged in- we use the refer to store excess food and drinks.

Fortunately, the batteries (Trojan T105's) seemed to have weathered the pseudo-BBQ I did on them, so I quickly ordered the IQ4 and haven't had to put more than a pint of water in the batts since then (almost 9-10 months ago). That little baby really does work, and work well.

Somewhere around here I've got a link to the place in Long Beach I ordered it from- it was the cheapest ($25) that I saw anywhere, and I got it overnight...let me know if you can't find it.

This is a good example of a coach Mfr cutting corners- I'd rather have the IQ4 than alot of other bling WW did on the TH....oh well!!

Sean

[Quadhauler]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">IQ4 Smart Controller </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thanks!! I'll check it out for sure! Was the install pretty straight forward?

[WWFan]

QH:

It's as simple as plugging in a RJ11 Telephone Jack and installing it on the wall with a single screw! Really! If it takes you longer than 10 seconds, I'd start to worry.

[56Nomad]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Quadhauler:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">IQ4 Smart Controller </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thanks!! I'll check it out for sure! Was the install pretty straight forward? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

It will take you 2 seconds to install!
Here it is for $28.50

Click

[Quadhauler]

Thanks!! After I checked it out I saw how easy it was...Even I could do it

[WWFan]

tehe tehe

I KNOW you can do it QH!! Hey...just make sure you've got an IOTA converter (something we forgot to mention)...

And if you need some help, call your local telephone service provider...

[Quadhauler]

Thanks for the offer of help Dude, although I play with computers for a living now, I was an Airframe and Powerplant guy for years before that, so I can fix just about anything with a roll of ductape and some bailing wire

[Offcamber]

My converter says it has a three stage charger built into it, not sure on the brand name.

I am guessing since its a three stage charger it should be ok.

[Two Bit]

Then it should be OK. To be sure, check the battery water level after one week, then two weeks, then once a month, ect... eventualy you will know how long it is safe to go between water fills.

[RustyJC]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Offcamber:
My converter says it has a three stage charger built into it, not sure on the brand name. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>The Progressive Dynamics IntelliPower 91XX series converters have the capability for 4 charge modes (peak, normal, float and desulfation) but the mode selection logic isn't enabled unless the Charge Wizard accessory (about $25) is plugged into the RJ11 port. The 92XX series converters have the Charge Wizard function built into the converter.

Rusty