Community Forums

steveatpa · 09-29-2012, 12:55 PM

Just wondering whats the right thing to do when plugged in to A/C for longer periods of time. Is it bad for the batteries since I thought that the inverter maintains the batteries, or are they fine? There is a large ON/OFF switch in the battery box area which I can only guess is to disconnect the batteries from the 12v system. Question is, will that switch also keep the batteries from being over-charged or not properly maintained? Any help is appreciated.

Theberrys · 09-29-2012, 06:19 PM

The On/Off switch is probably for long term storage without AC. It will disconnect the batteries from the everything and eliminate parasitic discharge. Then you will need to charge the batteries on occasion another way. If you need to disconnect them while plugged in is dependant on the type of charger you have. If it's a three stage charger than it's fine to leave the switch on and let the charger do it's job. I leave mine plugged in always and the batteries are maintained in good condition. Just check the water level in the batteries every month or two depending on the age of the batteries, the older the batteries the more often you will need to check the water.

Dick

steveatpa · 09-29-2012, 11:01 PM

Interesting. My trailer is an '05. So as long as I have a three stage charger, leave everything connected and in the ON position. How do I know what kinda charger I have? The fun of purchasing used.....

Mr_D · 09-29-2012, 11:05 PM

I leave ours plugged in 24/7/365 when stored at the house. The Interstate U-2200's only lasted 10 years though.
YMMV

Mr_D · 09-29-2012, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steveatpa

Interesting. My trailer is an '05. So as long as I have a three stage charger, leave everything connected and in the ON position. How do I know what kinda charger I have? The fun of purchasing used.....

You find it and read the info you find on it's labels. Then look it up on the Internet.

steveatpa · 09-29-2012, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D

I leave ours plugged in 24/7/365 when stored at the house. The Interstate U-2200's only lasted 10 years though.
YMMV

10 years? I'd be happy with that.

steveatpa · 09-29-2012, 11:22 PM

OK, this is what I know..... In the battery compartment there is a grey box that hums quite loud and has ES50M-65N Power 50 Transfer on it. Then on the other side of the trailer, there is a quiet grey box with a small cooling fan on the top of it, located over by the breaker box, with WFO 55 amp Power Convertor on it.
So which one is which? And why is the one in the battery compartment always humming?

VanDiemen23 · 09-30-2012, 12:08 AM

it really depends on your charger. I had a cheap one in my toyhauler and it boiled the batteries dry in a hurry. I used to pull the fuse going to the batteries when plugged in for long periods of time.

clyon51 · 09-30-2012, 07:58 AM

The WFCO is your converter/charger. It powers all the 12v systems and keeps the battery(s) charged. Since it is a 3 stage charger, you want to leave it on all the time as it will not boil the batteries and keeps them happy. I store mine at home and it stays plugged in 24/7/365.

The other is the ATS (Automatic Transfer Switch). It sences whether you are on shore power or running the generator and makes the necessary 120v connections. I don't have one, so I will let someone else answer to the amount of noise they make.

Here' some docs on your ATS

http://printfu.org/es50m

steveatpa · 09-30-2012, 10:48 AM

Thank you. I find it strange that the ATS is next to the batteries and the convertor, which charges the batteries, is not.

Good to know its a three stage though.

And thank you for the troubleshooting manual. After researching, I understand that the model ATS I have is notorious for noise. Whether or not its from dust or moisture is another question. I'm going to have to looking it that though since it is louder than I'd like in the trailer.