Community Forums

TheMatrix · 05-30-2016, 06:30 PM

I just wanted to check in with all my learned friends here.

My RV is parked in the driveway and I've kept it plugged in to my home power using the power cable provided.

Is this good practice? Will it cook the batteries over time? Should I disconnect batteries if it's continuously plugged in etc etc. Are there any adverse effects on the RV doing this at all. Just need this niggling newbie question answered lol.

Thanks for all your input thus far!!

Skip426 · 05-30-2016, 06:42 PM

In 5 1/2 years of ownership, my coach has been on shore power , 355 days a year , either at home or in the RV park where I spend the winter.
I do check the batteries regularly , ; month to six weeks ; and they are the same ones that were in the coach where I bought it.

I did have to replace the , converter/charger, two years ago , it was original to the coach , so I figured 14 years was about it's lifespan anyway.

rarebear.nm · 05-30-2016, 07:20 PM

We are able to park our 5th at home where I have a 30 Amp. circuit installed to the trailer parking. I leave ours plugged into shore power 24/7 x 365, except when we using it. One of the first mods I did was to install a Progressive Dynamics Inteli-Power converted. A good multistage converter will maintain the batteries properly. It will make adjustments as required for cold vs. hot weather, etc. I think a good multistage converter is one of the most important mods you can make if its not already installed. I also installed a Progrssive Industries 50 Amp power protection unit in the trailer's basement for protection from all sorts power misbehavior and errors in park wiring.

Mr_D · 05-30-2016, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheMatrix

I just wanted to check in with all my learned friends here.

My RV is parked in the driveway and I've kept it plugged in to my home power using the power cable provided.

Is this good practice? Will it cook the batteries over time? Should I disconnect batteries if it's continuously plugged in etc etc. Are there any adverse effects on the RV doing this at all. Just need this niggling newbie question answered lol.

Thanks for all your input thus far!!

Our '02 Dutch Star was always stored on the pad beside the house and plugged in all the time with the refer on. The 4 Interstate U-2200 house batteries lasted 10 years. But it did have a good three stage inverter/charger too. Some don't have that good a charger unit and will overcharge the batteries.

vsheetz · 05-30-2016, 07:32 PM

Best if you have a quality multiple stage battery charger.

Nut4speed · 05-30-2016, 07:52 PM

My manual says not to have the unit plugged in without a battery connected "or damage to the converter may occur".
My guess is because the battery acts as a capacitor and helps smooth out the power coming out of the converter and protect it from sudden power draws when you run a slide or awning that pulls a lot of juice.

nothermark · 05-30-2016, 08:08 PM

Your manual has a point.

The answer to leaving it plugged in is "it depends".

If you have a 3 or 4 stage converter it should not cook the batteries.

If you have a single stage converter that will cook the batteries so the answer is to plug it it for a day a week or so. Check it every other day after you pull the plug and you can find how many days it takes to run down to 50-60% of capacity. Put it back on overnight to top it back off. Chances are good you also need to watch the charge for the engine battery on a MH like that.

It pays to check the voltages on any system at some regular interval like weekly to avoid surprises.

rarebear.nm · 05-30-2016, 08:57 PM

We have two 6 volt batteries wired in series for 12 volts. I hooked a dual voltmeter (two display lines) in the coach so that the top line is battery 1 and the bottom line shows the total voltage of both batteries. The difference is voltage for battery 2. Make sure you break shore power connection otherwise you're measuring the converter output. Also remember to check the battery water level every 4-6 weeks.

TheMatrix · 05-30-2016, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rarebear.nm

We have two 6 volt batteries wired in series for 12 volts. I hooked a dual voltmeter (two display lines) in the coach so that the top line is battery 1 and the bottom line shows the total voltage of both batteries. The difference is voltage for battery 2. Make sure you break shore power connection otherwise you're measuring the converter output. Also remember to check the battery water level every 4-6 weeks.

Hmm that's a really clever idea. So you can keep track of each battery voltage separately

cruzbill · 05-30-2016, 10:12 PM

Not sure what Lance installs, check to see that your converter is a multi-stage charger-here's one you can use to upgrade if not.

4600 Series Upgrade or Replacement Power Converters

96 Wideglide · 05-30-2016, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vsheetz

Best if you have a quality multiple stage battery charger.

+1,or 2, or 100 wherever we're at!!

1bigmess · 05-30-2016, 11:15 PM

Leave it plugged in. Check your batteries at least once a month. Use distilled water to refill them after cleaning around the fill hole so no dirt goes in there.

The basics being covered, I haven't had to add any water to my two GC-2 batteries since I've bought them, and I've been 50-50% on boondocking and in a park hooked up to shore power since August. I check them every couple of weeks. No problems so far for me!

rideandslide · 05-31-2016, 11:40 AM

Always been since day one ! We don't run the fridge untill a day or sow before a trip. No problems, same cheap battery that came from factory. When needed, we will upgrade.

LBZYA · 05-31-2016, 06:57 PM

Go to Trojan battery website and watch the vids on caring for your batteries. Most trailer converters dont put out the voltage that Trojan requires. Iota offers converters with a 4 stage charger with the correct voltages. Most likely you will have to upgrade your wiring as well because the factory uses to small of a gauge for the distance from the converter to the batteries.