RV Plug-In 120/20amp While In Storage

[MCB128]

I was unable to find any info on the site, so if I ask the wrong question here let me know. I would like to get some input regarding the necessity to plug the RV in while in storage. We have a 2007 National RV TropiCal. We are starting the third year of ownership. It first storage experience was in the open with no plug in. It was checked monthly and all was well. The second time we put it under cover with 120 volts/20 amp. It was ok for 3 months. On the fourth month the chassis batteries (2) were dead. Both were replaced. Three months they had to be replaced again. Found both circuit breakers went bad allowing the house batteries to remove charge completly. After $700 dollars all is well. The question then is it necessary to plug in the coach during storage. We are in North Texas and don't have any major freezes. Thanks.

[AFChap]

I would say it should never be "necessary" to plug in the coach during storage, and in fact sounds like your coach fared better when it was NOT plugged in!!a Unless you have a "float" type charger you could cook the batteries if you leave it plugged in for a long period of time. Some folks who do not have a float type charger put a timer on the power so it is only powered a few hours a day to keep the batteries charged without cooking them. Ultimately, it is best if you can go take the coach out of the storage facility every 4-6 weeks for a 30-45 minute drive with generator running under load. If you cannot drive it, you can always put a disconnect switch on the chassis batteries (like I assume you have and use on the house batteries), or just disconnect the battery ground cable when you park the coach. Not sure what you mean about the circuit breakers allowing the house batteries to kill the chassis batteries??? Whatever you mean, it sounds to me like something else was going on there.

[MCB128]

There were two breakers in the chassis battery compartment. Both were tripped in a way that allowed the two batteries to totally discharge. Its been 4 months now since the repair and replacement and all look well. I was told that my system by plugging into shore during storage will maintain only the house batteries and will come on and shut down when the house batteries reach a designated high and low levels of charge. The chassis batteries are on their own and do not received any support during the phase. I was told there are add-ons that will allow the chassis batteries to be supported as well when plugged in. Not sure if I want that or not. Chassis batteries only support power to the computer system and the entry steps. Owning a MH is worse than owning a home. Lots of attention. Thanks.

[wa8yxm]

A more common question is "Should I store it plugged in" and in my personal case the answer is yes, but mine is a special case.

Generally I ask what type of converter you have, make and model.. If you have, say a Magnetek 6300 then, at least till you put in a real converter charger, DO NOT LEAVE IT PLUGED IN for any extended period. that converter WILL kill your batteries if you do.

At the other end is the one that Damon bolted in my Intruder, Progressive Dynamics 9180 with wizard... It too will boil my Interstate U-2200's dry.. in abut 14-16 MONTHS. (in short, no problem leaving it plugged in for six months at a crack, just top off the wet cells first with distilled water)

As to should you... Well.. If you completly disconnect (I mean lift cables off the battery) then a decent battery should hold enough charge for at least six months to prevent freezing.

I, did not lift any cables off, plus I use the motor home at least 5 days a week (if it's really nasty out I don't get on the radio) Cause that's where my Ham Shack is located. (I did say I was a special case) yes, my rig is "Radio Active" (Two words).

Oh, the "Storage" pad at my house.....20 amp

[MCB128]

Thanks for the great reply. The RV is equipped with a Xantrex Freedom 458, Model 20 Inverter/Charger. It is rated at 2000 watts. I have not heard of any problems with this one. Thanks. Jim

[Ray,IN]

Virtually every vehicle built in the last 20 years has parasitic battery drains, radios, computerized equipment, electric steps and the like that are "hot" all the time,ie: anything with a memory function. The only way to stop the slow drain is with with a battery disconnect. I bought mine(for coach batteries) from Harbor Freight for $4, it has 100ADC capacity.