Community Forums

rmueller · 11-04-2019, 12:49 PM

Just wondering, how many of you leave your units plugged-in for long periods of time.

I pretty much have mine plugged into a 20amp circuit whenever we are not on the road. We currently only travel 7-8 weeks per year.

The only time I'm not plugged-in is when we are rolling, and half of that time we have the generator on running the roof-top air. We really have never boondocked other than a rest-stop or truck-stop and then ran the generator when I could.

I go back and forth with which is better, plugged-in or completely disconnect the batteries and put them on a separate battery maintainer over the non-travel days.

I know that as long as I'm plugged in, the BMS is controlling charge to both the house and coach batteries. In the winter, that keeps them from freezing along with keeping them fully charged. That alone makes it worth while for me.

Just wondering what others do?

Ron

Rocky Larson · 11-04-2019, 01:09 PM

I leave the batteries connected and topped off all year long. The only time the solar is disconnected is when I am checking the batteries. Actually when "plugged" in for months at a time at a destination I will unplug the converter and run everything off the float.

Sorry if this is slightly off topic>

wildtoad · 11-04-2019, 01:14 PM

Not your brand, but my MH sits outside my house under a carport when we are not using it. It stays plugged in to a 30 amp circuit 100% of the time it is there. Fridge is always on, HP is usually on as well.

tcg · 11-04-2019, 04:28 PM

When we're not using it it sits at the storage lot, batteries off, not plugged in.

I just closed it up for the winter. Batteries are fully charged and off. Won't give it a second thought for the next five months.

RTC1 · 11-04-2019, 04:38 PM

plugged in and ac/heat/aquahot on 365-24-7. Unless were rolling (cord too short for extended trips dont ask how I know)

bharrisv65 · 11-04-2019, 05:01 PM

Mine is leveled, slides out, parked at home and plugged in to a dedicated 50A circuit when we're not traveling. I also do not winterize mine as we use it all year to travel. I have solar panels, I keep fridge, A/C units or heat on at all times keeping it cool or warm depending on the season. Mine is all electric except for the AquaHot system and I have on-demand, unlimited hot water. I'm retired and I like to go out to the MH, relax, take a nap, watch TV, etc. whenever I want to take a break.

As to your comment "I go back and forth with which is better, plugged-in or completely disconnect the batteries and put them on a separate battery maintainer over the non-travel days", IMHO, I'd rather keep everything on as we keep food in the fridge, cabinets, etc., I use it like a "second home" and I like to keep things simple by not having to disconnect batteries, hook up a maintainer, etc.

Wizard · 11-04-2019, 05:05 PM

Keep mine plugged in all the time. I have a house battery disconnect switch that I keep turned off. I turn it back on occasionally for a day or two to charge the batteries.

the sights · 11-04-2019, 05:08 PM

My current RV has been plugged in for 14 years
unless its roling

hawkeye1995 · 11-04-2019, 06:51 PM

I stay plugged into a 20amp circuit. I check my batteries once a month for water level. I too, also keep the fridge on. I have a 50 circuit set up for when all the family comes in for holidays, they can run the A/C units. I have never had any issues. I take my Motorhome on a road trip once a month, just to keep things exercised. Plus, this keep the generator exercised also. I find it always best to use mechanical items or they will tend to give you problems in the future. Things like, moisture and corrosion are not your best friend. As a mechanic for over 40 years, I can tell you, do not let things just sits for years. Months may be fine, depending on weather conditions, but years, Never!

DbleDutch · 11-04-2019, 08:39 PM

Our MH rolls year round and plugged in at home when not rolling. Has not moved for 2 months now, which is rare but other schedules have dictated.

rmueller · 11-05-2019, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RTC1

plugged in and ac/heat/aquahot on 365-24-7. Unless were rolling (cord too short for extended trips dont ask how I know)

Yeah, I found that to be the case once...you would think Home Depot would sell longer cords.

It's good that they snap quickly and blow the breaker...

I keep broken end as a reminder.

Ron