Plugging in at Storage Unit

[pdcruiser]

Quick Question;

My covered Storage unit has a 110v plug in available, I was thinking it's there to plug my coach in so the house batteries stay topped up power wise.

Two things - 1 - when I plug my coach in and connect to this outlet, does the power go straight to the house batteries, or do I have to put the house battery cut off switch on which is by the entry door?

2 - Do I have to worry about over charging the batteries, or is 110v low enough that it wouldn't be a problem?

Thanks .. Paul

[wolfe10]

Sorry, but YOU will need to verify exactly how your system works.


We don't know if you have an older "stupid" converter that could overcharge the batteries or a smart charger or smart inverter/charger.


We don't know if your charger requires that the battery switch be on or not.


This second issue is easy to tell with your digital voltmeter. With battery disconnect switch off, 120 VAC coming in measure voltage at the battery. Turn the switch on and see if it changes.


BTW, there are "work arounds" for "stupid" chargers so that they do not over-charge the batteries. Just buy a HD electrical timer (120 VAC) at any box store and plug your converter into it. Yes, this assumes your converter is separate from the electrical panel and uses a standard 15/20 plug. If not, you can put the timer on the IN portion of the shore power cord/wiring.

[153stars]

The battery disconnect/salesman switch doesn't disconnect from charging system or usually a few items like detectors or fridge 12v control power.
A inverter charger or convertor charger listed as 3 or 4 stage will have float charge built in, good for storage. Make sure flooded LA batts are proper full of acid before storing. Remember if plugged into GFCI and inverter/charger doesn't have charge only setting if GFCI trips you will likely discharge batteries in a week or two . MHs are known to trip GFCIs.
Other options fully charged batts. fully disconnected will stay charged, or buy decent battery maintainer/s or dual bank marine maintainer charger.

[pdcruiser]

Yes - wolfe10 I should have added a few more details, but I thought it would be an easy answer.

Coach is a 2021 Entegra Vision Class A gas.

So I would think I have a smart converter? In which then I would have a converter that would prevent the house batteries from being over charged -?

Ya - that's a good question does my system need the battery switch to be on or not to charge the batteries - not sure yet!
So I'll try what you suggested - hook it up and check the charge - then turn the switch on and check again .. I would think it it would indicate higher, meaning it has to be on to allow a charge through - correct?

[Iceclimber]

Lots of good advice above.

Just find your inverter and post the model. I'm going to hope anything that new has a proper inverter/charger. If yes they are usually smart enough to float your batteries and the ideal choice for long term care. The only issue might be if you lost that power and like many weeks went by. You also need to ensure it charges house and chassis, or figure out an alternative. Turning them all off and leaving them asleep (as mentioned) is a viable option. However even fully charged batteries bleed power but that is over months.

[Gary RVRoamer]

The battery disconnect/salesman switch doesn't disconnect from charging system or usually a few items like detectors or fridge 12v control power.

That depends very much on the year/make/model of the RV - there are numerous variations in electrical system design. I've owned RVs where that was true, and other not.

[Gary RVRoamer]

I would expect that a 2021 Vision has a smart charger, but identifying the make/model of converter/charger or inverter/charger would verify that,


As for the battery disconnect, you can check it as Wolfe10 described, but there is little reason to turn that switch off if the coach is plugged in.


Lastly, be aware that others are probably plugging in as well and the chances of somebody causing a breaker trip are substantial. Don't assume power stays on non-stop - check it often or you may return to find dead batteries.


Gary

Originally Posted by pdcruiser

Yes - wolfe10 I should have added a few more details, but I thought it would be an easy answer.

Coach is a 2021 Entegra Vision Class A gas.

So I would think I have a smart converter? In which then I would have a converter that would prevent the house batteries from being over charged -?

Ya - that's a good question does my system need the battery switch to be on or not to charge the batteries - not sure yet!
So I'll try what you suggested - hook it up and check the charge - then turn the switch on and check again .. I would think it it would indicate higher, meaning it has to be on to allow a charge through - correct?

[twinboat]

Gas Motorhomes typically have converter/chargers that will NOT charge the battery with the switch by the door off. Leave it on.

Diesel pushers with inverter/chargers will charge the batteries even if the switch by the door is off. Telling someone with a different system how yours works may lead them to dead batteries.

[twinboat]

Originally Posted by 153stars

The battery disconnect/salesman switch doesn't disconnect from charging system or usually a few items like detectors or fridge 12v control power.

My disconnect switch turns off EVERYTHING.

[pdcruiser]

Thanks everyone - great information here, I've got what I needed.
Thanks .. Paul

[153stars]

A multi meter will tell you if it charges with disconnect off. After resting well charged batts will settle around 12.6-12.7 off charger. If next day with disconnect off ,your seeing 13.4 ish volts your in float mode from charger. You can easily test/check anything that's powered or not. Don't forget the chassis battery. It's hard to know what's on every coach but you may not be equipped with charging the chassis batts plugged in . Charging house batts from the alternator is likely.

[pdcruiser]

Thanks 153stars - that's a good point - will experiment with that.

[luvlabs]

Here's one other thing to consider. Commercial 120V outlets in exterior locations have to be GFI protected. RVs and GFI outlet don't always play well together. It might work fine while you are on site and, 5 minutes after your leave, it trips. This is not a problem if you only have a charger, if you have an inverter/charger you have dead batteries in 2-3 days.

[wolfe10]

Originally Posted by luvlabs

This is not a problem if you only have a charger, if you have an inverter/charger you have dead batteries in 2-3 days.

Unless you have the inverter section shut off/disabled.