Plugged in while storing

3Pillons · 02-01-2012, 12:21 AM

I use my TT about every 2-3 weeks. I always park the TT next to my house and plug it into a 15amp circuit. I usually leave the fridge running and nothing else (gotta keep my camping beer cold :hihi

.

Last week someone told me that I should be leaving it unplugged and pulling the battery to eliminate battery problems. We have never boon-docked and only use battery / TV power when towing to the CG and back to keep the fridge running. I have left the TT unplugged in the past but when the battery started getting weak all the interior alarms started sounding (lp, smoke) so I plugged it back in.

Am I doing harm to anything in the the TT? Is there a better way? Also with our mild winters, I only drain the water out of the TT and don't winterize it.

Rob_Fla · 02-01-2012, 04:41 AM

When we had our Eagle 5th Wheel and our previous SOB TT we always kept it plugged in and the refigerator on when parked behind the house.
We had a 30 Amp Plug on the back of the house so when getting ready for a trip we could run the A/C.
We had our Eagle for 5 years and our SOB TT for 9 years and never had any problems resulting from it being plugged in all the time.
We used our RV usually one a month or more year round and batteries typically lasted 4 to 5 years before needing replacement.
Also due to living in Florida we never even drained any water tanks or winterized.

wiscampsin · 02-01-2012, 08:20 AM

Our TT is on a seasonal site and it's plugged in from April 15th to October 15th. Never had a problem with the battery. I check the water level in it monthly.

David472 · 02-01-2012, 12:26 PM

For battery maintenance, the worst thing to do is leave it disconnected (idle) for months at a time. It will tend to sulphate and have a short life. You are doing the right thing by leaving it plugged in. The converter will keep the battery topped up with a trickle charge. Doing this, it's very important to check the fluid level in the battery, and add distilled water if it's low. The trickle charge action will tend to slowly evaporate the fluid (water only). If the fluid level gets low to the point the plates get exposed (even a bit), this will harm the battery.

**norty1** · 02-01-2012, 02:59 PM

You are doing the right thing leaving it plugged in. I am not sure if the Jayflights have a converter that will exercise the battery but I would not change anything except maybe check the battery water levels more often than normal.

Terry · 02-01-2012, 08:06 PM

You have an older Jayco so yeah - you probably have a 3 stage charger which is not as good as the new 4 stage chargers - but it is just fine! I too have a 3 stage and leave mine plugged in 24x7 when not on the road. I check the water once a month and rarely have to add any. You will be just fine and all charged up and ready to go all the time!

3Pillons · 02-01-2012, 08:10 PM

You guys are awesome. Thanks for the quick responses. I 've never looked at the water levels in the battery so I guess I know what I'm doing tomorrow!

dalenoel · 02-01-2012, 10:02 PM

Been plugged in since Dec 07 and do check the water levels every other month.

3'senough · 02-02-2012, 06:48 PM

I keep mine plugged in, but I have a newer 3 stage converter charger which has the lower stage much like a tender. I too monitor the water levels monthly in the summer and before and after winter storage. I have 2 seasons on mine so far. Starting the 3rd soon.

If I were to store it somehwere without a hookup I would bring them home and on a tender.

RustyFairmount · 02-12-2012, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3'senough

I keep mine plugged in, but I have a newer 3 stage converter charger which has the lower stage much like a tender. I too monitor the water levels monthly in the summer and before and after winter storage. I have 2 seasons on mine so far. Starting the 3rd soon.

If I were to store it somehwere without a hookup I would bring them home and on a tender.

I think the fact that yours is a 3 stage is key. If the converter isn't "smart" I've read that prolonged charging can cook the battery. When I pull mine out of storage, I'll check the model to see if it's a 2 or 3 stage. (Note: I previously had a brand new Winnebago whose batteries were destroyed after just 3 seasons. Not sure why.)

That begs the next, on-topic question: If the battery is fully charged, and the converter is NOT a 3 stage charger, then would it be better to disconnect the battery and just run purely off of shore power? Is that safe for the converter and attached devices?

3'senough · 02-12-2012, 06:03 PM

I have a friend who has the older 2 stage IOTA and his batteries have been replaced twice as a result of a constant plug in. They were (2) 6V's. For some reason I think the older 2 stage models just keep pumping in more than what is being drawn and the batteries tend ot run hotter.

Pull your manuals and check the model. Most 2010 and newer are 3 stage but earlier you need to confirm as the changes could be mid year or by specific model.

They do make an upgrade to convert the older 2 stage to 3 stage. Also if you have the three stage you may have a green light in the fude panel that blinks a certain pattern based on the cycle it is in.

**norty1** · 02-12-2012, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RustyFairmount

That begs the next, on-topic question: If the battery is fully charged, and the converter is NOT a 3 stage charger, then would it be better to disconnect the battery and just run purely off of shore power? Is that safe for the converter and attached devices?

The short answer is no. Anything in the rig that uses 12V would drain the battery. Better to monitor the battery levels more often or look into a higher quality converter IMO.

RustyFairmount · 02-17-2012, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by norty1

The short answer is no. Anything in the rig that uses 12V would drain the battery. Better to monitor the battery levels more often or look into a higher quality converter IMO.

I think you misunderstood my question. Let me rephrase it this way: My camper has no battery at all. Is it safe to use the appliances purely off the converter, in the complete absence of any battery?

Quahog · 02-18-2012, 06:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RustyFairmount

I think you misunderstood my question. Let me rephrase it this way: My camper has no battery at all. Is it safe to use the appliances purely off the converter, in the complete absence of any battery?

Yes. If you are plugged into shore power, you are effectively using the converter to produce all AC and DC voltages in your trailer. Just make sure your battery leads are isolated so you don't have any shorts.

RustyFairmount · 02-18-2012, 07:49 AM

Thanks, Qahog. I've wired a battery disconnect on the battery box itself that isolates the battery from the camper, while remaining connected to the emergency brakes and tow vehicle. If I should find that my charger is not a 3 stage (as described above), I could disconnect the battery and camp at electrified sites without any fear of over-charging.

Mine's a 2011 X23B, so hopefully it's 3 stage. But I like reading and learning from you all to understand all of these things!!!

Quahog · 02-18-2012, 07:53 AM

Rusty, mine is a 2010 22FB and I know it has the charge wizard (3-stage) technology so I am pretty sure yours does to. One way to confirm is to find the model # of the converter, do a search and I bet your "overcharging" fears will be alleviated.

**norty1** · 02-18-2012, 09:28 AM

If it is made by progressive dynamics, you can look up the model # on their web site. Some have the Charge Wizard built in and some have a plug where one can be added. They used to cost about $25. Very good investment for keeping you battery in top shape.

RustyFairmount · 02-18-2012, 12:35 PM

My camper is in storage, along with the paperwork. I'll have to check to see if it's got a Charge Wizard next time I make it out to the storage yard. Thanks again.

exjay1 · 03-01-2012, 06:36 PM

so on that note, any real issues/problems with leaving it connected to a standard outside wall outlet (using a 30A to 15/20A adapter plug)? my dealer gave me one in my "starter kit" so Im assuming thats whats it there for and there shouldnt be any real issues with using this as long as Im not running everything at once?? My home electrical is about 6yrs old and the outside outlet isnt too far from the breaker box in the garage if that makes any difference.

3'senough · 03-02-2012, 10:20 AM

You will be fine with that type setup for the converter alone. I turn off all the major CB's for the micro, A/C and water heater just to be sure nothing can come on.

Also on another note I just discovered that the converter in my unit has a desulfation process much like the tenders have. This cycles every 21 hrs of non use on the batteries to keep them up. These are on most newer 3 stage chargers.

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