Shore Power for Winter?

[80 Cruiser Rod]

I have one of those 1.5 amp Harbor Freight solar panels hooked up to my battery for the winter. I did this for many years when I had my boat and had two batteries to keep charged and it worked fine for many years. I do have access to an outlet to keep my camper plugged in all the time.

Should I use the shore power or stick with what has been working for me for years? Or use one of those little Harbor Freight trickle chargers? I have one of those attached to my riding lawn mower and have used it for a couple of years w/o a problem also.

My battery is disconnected to the camper. If I did use the shore power I know I would have to connect the battery back to the camper.

[Cannon]

I don't think either ways right or wrong. I leave mine plug in year round with heat set on 40 in the winter and a/c set on 80 in the summer. Lots of people use trickle chargers and that works for them. I think it's just personal preference.

[oldmanAZ]

IMO, stick with what has worked for you. You'll probably have fewer worries over the winter: Is the new trickle charger working? Is the power still on?

[Mustang65]

As Cannon said....

Question:
How much unobstructed sun will the TT have? That 1.5 is only for a couple hours a day, with a reduced output the remainder of the day.

How old are the batteries. As with humans, as the batteries age they require additional help (power wise).

If the SOLAR worked in the past, no reason to stop using SOLAR. When you hook up the SOLAR make sure the batteries are FULLY charged. Also, make sure that the TT is not connected to the batteries while in SOLAR mode.

Don

My Registry

RVing with SOLAR

[Kim Gass]

We are of the plug it in to shore power and forget it.. Never have removed the battery which could be interesting when it is time for a new one.

Not meaning to hijack but when is it time for a new one? Ours will be going into its fourth season.

[Sola123]

I had the original batteries in my Previous Montana for 8 years....and finally one started getting weak.....I left it plugged in year round.....I plan to do the same with my Jayco....had the dealer put the same batteries in that I had in my Montana...we will see how it goes.....

[hummy]

If your TT is plug to shore power won't that keep your battery charge? Shouldn't need a trickle charger, TT has one built in.

[80 Cruiser Rod]

Originally Posted by hummy

If your TT is plug to shore power won't that keep your battery charge? Shouldn't need a trickle charger, TT has one built in.

As far as I know, Yes.

[RAurand]

I keep mine plugged in to shore power, Before I cover the trailer, I make sure the battery fluid it topped for the winter. Never had any issues.