Battery maintenance when hooked up to shore power.

[RMRoper]

Typically I check the water in the batteries every 4-6 weeks in the summer. Take them out during winter and periodically charge them if necessary.

Now the question: We will be living in the 5th wheel for 5 months down in Florida. Will the shore power run everything (AC included) if I engage the battery cutoff switch so I can remove the batteries, check the water, and recharge if water is added?

Thanks for your help.

[JFlightRisk]

This system would make the filling process quick. The converter will take over charging the batteries after you add the distilled water. Our battery's on the tongue of out TT, so I can check it without disconnecting anything. I'm sure some more will post a better answer for you.

[RMRoper]

What system do you mean? Thanks

[JFlightRisk]

Oops! Forgot to add the link. Sorry.

https://www.mechanicsurplus.com/prod...20group%20%231

[16WhiteColly]

Seems like I have heard something before about never remove the battery while hooked up to shore power, unless you disconnect the convertor by shutting off the breaker, or pulling the fuse. Any truth to this?

[JFlightRisk]

Correct. The first battery terminal you pull off may spark, and if there's hydrogen gas around the battery, it may explode. You don't want any power going to it from the converter. Safety first.

[Jagiven]

Originally Posted by RMRoper

Typically I check the water in the batteries every 4-6 weeks in the summer. Take them out during winter and periodically charge them if necessary.

Now the question: We will be living in the 5th wheel for 5 months down in Florida. Will the shore power run everything (AC included) if I engage the battery cutoff switch so I can remove the batteries, check the water, and recharge if water is added?

Thanks for your help.

How often and how much water are you adding? My first year, while I was having converter issues I added water a number of times. After replacing my converter (warranty) I might have topped off the batteries every other year, maybe every 3 or 4 years. I just replaced that 9 year old battery.

I know lots of people (seasonal), that do not have a battery, been parked like that for years. Downfall, if you do not have a battery, and you loose shore power, none of your 12 items work, including the lights.

When I disconnect my battery leads, I pull my inline fuse at my battery first, it eliminates the spark. I do this more to protect the converter from accidently grounding out the positive battery lead.

In an open battery bay there is not enough hydrogen gas to cause an explosion issue. Just leave the door open for a minute or two and the gas will dissipate.

[Mopar_Earl]

Leave the batteries alone. The onboard converter charger will charge and maintain them just fine. while on shore power. Modern converter chargers have multistage charging with float. If they are flooded batteries, check the fluid levels occasionally.


Earl

[RMRoper]

I really like your solution with the sliding tray. I will also look into the auto watering system.

Thanks for all your help!

[NC Roamer]

Originally Posted by JFlightRisk

Oops! Forgot to add the link. Sorry.

https://www.mechanicsurplus.com/prod...20group%20%231

I added this to the Greyhawk’s house battery. It was worth it. Makes topping off the battery water much easier.