To plug in or not

[usolm1]

This has probably been asked before, but here it is again, I have had the rig winterized and don't use it during the winter months, The fridge is turned off and left open a drop to allow it to breath. The question is do I leave it pluged in to keep the batteries charging. I have a dual Battery setup. Any thoughts?

[Russb]

When not in use I disconnect the battery and use a Battery Tender to maintain a charge on the battery. I think it saves wear and tear on the converter.

[spinella]

lou,

i keep mine plug in year round. l also shut myrefridgerator off and leave the doors open. no problems here.

[rv-rick]

+1 on the battery tender and disconnecting the battery (s).

Most factory converter/ chargers are not 4 stage and will boil the battery dry over the winter.

[spinella]

rick i'm going on my 4th year wth ths trailer and my batterys are dong just fine. i still can go 2-3 days dry campingbefore i need to use my generator. i have three freinds that livein my town that do the same thing. i dont think i matters but...we all ha 30 or 50 amp power supply from our houses.(one freind is a electriction)

[artgpo]

I keep mine connected to a Battery Tender but do not disconnect the battery. The BT is directly connected to the power supply via an extension cord. The RV's power cord is not connected, hence, the converter is not connected. 'Fridge door left ajar.

[Lloyd]

I use to pull the batteries and bring them in the garage. This year they are in the rig. I purchased a Battery minder. Wish I had done this years ago.


http://www.batterymart.com/p-battery...y-charger.html

[CruiserJoe]

Plugged in year round, not a problem yet.

[gtoguy1967]

Ours has been pluged in for two years, No issues yet.

[fixit5561]

I leave mine plugged in also year round fridge is open.



I also changed my converter to the Progressive Dynamics 3 stage converter with the charge wizard pendant. It doesnt boil the battery over the winter,and keepsit nice and charged up.Edited by: fixit5561

[Korbe & Diana]

I used to keep mine plugged in but the converter would over charge and I would have to keep an eye on the water level. Now I disconnect my rig from shore power and shut off the battery disconnect switch. I plan on charging the batteries via the converter a couple of times this winter but so far they are keeping their charge just sitting there in the freezing weather.

[Ridgeman]

On my Cruiser I now keep it plugged in because I have an inverter/charger with a 4 stage charger to keep the batteries properly charged and not overcharged. If I was still using the factory converter/charger I would disconnect the batteries and put my "batteryminder" as mentioned above on the batts. My experience with converter/chargers is that they ovecharge the batteries if your not using them and you have to add water pretty often. Don't let your water level drop to the plates or below. If the plates are exposed, you will kill the batteries quickly. It is difficult and sometimes impossible to clean the sulfides from the plates that build up if the plates are exposed.

[Hunter11]

I have had the same experience as Ridgeman on both our old Cruiser and the PP. When we come back from a trip now I disconnect the shore power and plug in the battery minder I have mounted in the battery compartment and it keeps the battery charged without boiling it out. I know others on here have had their batteries boil out by leaving them plugged into shore power when the trailer was not in use.

[billyohl]

I have lefted mine plugged in for past 5 years and watch the water level. Add distrilled water when needed. Also have kept refer on entire time with No problems. RV place that I use stated that if I keep the refer on it would last longer than turning off and store with door open.Do Notknow if this is true but have hadNo issues and everything is still cold... Edited by: billyohl

[Hamops]

Since we have to store our 5vr in a RV storage lot, with no power, I have to take out the batteries and store them in our basement. I charge them up and check them occasionally to ensure that they are alright.