bluebull

My wife and I are going to be campground hosts for the next three months and the camper will be plugged in continuously for that time. I figured it wouldn't hurt anything except maybe have to check battery acid (water) level every few weeks or so. Well I was talking to a guy and he said the batteries should be disconnected and let the converter handle things. To me this has got to be rediculious, one thing what happens if the electricity gets unplugged for a few days while we are gone there is no way for the fridge to convert over to propane. Secondly, to me that would be certain death for the converter from overheating working so hard. I have been camping for 25 years. Now I'am not an expert in camping but I think this guy is full of hog wash, what do you guys think, Yes or no.

bsummit

I agree on the Hog wash. I leave mine pluged in all the time, in storage and on the road. My 5er is an 01 and it has the orginal battery in it. Just check the acid level several times a year. Hope this helps.

Maccandy

Hog wash. Just check the water level.

67HotRod

Agree, just keep an eye on the water level. I have three batteries in mine, no problems in almost 3 years.

Jeff in TD

Just leave it plugged in. The batteries also act as a filter, cleaning up any noise or blips in the output of the converter, and electronics like the control board to the fridge are sensitive to things like that.

If I recall, the directions in my converter/charger said that it will not overcharge the batteries if left on constantly, but they will continue to loose water. If you are parked permenantly, they suggest installing a battery simulator...

Anyhow, for two months, just leave it plugged in, and check the water...

Fueling around

Where are you hosting Ron? Local?

CTD NUT

LOL.....that is BS for sure! Every converter I have seen automatically switches over to trickle charge to keep the batteries charged up and fast charges as required....I leave my batteries connectted from April to November and have never had a problem. My batteries definitely act as a voltage stablizer and filter when connectted.

RustyJC

I would suggest that, if you're going to be plugged into shore power full time, ensuring that you have a converter that's "battery friendly" is good insurance. Many converters have a single output that can boil a battery dry pretty quickly. Our last 2 5th wheels have had the Progressive Dynamics Intellipower converter with the Charge Wizard accessory. This system provides boost, normal, float and desulfation modes that are automatically controlled by the Charge Wizard depending on system use and condition. Our 5th wheel stays plugged into shore power 24/7 while in covered storage, and I'll add water 2-3 times per year to the 2 each 6 volt deep cycle batteries.

Rusty

bluebull

We are campground hosts at Lake Ashtabula, East Crossing. It's a nice family oriented campground, if you get the chance come on down.

Thanks to everyone for your response. After camping for 25 years and never having any problems I figured he was full of it but it never hurts to check with people in the know.

Thanks again, Ron

mijpa

Hog wash. Just check the water level.

J&L

Rusty has a good point. The last two 5ers I've had if the batteries were left plugged in for 2-3 months, in storage, they would sulfate and when that happens they won't hold a charge . If your converter has the ability to not over charge then you are OK. I'm speakin' from experience.............JIM

roadranger

BS on the hog washers...

My truck camper comes with a battery disconnect switch, and I was told by the manufacturer to use it when plugged in any length of time. Everything will run without problem direct off the converter.

That's why you guys have to keep adding water every month or so- your battery chargers are NOT smart enough (unless they are aftermarket) to trickle down the charge- it boils 'em up.

To each his own...

RustyJC

OK, HERE is the information on the Charge Wizard accessory that is used with the Progressive Dynamics Intellipower 9100 series power converters. Note that, among other features, the Charge Wizard invokes a 13.2 volt float setting specifically to prevent boiling the batteries dry when power is connected while the unit is in storage.

Rusty

Fueling around

I guess the summary is to check the manual that came with your RV and see if you have a converter/charger unit that recommends battery disconnect or not.

My slide-in doesn't even have a battery

-John

Sixpack

Like Rusty I too upgraded to a PDI coverter with the Charge Wiz. I have added water to top off batteries twice in 2 years. These units are top shelf if you want to leave your rig plugged in 24/7/365. BTW 2002 5r, still on the 2 12 volt batteries that came with the unit.