Battery Question

1. IF you have an Inverter/Charger, you CANNOT and it will NOT disconnect the batteries when you turn the Batteries ON or OFF. Correctly installed Inverter/Chargers are wired DIRECT to the Coach batteries. WHY? Because the AMP DRAW can be larger when Inverting than most Battery Disconnect solenoids can take. The most common Battery disconnect solenoid is rated at 100 amps DC. The "Big Boy" type battery disconnect (very rare and usually on hi end motorhomes) is rated at 200 amps DC. On moderate to heavy loads the current draw when inverting can exceed 200 amps.
2. You do NOT want an Inverter/Charger to attempt to charge with NO battery connected.
3. There are various CONVERTER designs. BUT, the simple fact is, you WANT a Load(Battery) to help regulate the Converter 12 volt dc output. Even having a BAD battery is better than NO battery to help the Power Converter operate at its peak efficiency.
4. If you have the type Power Converter that has an accessable 120 power cord and plugs in(stand alone type Converter), install a simple plug in 120 timer on that cord and have it run 12 hours a day. That will help stop battery overcharging or boiling dry.
5. The other Plain Fact is, RV Coach batteries NEED tender care and constant monitoring(weekly). No different than checking your tire pressure or Coolant or Oil. Taking diligent care of your Coach batteries will yield years of service.
6. There are some Power Converters that can operate with no battery, but I would rather have them connected to my batteries. Doug

What make and model inverter/charger do you have?

Do you have a remote monitor panel?

wolfe10 wrote:
Yes, indeed it DEPENDS.

If you have a smart charger or smart inverter/charger AND IT IS PROPERLY PROGRAMMED (battery bank size, battery technology and unless a temperature probe ambient temperature range) indeed leave it plugged in 24/7/365.

If not, disconnect, but reconnect them at least once a month to bring to full charge.

Thanks Brett, I have a inverter I don't know how smart it is? When my coach was new in 2004, the inverter was a option that I went with!

2oldman wrote:

J-Rooster wrote:
the DW told me I should shut them off...

Why?

Oldman, she thinks she knows more than me when it comes to RVing!

korbe wrote:
My batteries appeared to over charge while plugged into shore power even with my 3-stage charger

What exactly leads you to believe that ?

If that is true, something has failed and needs to be fixed.

My batteries appeared to over charge while plugged into shore power even with my 3-stage charger so I will turn them off if on shore power for up to a week or so. My converter handles all my 12-volt stuff just fine.

J-Rooster wrote:
the DW told me I should shut them off...

Why?

J-Rooster wrote:
MountainAir05, Thanks for your quick response the DW told me I should shut them off even though I have never of done this.

The disconnect switch should be used if it is just sitting and NOT connected to shore power.....
OR
If you have an old, cheap single stage converter that keeps the float voltage above 13.4.

Or to put it a different way, except for extended periods of non-use without a charger in use, the switch should be left ON. Some converter/chargers don't like not having a battery there.

Yes, indeed it DEPENDS.

If you have a smart charger or smart inverter/charger AND IT IS PROPERLY PROGRAMMED (battery bank size, battery technology and unless a temperature probe ambient temperature range) indeed leave it plugged in 24/7/365.

If not, disconnect, but reconnect them at least once a month to bring to full charge.

Depends...

With an inverter/charger I would tend to leave it on. With a converter it would be OK to turn it off. Although I might wait 48 hours to make sure the battery is tip-top 100% charged. Then on once a month to top off. Monitor the battery the first time to be sure something is not going to drain them.

How is your chassis battery maintained? May need the house battery on. Need to verify.