I read recently that one should not leave the MH plugged in when not in use. We're on our 5th MH and have always left them plugged in when not in use. If, for no other reason, to keep batteries charged. What do you do?

Keep it plugged in but check batteries monthly

I leave our 96 Southwind plugged in 24/7 when it's parked in the yard.I don't know of a reason to not leave it on shore power.

Always plugged in at home when parked. Keeps house batteries charged and powers the separate charger used for my chassis batteries. Been doing it for decades without any issues. In Florida you never know when a storm will threaten and you have to leave or use the coach when/if the power fails.

Leave it plugged in. The issue that I have heard/read is that non-smart Converters might overcharge the battery. Ours is smart.

Lots of things could theoretically go wrong when plugged in. Fire due to mice chewing on something, breaker trips and your batteries die cause you thought it was plugged in. overcharging batteries and damaging them. Probably more things too. But as long as you have a smart charger, it's relatively safe to do.I leave the motorhome plugged in 24/7 when it's home, but not plugged when in storage (since there's no power there). I've flatlined my batteries with inattention while in storage, never hurt them when plugged in at home.

Do you leave plugged into shore power...? | Good Sam Community

dalenoel
Explorer II
Sep 04, 2019
Keep it plugged in but check batteries monthly
gbopp
Explorer
Sep 04, 2019
I leave our 96 Southwind plugged in 24/7 when it's parked in the yard.
I don't know of a reason to not leave it on shore power.
rgatijnet1
Explorer III
Sep 04, 2019
Always plugged in at home when parked. Keeps house batteries charged and powers the separate charger used for my chassis batteries. Been doing it for decades without any issues. In Florida you never know when a storm will threaten and you have to leave or use the coach when/if the power fails.
Dick_B
Explorer
Sep 04, 2019
Leave it plugged in. The issue that I have heard/read is that non-smart Converters might overcharge the battery. Ours is smart.
camperdave
Explorer
Sep 04, 2019
Lots of things could theoretically go wrong when plugged in. Fire due to mice chewing on something, breaker trips and your batteries die cause you thought it was plugged in. overcharging batteries and damaging them. Probably more things too.

But as long as you have a smart charger, it's relatively safe to do.

I leave the motorhome plugged in 24/7 when it's home, but not plugged when in storage (since there's no power there). I've flatlined my batteries with inattention while in storage, never hurt them when plugged in at home.
DFord
Explorer
Sep 04, 2019
dalenoel wrote:
Keep it plugged in but check batteries monthly

As long as you're not boiling all the water out of your batteries, leaving it plugged in will not harm it.
rgatijnet1 wrote:
Always plugged in at home when parked. Keeps house batteries charged and powers the separate charger used for my chassis batteries. Been doing it for decades without any issues. In Florida you never know when a storm will threaten and you have to leave or use the coach when/if the power fails.

This is how my MH sits while not in use - and I fill the gas tank at the end of every trip - don't know when the urge may strike and I'm ready whenever that happens. Worst case would be we have a power outage and need the generator to get by.
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Sep 04, 2019
"I read recently that one should not leave the MH plugged in when not in use"

Where did you read this?
What are their credentials?
What were their reasons?

My RV has been plugged in since 2006 when purchased NEW
CG AC Power, Generator or at my RV Pad at S&B
Hasn't been an issue in 13 yrs
gswcgi
Explorer
Sep 04, 2019
I have a 2003 Safari that has been plugged in 7/24, 365 since I took delivery in 2003. Never a problem. I check the batteries every2/3 weeks.
Tom_Barb
Explorer
Sep 04, 2019
Our's is plugged in all the time at home, we check battery water and condition Quarterly.
goufgators
Explorer
Sep 04, 2019
Old-Biscuit wrote:
"I read recently that one should not leave the MH plugged in when not in use"

Where did you read this?
What are their credentials?
What were their reasons?

I read it in in one of the Winnebago Operator's Manuals. Credentials ?? Their reason ??. My opinion: They made that statement likely as directed by the company legal firm. Someone above mentioned possibility of fire (mice etc.) The lawyers were likely aware of such possibilities and wanted to reduce potential damage (to Winnebago).

My RV has been plugged in since 2006 when purchased NEW
CG AC Power, Generator or at my RV Pad at S&B
Hasn't been an issue in 13 yrs