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goufgators's avatar
goufgators
Explorer
Sep 04, 2019

Do you leave plugged into shore power...?

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?
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  • ReneeG's avatar
    ReneeG
    Explorer
    Sep 04, 2019
    We have a FW and keep in plugged in between use. We check the batteries regularly and more so in the winter.
  • timmac's avatar
    timmac
    Explorer
    Sep 04, 2019
    Mine has been plugged in at my house for over 5 years now and I never have to check the AGM batteries..

    :C
  • goufgators's avatar
    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
  • Tom_Barb's avatar
    Tom_Barb
    Explorer
    Sep 04, 2019
    Our's is plugged in all the time at home, we check battery water and condition Quarterly.
  • gswcgi's avatar
    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.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    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
  • DFord's avatar
    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.
  • camperdave's avatar
    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.

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