Keeping batteries charged while not in use?

ksg5000 wrote:
Can you post which model converter your rig has?

I use the PD9260CV (60w) - you may need more or less. I also added the optional (plug-in) Charge Wizard


the converter / charger that i have may not be correct for you....you should buy the proper wattage that you demands require.


http://www.progressivedyn.com/power_converters.html

Ours is plugged in 24/7 while stored in our backyard, our converter has smart charging features that will keep battery fully charged without boiling batteries dry. Even with a smart converter one must still keep tabs on battery fluid levels as part of any rig's periodic maintenance routine.

Can you post which model converter your rig has?

I ran 30 amp service to my RV pad and installed a 50 amp timer I bought at Lowes. I have the timer come on for one hour a day to keep my house batteries charged, and use a LSL Trik-L-Charge to keep the coach battery charged.

If you want to leave it on 24 hrs a day to cool the fridge or run A/C, just take the "off" lever from the timer.

It has worked beautifully for 8 years now.

if you have one of those crappy parallax converter/chargers it will overcharge & boil the batteries dry.
I replaced the parallax with an InteliPower (by Progressive Dynamics Inc) - its a 3 stage charger (with smart charge/battery maintainer) / charge wizard.

when I'm in storage i turn almost all of my breakers off (don't have to) and use a BatteryMinder - one on my chassis batteries and one for my house batteries....if i leave breakers on i disconnect the house batteries & use my battery minder to maintain the house batteries.

During the non use months (December through February for us), I take our rig out of storage once a month, drive it up the Interstate for 25 miles with the generator running with the AC heat strips on for load. Stop and have lunch (leaving the genset running) and then head back to the stoarge. That seems to do the trick and keep everything functional.

PSW

During the winter, I just plugged mine in for a few days every month...

During the winter I use a Battery Minder.

I suspect the manufacturer suggests you don't leave the MH plugged in because the converter is a Parallax/Magnetek converter. They are single stage converters which are set at 13.8v. They will boil the water away in the battery. If you do leave it connected, check the water level in the battery often.

Many of us have replaced the OEM converter with a 3 stage converter which charges the battery fast, then reduces the voltage to maintain the battery. This is especially recommended if you do much off grid camping.