Keeping Her Plugged In

The OP has a 2008 Winnebago Vista 30B, so unless someone in the past has replaced the converter, it is a single voltage battery boiler that Winnebago installed.

The OP, probably with some help, can determine the make//model of the converter and then decide if it is single stage or multi-stage.

If Multi-stage, you probably only need to check the house battery water a couple of times a year, If single stage, then you need to watch them like a hawk and check them monthly or more often.

I didn't keep my View plugged in constantly until I changed out the converter, now it stays plugged in 24/7. The fridge is turned off, but yes, the board still receives power, in addition to other items. Not sure how much that shortens the life span of such equipment, if any.

Looking at the wiring diagrams for the OP's MH it appears to have the same power panel/converter that my View does, most likely a Parallax single stage converter, which the OP would do well to swap out for a Progressive Dynamics 4645V which is an easy direct out/in swap.

http://www.bestconverter.com/PD4645V-45-Amp-Converter-Upgrade-Optional-Remote-Pendant_p_351.html#.WmEuH66nGJA

If OP posts a pic of the electrical panel with the door open. and cover removed, it would help. Otherwise you have a bunch of personal experience comments that may or may not be of value to the OP.

Charles

chuckftboy wrote:
My coach is always connected to shore power unless driving down the road. No issues at all and when I sold my last coach the house batteries were 8 years old and still doing fine.

Ours is plugged in 24/7, I changed the batteries when they were 9 years old.

Yup, I see no problem leaving it plugged in.

Usually solar charging plays well with shore power charging.

cross21114 wrote:

Would the solar panels do anything when you are plugged in to shore power?

LVJ58 wrote:
I leave mine plugged in to 50amp service when parked at home. I turn converter off and let the 110w solar panel maintain coach and chassis battery by leaving battery disconnect switches in the ON position. So far no problem over 20 years.

Best of luck and safe travels...:)

Would the solar panels do anything when you are plugged in to shore power?

Gjac wrote:
If your batteries are plugged in all the time there is a chemical action taking place to keep batteries charged which means shedding of the lead plates. I realize more batteries die from undercharging (sulfation) than from overcharging (plate loss) but does anyone know how much plate loss there is from maintenance charging, like so many thousandths /day? I have never seen this posted here.

Prior to getting the full hook ups at home, we never had the RVs plugged in all the time, our batteries lasted about 5 years. Now that we have the full hook ups at home, our batteries last about 5 years.

If your batteries are plugged in all the time there is a chemical action taking place to keep batteries charged which means shedding of the lead plates. I realize more batteries die from undercharging (sulfation) than from overcharging (plate loss) but does anyone know how much plate loss there is from maintenance charging, like so many thousandths /day? I have never seen this posted here.

Fleetwood revolution and ours is plugged in ALL the time except when it is rolling. Check the batteries regularly, no issues. Second pusher we have had and did like this.

We leave ours plugged in all the time, the only thing running is the inverter / charger. The coach is protected by the surge protector.

I leave mine plugged in to 50amp service when parked at home. I turn converter off and let the 110w solar panel maintain coach and chassis battery by leaving battery disconnect switches in the ON position. So far no problem over 20 years.

Best of luck and safe travels...:)

pianotuna wrote:
Hi tommy g,

Why to disconnect?

Several reasons of varying import.

Because leaving it plugged in exposes the RV to both surges and brown outs.

It means a continual draw, so it is wasting power, and costing money.

Leaving it connected does put extra hours on the entire electrical system. The way my class c is wired, unless I turn the converter off, all the computer boards in the fridge, etc. are being powered--even when the appliance in question is turned off.

It serves little in the way of extra benefit, unless you are living in the unit. In fact, I can't think of a single thing that would be benefited by leaving it uninhabited and connected.

Plug in for 24 hours once a month to maintain the batteries.

tommy g wrote:
Why Don??

One single good reason........
My RV parked next to house plugged in allows me to have a cool/warm place (depending on time of year) to slip inside when out working in yard. Fridge is ON and stocked with my favorite beverages/snacks.
Bathroom is readily available and if I want I can catch up on local news with the 32" Vizio TV etc.
It is my 'man cave'

That single reason is reason enough for me.

RV is 11 years old and hasn't worn out YET.
PI Surge Protector on 30A Power Pedestal and sewer ----my own little FHU site

Costs me $22/month Winter Rate and $30/month Summer Rate

Cheap for the 'convenience' I get from having it at home and ready to use




OP IF you plug it in.check battery water levels monthly until you get a good idea on water usage.
Level the RV especially IF you are going to run Fridge and/or slide outs