Battery Life

leftys wrote:
After checking the RV, I found the "Inverter/Charger" (Magnum Energy, model MS 2000).

I could not find a separate "Converter". Does that mean that my "Inverter/Charger" functions also as a Converter?

And, to answer the last question, I don't expect the motorhome to be in storage more than 6 weeks at a time, or so.

Thanks for the help!

Can't remember offhand the model # of my Magnum inverter charger but no the inverter/charger does not have a converter. Take the converter/charger out.

With the inverter/charger you are wired up like a boat. All 12VDC requirements are taken from the battery bank. When on 110VAC the charger is replenishing whatever is being pulled from the battery bank.

When I bought our (new to us) coach everything was fine at the dealer, but after a week in our driveway it was totally dead. Put a battery charger on the chassis battery & brought the coach back to life. Took the coach to my local auto parts store & had all three batteries replaced. Turns out that all three batteries were 7 years old. No further problems noted.

leftys wrote:
I could not find a separate "Converter". Does that mean that my "Inverter/Charger" functions also as a Converter?

It does in that it charges batteries.

A tiny bit off topic...

So does one need to use a battery disconnect switch if they use their RV say once a month? And if so, it takes only 60 seconds to disconnect my battery manually. Why not do that instead?

Jbrowland wrote:
A tiny bit off topic...

So does one need to use a battery disconnect switch if they use their RV say once a month? And if so, it takes only 60 seconds to disconnect my battery manually. Why not do that instead?

How long a battery takes to discharge varies with the RV and how much "stuff" is powered by the battery. Also on the size and health of your battery bank. Only you can determine that. Put the RV in the storage state and check the voltage and see how long it takes to drop down to 12.1v.

A manual disconnect is probably better than a switch, nothing to break. If you are happy doing the disconnect manually, go for it.

Jbrowland, if you have a motorhome, don't forget your chassis battery. That will discharge in time too.

Jbrowland wrote:
A tiny bit off topic...

So does one need to use a battery disconnect switch if they use their RV say once a month? And if so, it takes only 60 seconds to disconnect my battery manually. Why not do that instead?

Easier.

To disconnect, I push a button.

To manually disconnect, I have to remove step, find wrench, remove cable, replace step.

Easier. And works just as well.

Bobbo wrote:

Jbrowland wrote:
A tiny bit off topic...

So does one need to use a battery disconnect switch if they use their RV say once a month? And if so, it takes only 60 seconds to disconnect my battery manually. Why not do that instead?

Easier.

To disconnect, I push a button.

To manually disconnect, I have to remove step, find wrench, remove cable, replace step.

Easier. And works just as well.

I see. I keep a wrench in a drawer by my front door. I don't have steps to put out or replace. I only use my RV once a month. Add the time it costs to go buy and then install the thing and I am still ahead in time by doing it manually every month after two years. ;)

I do appreciate the answers though. They are a big help even if I appear to be a smart ***. :)

Also a good idea to use the 120v AC to run an air dryer or a dehumidifier to prevent mold or mildew from growing inside the closed RV.