My hybrid has never been without power. I keep it plugged in on a 20A circuit 365 days a year. I was told yesterday by a motorhome owner that it was not good to do it, although he did not give me any reason other than his dealer told him so and that he never plugs his coach in. I use mine as a respite from the house at times and I like convenience. Am I doing any harm?

Nothing to worry about, think about the full timers, they are always plugged in. I have been doing it since day one.

pitch,If you have a good three (or four) stage battery charger (often called a "converter") that is maintaining the batteries, there should be no harm. If you have one of the cheap pieces of junk converters that come with so many RV's, then you will likely boil your batteries. At a minimum, I suggest you check the battery water frequently until you determine how quickly it is going down.I agree, it nice to have a little place to go and relax....and pretend to be camping :)

If you're worried about it then pull the negative battery lead or install a disconnect switch.Modern converters with "smart" charging can be left plugged in continuously. Older ones (Magnetek & Elixir come to mind) were "dumb" single stage converters and could boil the batteries.

I, too, think the only issue involves premature battery failure if your converter is not a 3 or 4 stage unit. I killed a battery that way, and since have added a battery cut-off switch (coupla bucks from the RV store) and when I'm thus parked, I'll cut off the battery and put it on a BatteryMinder, which keeps it safely charged and desulphated. The BatteryMinder was about $40, the most expensive part of the deal.Other than that, enjoy your rig more and worry less.

Checking the batteries for electrolyte level and cleaning corroded connections should be part of the monthly (or quarterly, your choice) maintenance anyway.Use ONLY distilled water to top off the level, and make sure you know what the correct level is. NEVER add battery acid to a battery!

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13 Replies

mbopp
Explorer
Nov 03, 2013
If you're worried about it then pull the negative battery lead or install a disconnect switch.
Modern converters with "smart" charging can be left plugged in continuously. Older ones (Magnetek & Elixir come to mind) were "dumb" single stage converters and could boil the batteries.
SteveAE
Explorer
Nov 03, 2013
pitch,

If you have a good three (or four) stage battery charger (often called a "converter") that is maintaining the batteries, there should be no harm. If you have one of the cheap pieces of junk converters that come with so many RV's, then you will likely boil your batteries. At a minimum, I suggest you check the battery water frequently until you determine how quickly it is going down.

I agree, it nice to have a little place to go and relax....and pretend to be camping :)
eHoefler
Explorer II
Nov 03, 2013
Nothing to worry about, think about the full timers, they are always plugged in. I have been doing it since day one.

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