Forum Discussion

morley's avatar
morley
Explorer
May 31, 2013

Battery Disconnect Switch/battery Charging

This may be a dumb question and if so I apologize, but here goes anyway.
We like to keep our fifth wheel plugged into shore power between trips out in the summer. (food left in the fridge, etc.)
We do not have a three phase converter in our unit so the battery tends to be charging all of the time while plugged in.
If I install a battery disconnect switch and turn it off when at home will the battery continue charging or not get any charge at all?
If not then I would have to make sure that the fridge controls still operated on shore power and turn the disconnect switch back on and charge up the battery prior to the next trip out.
Told you that it might be a dumb question.
Thanks,
Morley

6 Replies

  • morley's avatar
    morley
    Explorer
    Jun 03, 2013
    ksg5000 wrote:
    Most converters will operate without a battery - some don't. Disconnect the ground side of your coach battery (or toggle battery disconnect)and then plug in - if the fridge, lights etc work then your all set - if not then reconnect the battery and just check the water level every few weeks. No big deal.


    Thanks Kevin, I have been diligently checking and topping up the water level in my 2 Trojan T105 GC batteries. They are now 7 seasons old and still performing well. Just trying to perserve them for as long as we possibly can.
  • morley's avatar
    morley
    Explorer
    Jun 03, 2013
    pianotuna wrote:
    Hi,

    The battery disconnect would prevent charging.

    What make and model is the converter?


    Thanks Don, our converter is a Parallax 7355 55 amp model.
  • ksg5000's avatar
    ksg5000
    Explorer
    May 31, 2013
    Most converters will operate without a battery - some don't. Disconnect the ground side of your coach battery (or toggle battery disconnect)and then plug in - if the fridge, lights etc work then your all set - if not then reconnect the battery and just check the water level every few weeks. No big deal.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    May 31, 2013
    As long as you are plugged in, all of the appliances will operate normal with or without a battery. If the battery is electrically isolated (off) then it will not be charging and slowly self discharge over three to six months. Switch on to charge 24 hours once a month is plenty. Battery needs to be on (connected) when towing to operate the breakaway braking system.
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    May 31, 2013
    Hi,

    The battery disconnect would prevent charging.

    What make and model is the converter?

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