New RV Owner Questions [Please B Patient]

What converter do you have. This is important when you are not using the MH. If it is not a smart converter, you will boil the bats, if no load is on.

Yes, the onboard converter normally works all the time while your RV is plugged in, keeping your battery bank topped off. It hurts nothing to keep the RV plugged into shore power full time, but it hurts the batteries tremendously if they're allowed to run down.

We have a 1998 Coachmen/Class A 37' ...by saying Stored..that means in the OFF position [by the front door] either they are IN USE or Stored...So is this to say while connected to the SHORE POWER [thanks] the batteries are being CHARGED?? We have a converter I believe....and 2 batteries
GREAT ADVICE from EVERYONE...Thaks again...I'll be back with more Questions I am sure!! All the best and HAPPY CAMPING!!

Agreed... you need to provide us with more info on your rv.... TT, 5'er, mh (c or a). How many battery(s), do you have an inverter or just a converter. How many batteries do you have, and what type are they (12v or 6v or combination), how old are they? What size generator do you have?

The fan in the furnace runs off of 12v as does the control board of your fridge and all lights, water pump, and maybe water heater. There are other parasitic devices that are continually using 12v battery power that you can't turn off. So, there are always electrical draws on you battery(s) and depending on how many, will determine how long your battery(s) will hold a charge. Knowing exactly what devices draw 12v will help you in saving as much 12v power as you can.

When connected to shore power (not shoreline), the battery(s) need to be connected and operating in order for the charger (located in either the converter or inverter) to keep the battery(s) completely charged. Without shore power, running the generator once or twice a day for a couple of hours each will keep them topped off. Yes, leave the batteries connected...if you disconnect them there is no way the generator and charger can keep them charged.

It sounds like your battery(s) are either not completely charged or are not holding a charge very well or you are using a LOT of 12v devices while camping. May need to replace it/them or conserve the power better..

Got more questions?? Ask away.

Good luck

Ron

ps we have friends in Springfield and we also spend our summers in Newport. Just bought our new mh at RV Corral this past summer.

What do you mean by "stored"

You don't have to disconnect anything

The fridge should work all the time, either on propane, or 120v when on shore power

Moved from Forum Technical Support

Would be helpful to know what RV you have. I leave my batteries on when plugged into shore power even at home but you do have to check the water level. Of coarse use distilled water in the batteries. Your fridge should operate on shore power or gas. Depending on size of batteries or age and condition you should be able to run your furness all night at 70 degrees. If you bought a used MH the batteries may need replacing.