Forum Discussion

Explorer

Mar 10, 2015

Parasitic Power Loss!

Four months ago I put my 5th wheel into indoor storage, unplugged shore power, and disconnected the house battery by using the factory installed disconnect switch. I was surprised two days ago to find that the battery was totally drained. I connected an external charger, set for 2 amp charge rate, and everything seems okay now.
Question: Is there anything electrical, that is still drawing power even when battery disconnect is turned off? Maybe gas detectors?
My boat batteries are left stored inside the boat right next to the RV trailer and did not discharge, however I did disconnect the cables and did not rely on a disconnect switch.

14 Replies

MFL
Nomad II
Mar 10, 2015
BFL13 wrote:
LP alarm, radio, front jacks, slide, Trimetric, solar controller stay on.

This is the case with many newer trailers. For long term storage, you need to disconnect a battery cable, to stop all drain.

Jerry
BFL13
Explorer II
Mar 10, 2015
LP alarm, radio, front jacks, slide, Trimetric, solar controller stay on.
BTPO1
Explorer
Mar 10, 2015
I don't have a FW, but could it be the breakaway switch? I know that my tow dolly will have a drained battery if the switch gets activated accidentally. My MH which is stored indoors will drain the battery in a few weeks if I fail to pull the fuse to the solar panel since the controller is still using power and the panel cannot recharge since there is no sunlight. JMO
Dick_B
Explorer
Mar 10, 2015
A WAG but could high humidity/moisture create a trickle current within the battery box?