What's best for batteries and winter storage?

Sam Spade wrote:

DutchmenSport wrote:
I think it's really 6 of one and half-a-dozen of another. Either way will return the same results.

I keep mine plugged into shore power 24x7 (at home -- Indiana, even in the winter).

In many cases the difference can be important.

If BOTH your tender and the built-in converter are well designed true float tenders, then is shouldn't make much if any difference.

Many RVs come with single stage converters with is equivalent to using a non-automatic battery charger which can float too high and "boil" off the water in the batteries.

P.S. This subject has already been discussed about a thousand times on here already. A simple search or two would be helpful.

My TT must have a good charger then, because it's been plugged in since the day I purchased it, and the batteries have never boiled over. Actually, in 3 years, I've never had to add a drop of water either.

My previous trailer, I had it for 8 years. About year 4 I had to get a new battery. The entire 4 years, I never had to add a drop of water. The second 4 years, I never added a drop. Sold the trailer, battery was still good.

You're probably right about the converter's though. Some work better than others. I also keep my battery cut-off turned on, so there is always parasitic draw. Maybe this also helps keeping them from over boiling, with a constant charge and discharge at the same time? Anyway... this camper ... 3 years strong and not a drop of water yet!