Forum Discussion

oyarsa's avatar
oyarsa
Explorer
Apr 11, 2020

Plugged in or Trickle Charger

Our trailer is now parked next to our house. I could keep it plugged in 24/7. Is it better to do that, or take the batteries out and plug them into Battery Tenders if the trailer isn't going to be used for a while (say a month.) Our batteries are regular, maintenance required deep cycle batteries. Our previous batteries died, I believe because they were left disconnected and not on any trickle charger for a few months. I'd like to try to treat these batteries better.

Also, the previous batteries had some corrosion on the positive terminals. This transferred to the Battery Tender connections. I assume I need to clean them before connecting to the new batteries, but how thoroughly do I need to clean them, how should I clean them, and should I use some sort of anti-corrosion spray?
  • kellem's avatar
    kellem
    Explorer
    Apr 11, 2020
    Check water level twice a year and leave trailer plugged in.....charged battery won't freeze either.

    If your trailer is close to level, keep frig running also as they'll last forever.
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    Apr 11, 2020
    Yes you should do one or the other, at least periodically.

    If your converter isn't a "smart" converter, i.e. Also a battery tender then it can/will overcharge the batteries.
    Since you have a battery tender, hook it up and use it unless you can verify your converter does the same.
    Only need one maintainer if you have 12V batteries.
    Nothing fancy, wire brush or sand the corrosion off. It shouldn't corrode again quickly.
    Also Coca Cola cleans battery terminal corrosion nicely.
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    Apr 11, 2020
    If they corrode with regularity, it's typically from overcharging pushing gas out around the terminals or just slight leak around the terminals.
    If the latter and you want to get more time out of the batteries, clean up around the terminals and apply some rtv sealant. Works for a while
  • BarabooBob's avatar
    BarabooBob
    Explorer III
    Apr 11, 2020
    My TT has a much better charger in it than most people have for a trickle charger. Some chargers put out a constant 13.4 volts which over time, can cause the batteries to dry up.
  • Ava's avatar
    Ava
    Explorer
    Apr 11, 2020
    Use a slurry mix of baking soda and water to clean terminals. It will foam up and neutralize any acid. Then rinse off. Coat terminals with a commercial brand spray or just use Vaseline.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Apr 11, 2020
    Small solar panel...30 watts...and a $22 controller from WindyNation with bulk, absorption, float and equalization capability...easy.
  • KD4UPL's avatar
    KD4UPL
    Explorer
    Apr 11, 2020
    If your trailer has a modern day quality charger that treats your batteries well with proper charge voltage regulation then just leave everything plugged in. If you have an older trailer with a charger that tends to over or under charge batteries your probably better off not leaving it running for long periods of time.
    What kind of charger/converter is built into your trailer? Have you measured the voltage it floats your batteries at?
  • Huntindog's avatar
    Huntindog
    Explorer
    Apr 11, 2020
    If you have a WFCO, it is a bad idea to just plug the trailer in.... WFCOs never go into float.
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    Apr 12, 2020
    I would leave the batteries in place. I'd add a trickle charger to them. Or add solar (which is what I chose).

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