Forum Discussion

davidbt's avatar
davidbt
Explorer
Jan 14, 2017

Batteries

We've been living in three different trailers, not moving around much in any of them. We have full hook ups unless we travel on vacation once or twice a yr. I was wondering if I should disconnect the batteries while parked for long period's of time.
  • allen8106 wrote:
    Disconnecting the batteries will disable these things.


    I suspect he knows that......if and only IF he is not connected to shore power.

    Some converters are designed to work without actual batteries in place and some are not. To be safe, leave them connected and check the electrolyte level occasionally.
  • Based on my interpretation of your post I'm assuming you mean diconnect batteries while parked but still living in the RV. Your lights, AC t-stat, likey your refridgerator and furnace run off of 12 volts from the batteries. Disconnecting the batteries will disable these things.
  • The easy answer is:
    Probably NOT.
    How often do you inspect the batteries and add water if necessary ?

    Even the inexpensive single stage converters are usually set at a voltage point that won't really hurt the batteries. But the water does slowly disappear and needs to be replenished.
  • The operating manual for my converter indicates that the converter will work just fine while disconnected with the battery. And I do disconnect mine while on shore power for more than a couple days. If I don't, the batteries seem to require adding water once in a while. But when disconnected, the batteries sit there just fine.
  • Need more information to be able to tell you.
    Are you using 12V lights?
    What converter do you have?