Forum Discussion

travelingbard's avatar
travelingbard
Explorer
Aug 14, 2015

Changing House Batteries - Shore power w/old batt out?

Hi all! I'm changing out my house batteries tomorrow (they died quickly on the trip we're on - old and not proper deep cycles anyway). My question is this...

I can pull the batteries out in the morning and carry them with me to pick up a new pair of T105's, but I won't be able to get back to the RV until late in the afternoon. Provided I have the house battery cables isolated where they don't touch, could I reconnect shore power while I'm out during the day to keep the AC running? The cats would certainly appreciate it, but I don't want to risk causing another problem since there would be a completely open circuit at that point (converter/charger not hitting anything, etc).

Any quick advice would be hugely appreciated!!

Thanks!
Chris
Class A
  • BobGed's avatar
    BobGed
    Explorer
    Aug 14, 2015
    Without a 12 volt power source your thermostat would not be able to turn on your AC's. I think you're going to have to purchase the new batteries, install them and then take your old ones back for the core charge refund.
  • chuckftboy's avatar
    chuckftboy
    Explorer
    Aug 14, 2015
    I think as long as you properly isolate the battery cable ends, the converter will supply 12 volts to the coach. Just have the power off when disconnect and reconnect the cables. If you are careful there isn't anything to damage.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Aug 14, 2015
    It'll depend on what powers the thermostat. I assume you're not at the coach now, or you'd have tried this already.
  • wolfe10's avatar
    wolfe10
    Explorer
    Aug 14, 2015
    The answer is "it depends".

    A good quality converter or inverter/charger may not need a battery as a "filter".

    But, there is a risk of harming PC boards if your converter or inverter/charger is not designed to be used without a battery in the circuit.

    My recommendation is to either get the answer from your converter or inverter/charger owners manual or call the manufacturer and ask if it can be used with the batteries out of the coach.

    Another option would be to remove the chassis battery and temporarily install it in place of the house battery. A little more work, but no more $$ or risk.
  • travelingbard's avatar
    travelingbard
    Explorer
    Aug 14, 2015
    Thanks, all! Leaving them in and making sure the battery dealer will let us bring the old ones in tomorrow for the core charge refund.

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