Forum Discussion

swat455's avatar
swat455
Explorer
Oct 22, 2013

do i leave the batt switches on when on shore power

hi just was curious as my batts look toasted ???1990 pace arrow 34'
  • If the converter/charger is not "smart" and you leave the battery switch on when plugged into shore power it will boil the water out of the batteries and that is not a good thing. Ask me how I know.
    Safe travels.
  • swat455 wrote:
    hi just was curious as my batts look toasted ???1990 pace arrow 34'

    I'm curious what "toasted" batteries look like.

    Would the appearance be anything like a freshly toasted Pop-Tart?

    I just can't really imagine your description and I'd love to see a photo.
  • Well, your coach is a 1990. If those are the ORIGINAL batteries...they're toast for sure....:W......Dennis
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    I too have the 9100 with wizard and full time,, I normally leave batteries connected.. However you said a 1990.. Just how old are those batteries. Mine are 2005's and .. Well.. I'm gonna have to replace 'em soon I think (Ah a project for this afternoon, Tracing battery issues).

    When my rig and it's batteries were new.. I kept it plugged in at home 24x7 and had to add distilled water to my Interstate U-2200's every mother's day.

    Now it's 3-4 times a year

    But they are still the original batteries from 2005
  • hi I have the intel power 9100 with the charging wizard that runs the 12 volts didn't think it was dumb .as it can tell me bed time stories at night..lol.. really its like a $500 unit that's the 3 stage
  • Swat,

    There sure could be toast. Look at the data for your converter/charger. If it not at least a smart three stage, replace it with one that is BEFORE you get new batteries.

    Then, when you have the modern CC in place, leave the battery switch on unless you are leaving the coach for more than a week* without shore power or being driven.

    *This time is somewhat coach dependent.

    Matt
  • Connected to shore power is one means of having converter recharge.maintain the charge on batteries. IF they are not switched off.

    And YES.....if they 'look toasted' then that converter overcharged them because it isn't a three stage charger and the water boiled out.

    Need to take them out and have them load tested...any auto parts store.
    Then when you buy new batteries....buy a new smart converter/charger and replace your old dumb converter
  • swat455 wrote:
    hi just was curious as my batts look toasted ???1990 pace arrow 34'
    What do you mean, "look toasted"??? Have you checked them with a volt meter? They probably needed watering, and your old style, dumb, converter/charger overcharged them.