Keep plugged in or disconnect battery when parked

[larry_cad]

Friends of ours just bought a new Coachmen class c. I have a class A and keep it plugged in all the time when not using it, but have a 3 stage charger. Should they keep theirs plugged in all the time also, or disconnect the batteries when parked in the drive?

[ron_dittmer]

Bordercollie wrote:
Our modern Multi-Stage "Charge Wizard" converter charger depleted the house battery electrolyte level when left unchecked for a number of months. Best to check electrolyte levels and state of charge at a regular schedule to get best useful life out of batteries.

That was my experience, concluding it was better for me to disconnect instead.

[Bordercollie]

Our modern Multi-Stage "Charge Wizard" converter charger depleted the house battery electrolyte level when left unchecked for a number of months. Best to check electrolyte levels and state of charge at a regular schedule to get best useful life out of batteries.

[Dakzuki]

If they have a single stage converter, the easiest thing is to disconnect. If plugged in, the batteries will need to be checked regularly. They could also plug in to battery maintainers for the coach and chassis batteries which would be really easy. No disconnecting of anything required. The best thing for them would be to change over to a multi stage converter. They are not that expensive and generally not difficult to install. Mine went into the same enclosure as the old converter.

[ctilsie242]

If you have a multi-stage, "charge wizard" converter which can float the batteries, I say plug in. If you have a single stage converter, chuck the converter and buy a real one, or perhaps go with an inverter.

Single stage converters will dine on your battery's soul.

[pastorbillv]

Only keep plugged in IF you have a battery "tender" that will stop charging and watch for a drop that is enough to have to recharge. My experience is that with older charging units, they'll keep charging and dry-out / destroy your batteries. I also use the "disconnect" switch to stop those tiny drains that will discharge your battery over time.

JMHO!

[Captain_Happy]

On my Motor Home when not in use I turn off the house batteries, and on the engine battery I installed a knife blade disconnect right on the battery.

[Cobra21]

Ours is a 1993 Class C. Ours does not draw any power when it isn't used. I keep it unplugged till the day before we leave to cool the frig. and charge
the battery if needed. If we need to keep it plugged in all the time, that tells me that either something is drawing the battery down, or it's time for a
new battery.
Brian

[ksg5000]

If they have modern multi stage converter then I suggest they keep it plugged in (same as you). I suspect their Class C doesn't have the ability to maintain the chassis battery when connected to shore power - if so they should invest in Trik L Start (inexpensive and easy to install).

[pianotuna]

Disconnect and add a modest solar charging system.

[ron_dittmer]

I found it best to disconnect our batteries, but our rig is stored indoors.

[tenbear]

I keep my Class C plugged in 24/7/365. During the winter I turn the converter off and use a Battery Tender to maintain the battery. I have a 3 stage converter but I prefer the battery Tender. I have found that my electric bill is less with the Battery Tender.

[RambleOnNW]

We have 2 AGM batteries that self-discharge very slowly, perhaps 1% per month. As a result just disconnect them with the battery disconnect switch and leave the rv unplugged between uses.

[time2roll]

Plug it in. Still need to watch battery voltage drops to what you expect within a week and that water level does not drop too low. Should not be a big issue in Winter.

[DrewE]

What type of converter do they have? How long are these periods of non-use? How conscientious are your friends about checking the battery electrolyte levels and topping up if needed? Is this during the summer or winter?

In general, keeping it plugged in would probably be better, but there are very many variables. Other good options include setting up a timer to power the converter for a short spell each day (say maybe an hour) or connecting a decent little maintenance charger and not using the converter while stored.