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?

Seems to be the hot topic of the week.Stay plugged in in storage?2007disconnect? Oct 2013Stay plugged in Mar 2014Stay plugged in Jun 2014Stay plugged in Sep 2014

What does the owner's manual have to say? I have a 5th wheel that I keep plugged in for weeks on end.

With my truck camper I kept it plugged in 24/7/365 when not on the road. With the Class C I have a "small" solar panel that keeps the phantom draws in check but just so I leave unplugged most of the time and maybe once every month or two will plug in for a day or two just to help the solar keep up.

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.

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.

Keep plugged in or disconnect battery when parked

ron_dittmer
Explorer II
Oct 24, 2017
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
Explorer
Oct 24, 2017
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
Explorer
Oct 22, 2017
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
Explorer II
Oct 20, 2017
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
Explorer II
Oct 19, 2017
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
Explorer
Oct 19, 2017
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
Explorer
Oct 19, 2017
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
Explorer
Oct 19, 2017
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
Nomad III
Oct 19, 2017
Disconnect and add a modest solar charging system.
ron_dittmer
Explorer II
Oct 19, 2017
I found it best to disconnect our batteries, but our rig is stored indoors.