Forum Discussion
- dcmac214ExplorerNot any more. Fries the batteries if they're not being used. Any time in storage a week or more I disconnect and hook up the Noco maintainer.
- RVERExplorerI was instructed, if not using, plug in a few days of a week a month or you will boil your batteries, if using of course keep plugged in.
- GjacExplorer IIII guess in America we all think differantly but the only time I plug mine in is to recharge the batteries. I realize that most batteries die due to sulfation but keeping them plugged in 24/7 means the battery plates are always shedding lead due to the electrical charge and the chemical reaction inside. I dry camp 99% of the time so I only recharge once I get home usually after a week and my batteries are about 50-60% SOC. If not camping I let them self discharge to 80% SOC then recharge. Over winter I fully charge in November and recharge in April. My house batteries are 14 years now and still working fine. I do equalize and desulfate several times a year which helps to extend battery life.
- Matt_ColieExplorer IIWhether in the barn or outside, our coach has been plugged in when not actually traveling for 16 years.
Matt - LatnerNomad
craig7h wrote:
Always plugged in, and in summer frig running also 24/7.
x2 - Sandia_ManExplorer IILast 2 rigs both having smart charging technology are always plugged in while stored in our side yards, just check water periodically topping off a couple times a year. We keep our 4 door RV fridge running during the active RV season, uses roughly 300 watts which adds $20 electric bill monthly.
- Dale_TravelingExplorer II
craig7h wrote:
Always plugged in, and in summer frig running also 24/7.
Same for me. No problems with battery water levels. - chuckftboyExplorerI have owned 4 different class A's and have always kept them plugged into a 50 amp service when at home. If you have a smart charger your batteries will just be maintained on a float charge. My current batteries are AGM so that makes life a bit easier.
- LwiddisExplorer IINever when not in use. 30 watt solar keeps batteries topped off.
- obiwancanoliExplorerI found that keeping my 50A plugged in all the time really drove up my electric costs... and I discovered that my solar was doing more than enough to keep things charged, so, unplugged... check things occasionally, of course, but now, at lower cost
About Motorhome Group
38,705 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 23, 2012