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Battery Disconnect Switch/battery Charging

morley
Explorer
Explorer
This may be a dumb question and if so I apologize, but here goes anyway.
We like to keep our fifth wheel plugged into shore power between trips out in the summer. (food left in the fridge, etc.)
We do not have a three phase converter in our unit so the battery tends to be charging all of the time while plugged in.
If I install a battery disconnect switch and turn it off when at home will the battery continue charging or not get any charge at all?
If not then I would have to make sure that the fridge controls still operated on shore power and turn the disconnect switch back on and charge up the battery prior to the next trip out.
Told you that it might be a dumb question.
Thanks,
Morley
2008 Topaz F254SS 26 ft.
2009 Chevy Silverado, 2500HD, Duramax, Allison Tranny, 4x4, EC
250 watt solar panel system, BlueSky controller and remote
6 REPLIES 6

morley
Explorer
Explorer
ksg5000 wrote:
Most converters will operate without a battery - some don't. Disconnect the ground side of your coach battery (or toggle battery disconnect)and then plug in - if the fridge, lights etc work then your all set - if not then reconnect the battery and just check the water level every few weeks. No big deal.


Thanks Kevin, I have been diligently checking and topping up the water level in my 2 Trojan T105 GC batteries. They are now 7 seasons old and still performing well. Just trying to perserve them for as long as we possibly can.
2008 Topaz F254SS 26 ft.
2009 Chevy Silverado, 2500HD, Duramax, Allison Tranny, 4x4, EC
250 watt solar panel system, BlueSky controller and remote

morley
Explorer
Explorer
pianotuna wrote:
Hi,

The battery disconnect would prevent charging.

What make and model is the converter?


Thanks Don, our converter is a Parallax 7355 55 amp model.
2008 Topaz F254SS 26 ft.
2009 Chevy Silverado, 2500HD, Duramax, Allison Tranny, 4x4, EC
250 watt solar panel system, BlueSky controller and remote

ksg5000
Explorer
Explorer
Most converters will operate without a battery - some don't. Disconnect the ground side of your coach battery (or toggle battery disconnect)and then plug in - if the fridge, lights etc work then your all set - if not then reconnect the battery and just check the water level every few weeks. No big deal.
Kevin

time2roll
Nomad
Nomad
As long as you are plugged in, all of the appliances will operate normal with or without a battery. If the battery is electrically isolated (off) then it will not be charging and slowly self discharge over three to six months. Switch on to charge 24 hours once a month is plenty. Battery needs to be on (connected) when towing to operate the breakaway braking system.

2oldman
Explorer II
Explorer II
morley wrote:
We do not have a three phase converter
"If I'm wearing long pants, I'm too far north" - 2oldman

pianotuna
Nomad III
Nomad III
Hi,

The battery disconnect would prevent charging.

What make and model is the converter?
Regards, Don
My ride is a 28 foot Class C, 256 watts solar, 556 amp-hours of Telcom jars, 3000 watt Magnum hybrid inverter, Sola Basic Autoformer, Microair Easy Start.