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Leaving unit plugged in 24/7

Redrker5150
Explorer
Explorer
Who leaves their unit plugged in 24/7. Just bought a new 2017 Montana, 3rd 5th wheel, 5th Rv. I have a 30amp pole at my home that I leave my unit plugged into all the time. Ive done this with all my units for 30yrs with no problems. In fact I prefer to leave it plugged in even in the winter. My new Montana's converter fan runs continuously even with nothing on. No load! I called the dealer to schedule a repair and they acted like I am the only person they have ever heard of that leaves it plugged in. For starters its a Montana! Its a full time living coach! Its meant to be plugged in all the time. The dealer then told me while its not being used to unplug and turn the battery disconnect off. I disagree and will get my converter fan problem repaired under warranty, but was just wondering how many other people out their do the same thing? In the summer time I even keep the fridge on with condiments, ice and beer.
Waterford Mi
2015 Duramax
2017 Montana 3660
34 REPLIES 34

ScottG
Nomad
Nomad
I have a three stage charger so it's on 24/7.

Redrker5150
Explorer
Explorer
I am not at home right now I do not know the make and model of the converter I will post that later
Waterford Mi
2015 Duramax
2017 Montana 3660

Alabama_Jim
Explorer
Explorer
Ditto on plugged in 24/7 and check batteries every few weeks.

SoundGuy
Explorer
Explorer
Redrker5150 wrote:
Before I called the dealer I called the manufacturer of the converter and they said the fan should not be running unless there's a load on it


So you do know the make / model of converter you have ... don't keep it a secret, what is it? :h

Wait, let me guess ... a WFCO? :W
2012 Silverado 1500 Crew Cab
2014 Coachmen Freedom Express 192RBS
2003 Fleetwood Yuma * 2008 K-Z Spree 240BH-LX
2007 TrailCruiser C21RBH * 2000 Fleetwood Santa Fe
1998 Jayco 10UD * 1969 Coleman CT380

wolfe10
Explorer
Explorer
Please, do not base your decision on what WE do.

Absolutely, my motorhomes stay plugged in 24/7. BUT (large but) they have all had smart inverter/chargers what were properly programmed.

Were I to do the same with a regular/stupid converter, I would have gone through many sets of batteries in the last 19 years.
Brett Wolfe
Ex: 2003 Alpine 38'FDDS
Ex: 1997 Safari 35'
Ex: 1993 Foretravel U240

Diesel RV Club:http://www.dieselrvclub.org/

korbe
Explorer
Explorer
" The dealer then told me while its not being used to unplug and turn the battery disconnect off. I disagree...."
This is what I do, what your dealer just said.

It's like leaving the light on in my shop while not in there. Just seems like I'm wasting electricity. I will check in on my batteries every so often.
.

JayGee
Explorer
Explorer
Bumpyroad wrote:
on my motorhomes I had a timer on the circuit so only went on an hour a day or so to keep charged,etc. On my TT I just hooked a multistage marine charger/maintainer directly to the battery so nothing in unit is energized.
bumpy


Great idea! I will be putting a timer on mine.
Jaygee

2005 Bounder 35E on F53 chassis

Redrker5150
Explorer
Explorer
Before I called the dealer I called the manufacturer of the converter and they said the fan should not be running unless there's a load on it
Waterford Mi
2015 Duramax
2017 Montana 3660

SoundGuy
Explorer
Explorer
Redrker5150 wrote:
I don't have the make of the converter with me at this time. I realize the fan on the converter is faulty and it will get replaced ...


Maybe, maybe not. The cooling fan in some converters is load & temperature sensitive, in others it's not ... why assume yours is faulty when you don't even know what you have? :R

Interesting you should be so concerned about the converter yet are apparently willing to completely ignore the very real danger in exposing your new rig to power line anomalies without any form of protection, an especially relevant issue if you intend to remain plugged in 24/7. :h
2012 Silverado 1500 Crew Cab
2014 Coachmen Freedom Express 192RBS
2003 Fleetwood Yuma * 2008 K-Z Spree 240BH-LX
2007 TrailCruiser C21RBH * 2000 Fleetwood Santa Fe
1998 Jayco 10UD * 1969 Coleman CT380

RJsfishin
Explorer
Explorer
24/365 PD 9245 converter check batteries once a year.
You are thinking correctly. Get the fan issue fixed, or maybe replace the converter w/ a PD.
Rich

'01 31' Rexall Vision, Generac 5.5k, 1000 watt Honda, PD 9245 conv, 300 watts Solar, 150 watt inv, 2 Cos 6v batts, ammeters, led voltmeters all over the place, KD/sat, 2 Oly Cat heaters w/ ox, and towing a 2012 Liberty, Lowe bass boat, or a Kawi Mule.

Redrker5150
Explorer
Explorer
Thank you everyone for replying. I don't have the make of the converter with me at this time. I realize the fan on the converter is faulty and it will get replaced, I was just curious how many other people left their units plugged in since the dealer made me feel like it was the wrong thing to do.
Waterford Mi
2015 Duramax
2017 Montana 3660

John_Joey
Explorer
Explorer
Thousands and thousands of snowbirds do that all winter long.
Thereโ€™s no fool, like an old fool.

garyemunson
Explorer
Explorer
24/7 here.

SoundGuy
Explorer
Explorer
I too always keep our rig plugged in here at the house BUT I'd never not do this any longer without the benefit of protecting the trailer's electrical system with a Progressive Industries EMS. Even here in the suburbs electrical system anomalies abound just as they do in campgrounds ... rather be safe than sorry. ๐Ÿ˜‰
2012 Silverado 1500 Crew Cab
2014 Coachmen Freedom Express 192RBS
2003 Fleetwood Yuma * 2008 K-Z Spree 240BH-LX
2007 TrailCruiser C21RBH * 2000 Fleetwood Santa Fe
1998 Jayco 10UD * 1969 Coleman CT380

beemerphile1
Explorer
Explorer
Mine is connected to power constantly in storage. I upgraded the converter and am confident it works correctly.

What converter do you have? If the fan runs constantly you either have a load on it or the battery is shorted.
Build a life you don't need a vacation from.

2016 Silverado 3500HD DRW D/A 4x4
2018 Keystone Cougar 26RBS
2006 Weekend Warrior FK1900