Disconnect battery or leave it charging.

Here's another good reason for a properly installed solar system. We had one on our previous Lance TC and have a similar one on our current TT. when in the DW we disconnect shore power except immediately before a trip to run the reefer. At other times the solar is connected, a Fantastic Fan with thermometer is left on and the batteries are connected. They stay nicely charged, all monitors work and the fan keeps the temp moderated on warm days.

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I installed a manual battery off/on switch.

When trailer NOT being used, I turn its switch to OFF. When used or being towed, I turn the switch of ON. Very simple and low cost.

For me, it isn't about dumb or smart chargers. Installing a trickle charger or even installing a 7-10 Watt Solar panel / 12V battery charger. For me, if 12V battery switch is OFF, there's NO 12V power in the RV chassis. If NO 12V power, then items aren't energized. Thus, lower risk appliance burn-out and/or lower risk of fire - from 12V problem. And, using a 12V manual switch also eliminates the risk of over boiling battery cells as well.

Many different methods to eliminate risk of dead battery will work. For me, a 12V battery with a 12V manual battery switch is low cost and is "simple".

If converter is a Single stage dumb charger......remove
If converter is a 3 stage charger......leave connected/charging.


Ours has been plugged into power of some sort for 7 yrs.

Can't answer until you tell us what converter you have.

Mine stays plugged in and I do not have a bypass for the battery. Plugged it in a month or so ago, first trip is in May. Will turn the fridge on soon and it will stay on until the end of Oct., just the way we do it.

+1. I've used a trickle charger in the past (A Battery Minder), and it did wonders to keep my macerator pump battery in good shape.

I am surprised that nobody mentioned using a battery trickle charger when the vehicle is sitting for a long period of time. A Battery Tender Jr. or Battery Minder will do the trick by keeping a float charge on the battery and not over charge.

rbpru wrote:
I have heard mixed results about leaving the battery hooked up to the shore power for long lengths of time.

That is because different RVs have different converters that work better than others. Also the converter often gets blamed for poor maintenance of the battery water level. Especially as the battery gets closer to end of life.

Post your converter model number for best answers. Or measure the battery voltage after a week of plugged in and post it here.

Most likely it is best to leave it plugged in.

You can leave your TT plugged into shore power as we do if your rig has a smart multi-phase converter charger. With single-stage converters, boiling dry the battery bank is typical when left plugged in to shore power for extended periods. Using your battery cut-off switch will eliminate most parasitic draws while your rig is stored, we choose to keep our rig plugged in and ready to go as some trips are spur of the moment to camping spots an hour or less away.

I installed a disconnect switch. Once my batteries get fully charged from shore power, I will disconnect the batteries and leave shore power connected at home if we want. For me, the key is disconnecting after it gets charged up. I have a controller that is supposed to keep my battery charged, but it would overcharge at times and this new process works fine.