Can I leave my RV plugged in all the time

[whatme]

Interesting article in week 52 Newsletter regarding leaving RV plugged in all the time. I have a 2009 189FBS which I overwinter here in Vancouver Canada. As my converter is most likely an older model, I installed a battery cutoff switch so I can keep plugged in to run a little non-circulating heater. Once a month I turn on the cutoff switch for 2-3 days just to keep the battery charged, seems to work.

 

[profdant139]

Maybe keep the batteries on a trickle charger? I use a BatteryMinder Plus.

 

[gator-FUN]

Install a 4 stage charger and you can leave it plugged in all the time. I never plug mine in. I let it charge on a proper solar charger. I just clear the snow off the panels.

 

[Silverado-FUN]

There are two risks when leaving your RV plugged in all the time, one is the microwave with the digital control pad can contract in extreme cold weather and turn on burning the inside of the unit. Also the converter like anything electronic life can be greatly reduced from being used continuously. Silverado

 

[dustyone-FUN]

Being that you are running an electric heater in the camper and you are monitoring the power to the battery I would say that you should be OK. Just remember to keep an eye on the battery water level.

 

[JimboFunFinder]

I installed a Renogy DC-DC charger between the Converter and the battery as from my experience the original Converter just fries the batteries within a few months from over charging. Tha DC-DC is programmable which allows the proper charging parameters to be set to not ruin the batteries.

 

[APD]

Once a month I turn on the cutoff switch for 2-3 days just to keep the battery charged, seems to work.

That's what I do. We only use the battery for break-away operation when towing. Since the battery is over 12 years old I may go with a battery tender when I replace it this spring.

 

[JimboFunFinder]

APD,
I thought I would let you know that alternate battery styles have come down in price and I just ordered two 100 Amp Hour SLA (sealed lead acid) Gel batteries from Amazon for $154 each. The brand is Weize which seems to be a well-respected brand for solar projects. That puts them at or cheaper than many of the deep cycle marine batteries. I'll probably be writing a description of them and posting in a new thread.
Jim

 

[APD]

APD,
I thought I would let you know that alternate battery styles have come down in price and I just ordered two 100 Amp Hour SLA (sealed lead acid) Gel batteries from Amazon for $154 each. The brand is Weize which seems to be a well-respected brand for solar projects. That puts them at or cheaper than many of the deep cycle marine batteries. I'll probably be writing a description of them and posting in a new thread.
Jim

I look forward to that Jim.

 

[dustyone-FUN]

I've got 6 years on my 6 volts and will be looking forward to your future posts as well. Please keep us up-to-date
dustyone

 

[gator-FUN]

The issue with the convertors are that if you are using any type of lead acid battery you need to condition or equalize the batteries. If this doesn't happen nothing will extend the life of the battery. Mine have been installed since 2016. I don't use a convertor unless I know I will be gone in the winter and can't clear the solar panels on the roof, which happened this winter. They were plugged in for about 2 months, but that was the first time since 2016. My batteries are AGM which are also a lead acid based battery. Either get yourself a proper convertor/charger or keep buying batteries. If you're on lithium then you most likely will need a convertor/charger that supports lithium and will need to select those settings. And don't forgot the temperature compensation. Make sure your charger has a temperature probe and will adjust the proper voltages based on the ambient temperature. At minus 20 you will need to charge at much higher voltage over 70 degrees. Of course if you are running lithium you can't charge below freezing unless you have the batteries heated or the batteries are in a space that is above the minimum charge point. Read the battery literature!

I boondock with my trailer so there's no point in getting used to power. No comforts of a microwave or air conditioning, but then I don't camp in extreme heat either.