If I am going to be connected to shorepower at a campground, is there any reason not to use the battery isolator switch to prevent boiling my batteries dry?
A second question is this, at home I have been keeping a trickle charger (float charge) on the isolated batteries at all times (two Costco 6V). When preparing for a trip, I have kept doing that, but also plugged the coach into house power, to use the fridge and lights while packing, etc, using a second extension cord.
Any thoughts on this? I could not find any statements saying not to do this in my 2007 Keystone Raptor 299MP.
No, leave the batteries in-circuit when on shore power. They'll act to stabilize your power, and also as a "surge source" if you have a large 12V draw due to more than normal lights on, furnace blower, etc.
I normally just run off the batteries when packing, etc. That's pretty light usage, unless it's for several days, and you'll refresh the battery through the umbilical on the tow from home to the campgroud.
Hans, KØHB & Colleen, KØCKB Master Chief Radioman, US Navy -
'04 Prairie Schooner 34FBR Platinum XL
'08 3500HD Silverado Big Dooley LTZ Go-power by Max & Allie
As BlackSilver says, the batteries help to "smooth out" any voltage spikes in the DC system and add needed amperage when using 12v motors, etc. On many trailers, your slide motor will not operate without a battery in the system, because the converter alone can't supply enough amperage to run it. If your converter is operating properly, it shouldn't boil the water out of the batteries, but simply keep them at peak operating voltage while shore power is plugged in. We have an RV garage and our trailer is always plugged in while resting at home. I rarely have to add any water to the battery. Once this original equipment battery goes South and doesn't return, I will never have to worry about water, as I'll replace it with an Optima brand battery. It has no liquid acid in it, so it never needs water, and you can forget that chore.
2003 GMC Sierra Crew HD; 6.0L; Prodigy
2006 Thor Tundra 30RL-DSL; Reese Strait-Line & Dual-cam HP
2001 Honda Elite Scooter
Jim & Gayle Bryant
Murphy's Law: "Anything that CAN happen, WILL."
Bryant's Law: "31 years of RVing? Probably already HAS."
The paperwork for my converter states that a battery should be attached whenever the converter is in use...so for my trailer, the battery stays hooked up whenever I'm running on shore power. I'm hooked up frequently at home, and my battery hasn't died after four years.
2001 Dodge 3500 DRW V10 Magnum
2002 Sunline T280SR
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There are several brands and makes and models of converters.. Some are good at boiling batteries dry and if I had one of those it's for sure I'd disconect
Others are good at keeping batteries happy, thus I do not disconnect but leave 'em plugged in about 50 weeks out of the year unless I'm "On the road again" driving the rig.
My Progressive Dynamics Wizard controlled converter does boil the batteries dry.. Takes about fourteen months, not days, months, but it can do it.. Since I check more often and water annually, No problem.
Nothin adds excitment like something that is none of your business John is Near Kenwood TS-2000 housed in a 2005 Damon Intruder 377
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