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tileman

Florida

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Posted: 05/22/12 09:56am

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I am new to the 5th wheel we just got.

We have it setting in our back yard out by the shop Have a 50amp service set up for it. When its plugged in should I turn off the battery disconnect switch.

I would think that the battery could over charge?

Any other good tips on storing it ?
It has winterize hook ups that the dealer showed us but said we are in FLA. so we do not need to use it.

But I do know out were we live it has and can get down below freezing for a few hours at night.

Thanks Ron.

SWD

Land of Living Skies

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Posted: 05/22/12 10:31am

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No need to disconnect batteries. Check them and top off fluid every few months.

RoyF

Fayetteville Arkansas

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Posted: 05/22/12 10:34am

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Don't turn the battery disconnect switch to off while plugged in. When your battery is fully charged you can unplug for a month - that's when you want the disconnect set to off.

Your water lines should not freeze if the temp is in the high 20s for a few hours. If you happen to be in a place where your are worried, then you can run the heater with the thermostat set to 55 or 60. Or plug in a portable electric heater overnight.

RoyB

King George, VA

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Posted: 05/22/12 11:13am

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If your converter/charger is a modern smart mode unit then it will take real good care of your battery with minimal work on your part. If it is the older converter/charger model then it will put-out a constant 13.6VDC all the time and this will have to be monitored pretty regular as it will boil out your battery water over time. At first check water level every couple of weeks then extend that out ot once a month etc until you can get an idea when the batteries start loosing their water. If you run completely out of water it will ruin your battery. If your battery becomes run down it may freeze during the winter and bust your battery case.

Having a good Smart Mode Converter/Charger system on-board will solve all of these problems. Your battery will love you for it...

Lets us know the model and year of trailer and what the converter/charger it is using and we can identify what type of converter/charger you are using.

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bob213

Fresno, CA

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Posted: 05/22/12 11:15am

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Your converter/charger should go to a float mode charge so you don't overcharge your batteries. If you are plugged in to shorepower leave the batteries on and check the water level occassionally. If it's going to freeze, you want your batteries charging. Charging batteries are less likely to freeze.
RoyB types faster than me...Listen to him...

trickyvic3

Raymond NH.

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Posted: 05/22/12 11:18am

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On my rig the batteries wont charge if the disconnect is in the off position.
When charging you want the disconnect in the on position. Once fully charged you can shut everything down and just check on it every few weeks as mentioned above.
Depending on the type of inverter/charger you have, some people just leave the rig plugged in all the time. But you need a 3 stage charger to do this.

Vic

Oops, speaking of typing fast? Hahaha

tileman

Florida

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Posted: 05/22/12 04:35pm

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Great info thanks.

How do I find out what of type of inverter/charger I have were do I look for it at.

I have a 2012 keystone fuzion toy hauler 35'

Lynnmor

Red Lion

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Posted: 05/22/12 06:54pm

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The topic was disconnect switch. I had two of the switches, that use a red key, fail last season. They collect rain water if installed outside.

http://www.pepboys.com/product/details/9164387/

I spent the bucks and bought a Blue Sea switch.

tileman

Florida

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Posted: 05/23/12 05:08am

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Lynnmor wrote:

The switch that I have came with the 5th wheel.
I know when I turn it on/off I hear a loud click.

joelabq

Rio Rancho, NM

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Posted: 05/23/12 05:52am

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You have a WFCO (World Friendship Co.) converter. Thats 3-stage. You can leave it hooked up forever and not cook the batteries and I would recommend leaving it plugged in. Check the water now and again like you should anyway and all is well.

If you had a single stage charger, then you would have to exercise a switch.

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