Leaving trailer plugged in

[GHibbert]

This is my first Trailer that has ability to charge it's 12 V batteries if trailer is plugged into 120 V. I left trailer unused but plugged in for 3 months or so and noticed the batteries were cooked dry. What do you recommened for the future ? Should I disconnect the batteries and leave trailer plugged in or leave trailer unplugged then plug in just before we take it out ? Is there a quick disconnect switch that can be used ?



Thanks for you input.

 

[Balzac]

Do not leave trailer plugged in ! I use one of the new type charger/maintainers I got at a motorcycle shop. I move it around all of my sitting for the winter batteries, Lawn Mower, motorcycles, and RV.

 

[jfrow2]

Originally posted by GHibbert

This is my first Trailer that has ability to charge it's 12 V batteries if trailer is plugged into 120 V. I left trailer unused but plugged in for 3 months or so and noticed the batteries were cooked dry. What do you recommened for the future ? Should I disconnect the batteries and leave trailer plugged in or leave trailer unplugged then plug in just before we take it out ? Is there a quick disconnect switch that can be used ?



Thanks for you input.

Using the typical power converter (charger) provided with most trailers, you must unplug the trailer when not used or the converter will overcharge the battery and boil out the electrolyte.



Using a quality 3 state charger such as the Progressive Dynamics Inteli-Charger you can leave the trailer permanently plugged in. My fifth wheel is equipped with such a converter and has been plugged in to 120 VAC for 3 1/2 years with the same battery.



My recommendation is to invest in a quality three stage converter, it will pay for itself in battery savings.



I would not recommend disconnecting the battery with the trailer plugged in. The battery provides voltage regulation and filtering that helps to protect electronic devices in your trailer. Disconnecting the battery while plugged into AC can damage electronic components in the trailer.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

We simply connect a common appliance timer between the trailer cord and the power source = set it to come an hour or 2 each day to keep the batteries charged without cooking them...

 

[Casey Balvert]

I would concur with jfrow2's recommendations. Then you can just plug it in and not worry about it. You will eventually destroy enough batteries with your current set up to buy a proper charger anyway. In other words, spend the money on a proper charger instead of replacement batteries. FWIW



Casey

 

[Glen]

My trailer has been plugged in for 21 years. I have a Power Source--Todd Engineering--dual voltage charger. I have a float/equalize switch. I use the high voltage when I am boondocking and charging from the generator. I use the float voltage when I am home. I do add a little water but not much. Very little water is lost if the float voltage is set correctly. I am into the eighth year with these batteries.

 

[RustyJC]

If you want to leave the trailer plugged in, go with the Progressive Dynamics Intellipower converter with the Charge Wizard accessory. Our model year 2000 5ver stays plugged in 24/7 when in covered storage, and it's still on its original battery. I'll add water about once a year.



Rusty

 

[dresslered]

Same as Rusty!



If you need a smart charger, I had great success at: http://www.bestconverter.com/

 

[MABurns]

I keep mine stored indoors and have always left it plugged in. Last winter there must have been a power surge, and I had to replace the inverter, microwave, TV and all other appliances that where plugged in.



Why risk it?



Now I take out the battery and leave it unplugged. Worse case you have to charge your battery. Cheaper than my $500 loss.

 

[klenger]

I never remove or disconnect my batteries (except for servicing them). They are charged every day by two 125 watt solar panels. The solar controller is an intelligent controller like the ones in the three stage converter/changers. I also have the PD 9100 converter and Charge Wizard for use with external power or the generator.

 

[GHibbert]

Thanks for all the suggestions they really help. Looks like the Progressive Dynamics charger is something to look into. For those using this how does it work with the existing converter/charger in the trailer now ?

 

[dresslered]

GHibbert-

I actually did a quick write-up with pictures when converting the MagneTek 6325 Series Charger/Converter to the Inteli-Power PD9160V and Charge Wizard PD9105V. I kept the OEM breaker panel but gutted the entire charger/converter section. It was a real simple project. I believe that klenger has it posted on his website, or you can PM me with your email address and I'll send you a copy. Definitely worth the bit of effort.



P. S. Install Instructions on Klenger's website: http://www.klenger.net/misc/magnetek6300-to-itelipower-9100-conversion.pdf

 

[RJOL]

I've been using one of these on my dual batteries for my 5th wheel, for years. I leave it plugged in all winter and it keeps the batteries charged up without the possibility of overcharge.



http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=42292



Hope this helps... It sure is an inexpensive way to handle this problem...

 

[HBarlow]

For many years and with several different trailers I endured overcharged batteries, added water frequently, and replaced the batteries too frequently as well. I finally quit being so stubborn and purchased a Progressive Dynamics 9160 with a Charge Wizard a couple years ago.



I also removed the old fashioned converter section but retained the breakers and fuses as dresslered did. The conversion was very simple and easy to do. Now I leave the trailer plugged in permanently when I'm home and never worry about overcharged batteries or batteries boiled dry.



I was talking with a guy last summer at an Avion TT rally in Elkhart who installs converters, inverters, solar panels, and other RV accessories for his living. He told me the best way to install the PD-9160 is forward near the trailer batteries with a short, heavy gauge wire direct to the batteries for charging. I asked, "what about the long AC wiring from the breaker panel to the converter necessary to power the converter?" He told me just plug the PD-9160 in to the closest AC receptacle in your trailer. His idea makes a lot of sense. I had never thought of that.



Harvey

 

[Dkevdog]

GHibbert- you might look to see what type of charge controller you have, many OEM are using the Progressive Dynamics charge controllers, My Sunnybrook came with one, although now it just sits there unplugged and not in use. My Trace Rv2012 inverter does a nice job in much less time, and has a 4 stage 120amp charger. With it I can charge my batteries from about 70%SOC to full in about 45 minutes.



If you have plans to do boondocking, an inverter setup and/or solar system might be a consideration. Like Ken, I never plug my rig in, the solar setup (although only 80watts) keeps everything topped off just fine.



Incidentally, as others have pointed out, Klengers website has TONS of great information and resources.



Kev

 

[Dean Upson]

I do not use my trailer in the dead of winter and take the batteries out and leave a Battery Minder on them all winter and that works great. I rely on the solar panels to keep the batteries charged during other low use times.



Dean

 

[TowPro]

one thing not mentioned here, the Progressive Dynamics with the charge wizard has a "de-sulfation" stage. Every couple days it will apply a high current charge to the batteries to knock sulfation off the plates, causing your battery to last even longer!



Terry: Progressive dynamics with Charge Wizard option, Plugged in for 4 going on 5 years now, same battery still in great shape.



shadow Cruser: Old type charger, plug it in longer then a weekend and the battery starts to loose water.

 

[clem]

I changed my Batterys over to Gel Cels now I don't worry about running Batterys dry. We leave our trailer pluged in 24-7 when there is 110V . There is alot of answers to your problem. Pick the one you like and Happy Camping

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

YUP - ya can go hi-tech with all those fancy and expensive chargers - or as cheaply as a $4. 95 appliance timer and have it set to come on a couple of hours a day...



Works for me...

 

[lmills]

I know someone that had theirs plugged in at their house and it burned to the ground. I believe he said the transformer or inverter shorted and caused the fire. By the time the fire department arrived it was pretty much burnt to the frame. I would rather not have to worry about that.