How long to leave an rv plugged into power?

[bornhunter]

I am going to be storing my truck camper in a shop for an extended period. Should I plug it in to power and leave it plugged in or just plug it in a few days ahead of taking it out of storage? It has dual batteries.

[pianoman9701]

Either remove batteries from their compartment and store them in a cool, dry place and recharge, or plug your RV into shore power for about 8 hours. Do this at least once a week, and always be sure to check battery levels often!

[lee]

Hi,

My travel trailer stays plugged in 365 days a year.... Except when I'm in the woods with it 😉.

Lee

[h2ofowlr]

A friend had just left his 2017 toy hauler plugged in.  The inverter or something malfunctioned the neighbors woke him up to his trailer engulfed in flames.  Caught the side of his house and roof on fire as well.  It was an electrical malfunction of sorts.  I think he thought his home owners insurance from Farmers would cover the trailer costs, but it doesn't.  Total loss and no insurance check.  $29k out of pocket loss.

[Magnum_Willys]

Hi,

My travel trailer stays plugged in 365 days a year.... Except when I'm in the woods with it 😉.

Lee

Nearly everyone does this.  But that inverter failure is freaky. 

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

Pull batteries as stated and hook up Batery Tenders trickle chargers up to each for the off season.

[Bill W]

Pull batteries as stated and hook up Batery Tenders trickle chargers up to each for the off season.

This is what I was going to recommend.  Same as I'm doing with our truck camper.

[bornhunter]

Wow. Thanks everyone. Glad I asked.

[gasman]

I have a isolator on my camper, I just turn the switch and isolate the battery from shore power 

I have killed 2 batteries over the years by over charging them, leaving the camper plugged in to long 

[pup0025]

 I leave mine plugged in.  Bought new in 2014.  Still on the original AC delco batteries.

[coachcw]

Pull batteries as stated and hook up Battery Tenders trickle chargers up to each for the off season.

good advise most inverter chargers put out a constant 2-3 amps that will smoke those batterys over time , the other thing you could do is leave one of your lamps on to draw some power the porch light should be enough.

[lee]

As some have stated.... Older RV's  have converters that can harm batteries over time due to constant voltage output. My 2013 model has a converter with 3 battery charge states. Bulk charge, Absorption charge and finally Float charge. This is why I can get away with having my RV plugged in year round.

You would need to check your owners manual to verify your converters characteristics.

Lee

[huntandjeep]

I just flip the switch off when I park my trailer , then flip it on a couple days before I leave and plug it in. Also most converters they are putting into them a junk . I will upgrade mine to a Progessive Industries unit at the end of this year .

[bornhunter]

 

As some have stated.... Older RV's  have converters that can harm batteries over time due to constant voltage output. My 2013 model has a converter with 3 battery charge states. Bulk charge, Absorption charge and finally Float charge. This is why I can get away with having my RV plugged in year round.

You would need to check your owners manual to verify your converters characteristics.

Lee