Plugged in over winter, NOT battery question

[Chenzo]

Hi, first timer here. This is an inverter question not a battery question. I want to keep my 2016 wildwood 32bhds plugged in to shore power for at least 4 months straight. I am trying the plug in ultrasonic mice deterants things. I've tried bounce sheets, moth balls nothing works. Is it bad to have the inverter run so long consistently? I've disconnected the batteries so they won't cook. Thanks

[Iwritecode]

Originally Posted by Chenzo

Hi, first timer here. This is an inverter question not a battery question. I want to keep my 2016 wildwood 32bhds plugged in to shore power for at least 4 months straight. I am trying the plug in ultrasonic mice deterants things. I've tried bounce sheets, moth balls nothing works. Is it bad to have the inverter run so long consistently? I've disconnected the batteries so they won't cook. Thanks

If you're going to leave it plugged in you might as well leave the batteries connected. I always leave mine plugged in from April to October every year with no problems. I know many others that do the same.

[5picker]

You will get LOTS of opinions.

First you have a CONverter which keeps the batteries charged (120v to 12v) not an INverter which transforms 12v to 120v.

Many converters don't handle 'no loads' well. (batteries disconnected)
With no battery load, the converter can/will constantly put out its highest voltage as it 'sees' nothing to compare to for its charging circuitry.

My advice.... connect the batteries, plug it in and let the converter do it thing.
They are manufactured to be plugged in all the time not just sometimes so it won't hurt a thing.
Check the battery levels monthly.

[Mountndream]

its probably worse for the inverter to not be connected to the batteries than any issue around being plugged in for 4 months straight

[bikendan]

As 5picker said, it's a CONverter, not an INverter.
Most leave their RV plugged all the time.

Sent from my SM-G930T using Forest River Forums mobile app

[NorSnrub]

Mouse ultra sound things don't work. Try poison and traps.

[SidecarFlip]

All the above. I keep mine plugged in all winter as well and have don e that for the last 3 units and I leave the house batteries hooked up. Your cinverter will keep them topped off all winter...

[KMP44]

If you do a lot of dry camping and battery life is important, I would lean toward not letting the converter just run for 4 months with the batteries connected. One other option would be leave the trailer plugged in but flip the breaker off for the converter. You would need to disconnect the batteries still to avoid having the parasitic load drain it/them, and the downside to that would be you wouldn't have lights until you either connect the battery or turn on the converter.


I just don't trust the cheap OEM converter to properly maintain the battery. On mine, the stock converter never, ever seemed to drop the voltage into float mode. It could sit for 2 weeks, and still be putting out 13.7 volts.


My 4 year old Interstate batteries were completely shot this spring, so I bought 2 new Trojans. Not wanting to take any chances I also upgraded the converter to a Progressive Dynamics from Best Converter. What a difference - when I plug in it goes straight to boost (14.3 volts), then drops to bulk (13.8) and eventually gets to float mode at 13.2. Plus it has a 4th stage where it goes through a desulfinate cycle when in float mode for extended periods. Leaving that converter plugged in for months while in storage wouldn't concern me.


If you normally camp with the hookups, yeah, probably fine to just stay connected as long as you check the water level periodically. Otherwise, storing the battery disconnected and periodically maintaining the charge is going to extend its life and maximize its capacity.

[cheewilson]

I always leave my 08 Wildcat plugged in with batteries connected when not in use.

[Chenzo]

Ok, so if I plug into shore power, disconnect the batteries and shut off CONverter, I will have 110 power, no 12v power, batteries won't cook and save the converters life? And hopefully keep the mice away. Did I get the jist of it? Thanks

[5picker]

Originally Posted by Chenzo

Ok, so if I plug into shore power, disconnect the batteries and shut off CONverter, I will have 110 power, no 12v power, batteries won't cook and save the converters life? And hopefully keep the mice away. Did I get the jist of it? Thanks

You got it.

BTW... those sonic pest deterrents don't work either!

[tomrob1161]

If you leave the batteries, check the water level. That is critical for the life of the batteries. I have used a Battery Profil, available @ Camping World & most RV dealers. It allows you to fill your battery(s) without having to access them.

[muddyrode]

if you want to control mice get yourself a good bull snake
i have one living in my garage and haven't seen a mouse in years
haven't seen the snake either but i do find the skin it sheds

[Flybob]

You should still periodically check the batteries. If they discharge enough the will freeze and crack. They may make it 3-4 months and they may not.

[Crabman]

The Jayco trailer I recently traded in was plugged in whenever it was here at home for 7 years and still had the origina! group 24 Interstate battery when I sold it. Never had to add water, so the smart charger did its job.

[MacDR]

That's the way I've done it for 3 years.. No mice for me..

[Herk7769]

Batteries self discharge over time and discharged batteries will freeze solid.

If you decide NOT to leave the converter running, you MUST remove them to a place where they will not freeze.

I leave my WFCO converter running all winter with the batteries connected.
In fact since the DW had a kidney transplant last year, the batteries have been on the converter for over 18 months now and they are still solid.

[Lvn2tvl]

Originally Posted by NorSnrub

Mouse ultra sound things don't work. Try poison and traps.

If you buy the cheap little round ones you're correct that they don't work. If however you buy the larger ones they actually do work. I've been using them successfully in my house and garage for over five years and have had 2 of them in my 5th wheel for the past 3 years. The ones I use that actually work are a Black & Decker product.

There's much more to the story when I first tested them but that's definitely a campfire discussion.

[mikdor1]

Have had really good luck with Tomcat bait bars in plastic dispenser. Put mine under sink with doors closed. Mice like to come up around drain pipes where they come up though floor! Keep away from pets and children!!!

[WolfWhistle]

Originally Posted by Chenzo

Hi, first timer here. This is an inverter question not a battery question. I want to keep my 2016 wildwood 32bhds plugged in to shore power for at least 4 months straight. I am trying the plug in ultrasonic mice deterants things. I've tried bounce sheets, moth balls nothing works. Is it bad to have the inverter run so long consistently? I've disconnected the batteries so they won't cook. Thanks

Hey Chenzo, I might have missed it, but you don't say where you live (if freezing is an issue) nor what type of battery you have (or batteries). I won't rehash what other said only give a X2 on leaving it plugged in continuously, with a 3 or 4 stage charger (converter/charger) that shouldn't be an issue with battery (ies) in place, but I wouldn't walk away and come back 4 months later, hoping for the best. If you have an AGM or sealed battery (naturally) you can't add water. If freezing is an issue, why not remove the battery like was suggested, turn off converter via breaker; keep it on shore power for the mice thingies. Even then, I would check the unit... in probably in two weeks; if okay, come back in a month... then repeat. I don't know anything about mice deterrents, but D-con works well. But, you better find the dead critters in a timely manner
W