Disconnect TT battery when on shore power?

[RitaB]

I just recently got my second Wildwood TT. I always disconnected the battery before plugging into shore power. The placement of the battery on the new TT makes it difficult to disconnect the power. Would it harm the battery or cause some problems if I left it in line?

[rockfordroo]

Why did you disconnect the battery? When you're on shore power, the shore power supplies the converter, which charges the battery. Disconnect the battery = NO battery charging.

Don't disconnect the battery.

[Herk7769]

New 3 stage chargers are designed to be connected safely always.

Enjoy you camper and don't worry about your battery. (check the water level at start and end of season. Fill ONLY to the fill ring inside the cap if needed - no more).

[bikendan]

Why would you disconnect the battery when you hook up to shore power?
Your converter should be 3 stage and should be fine in keeping the battery charged.

[Davidg]

One of the purposes the battery serves is as a huge filter capacitor. The battery can minimize voltage spikes. It cannot do that if its not connected. I never disconnect my batteries unless I'm working on the 12 volt circuitry or replacing the batteries....which is kind of the same thing. You can feel comfortable leaving the batteries connected as you are plugging and unplugging the shore power.

[Blackhat6mike]

Originally Posted by RitaB

I just recently got my second Wildwood TT. I always disconnected the battery before plugging into shore power. The placement of the battery on the new TT makes it difficult to disconnect the power. Would it harm the battery or cause some problems if I left it in line?

Never heard of anyone disconnecting their batteries from the converter when on shore power. Am I missing something here?

[Grampa Jim]

RitaB,,,,I had the same question 12 years ago when I was a newbie......your converter knows what to do. Don't unplug the battery. And it doesn't matter how long you do it either.

[Jonol]

On the old trailer like 1980`s, the converter somme time would charge the battery until the acid dried out.
That`s why then, I was leaving the converter on the battery for a day or tow and I was disconnecting.
The new 3 steps converter will not damage your battery anymore, it will maintain
the battery full charge only.

[txkreddog]

Originally Posted by RitaB

I just recently got my second Wildwood TT. I always disconnected the battery before plugging into shore power. The placement of the battery on the new TT makes it difficult to disconnect the power. Would it harm the battery or cause some problems if I left it in line?

We leave the battery hooked up during the camping season, and keep a check on the water level. Leaving it hooked up should cause no problems. Since the battery on our unit powers the brakes in the event of TT separation from the TV, leaving it hooked up prevents forgetting to hook it up, if all that makes sense.

[Boots49]

Herk, I have a Wildcat 2009, do you know if the converter/charger would be a 3 stage, it is in storage, so I cannot check the model on the service panel?

[Boots49]

I leave Puss, Wildcat, plugged in for 6 months & check is every month, about every 2nd month I have to add distilled water. This is why I was wondering if my converter was a 3 stage?

[Jonol]

I have a Palomino Stampede Hybrid 21 feet, 2000 and it`s having the 3 stages charger.

[Boots49]

Jonol: What is the longest you have it plugged if for, how often do you check it, & does the battery need water?

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by Boots49

I leave Puss, Wildcat, plugged in for 6 months & check is every month, about every 2nd month I have to add distilled water. This is why I was wondering if my converter was a 3 stage?

The model number should be on the converter (or in the paperwork that came with the camper). I can look up the specs for you so you will know for sure.

Generally speaking newer converters are all 3 stage (some higher end units even have 4 stage converters).

[Jonol]

I check the acid density every month and add distilled water after the summer if needed.
I leave the trailer connected as soon that I can get to a AC power source.

[Boots49]

Thanks Herk, I did not get any papers with the Wildcat, just the paper back book that gives you a lot of nothing. Early spring I will be able to check the converter.