Battery disconnect on or off when plugged in at home?

[DanoHB]

So I just got my new TT. I have the battery disconnect on it. When plugged in at home, and not using it, should I have the battery connected or disconnected? I know to connect about a week before we go anywhere, but if I leave connected, will it damage it? I live in SoCal so no harsh winter here or freezing at all. Will just rarely go in trailer at home to clean and stock, but will have power with plugged in.

[5picker]

Leave the battery connected when plugged in.

Some converters (the part that keeps the battery charged when on shore power) do not do well without a load. (battery)

Just check your battery acid level periodically. (unless it's a maintenance free, you should be doing that anyway)

[DanoHB]

Got it. So am I ok to just leave batteries connected then? I check the water level about every other month. I have a reminder for my golf cart and will check at same time.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by DanoHB

Got it. So am I ok to just leave batteries connected then? I check the water level about every other month. I have a reminder for my golf cart and will check at same time.

Yes.

[DanoHB]

Awesome! Thanks for he info.

[DanoHB]

Is there any benefit to keeping the stock 12v battery pand adding 2 6volts, or just ditch the 12 and go with 2 6 volts?

[bobwhite]

i have 2 12 v and have no issues, i had 2 6 volt and had issues with them lasting but the flip side is the long burn rate of the 6 v set is enormous. we camped in glamis for 2 weeks on a gen and battery's with no issues. even to save fuel at the end ran battery for 3 days.

[DanoHB]

Originally Posted by bobwhite

i have 2 12 v and have no issues, i had 2 6 volt and had issues with them lasting but the flip side is the long burn rate of the 6 v set is enormous. we camped in glamis for 2 weeks on a gen and battery's with no issues. even to save fuel at the end ran battery for 3 days.

Nice. So I should keep the 12v and just add the 2 6volts to setup. That way I have more lasting power too. Thanks

[Witch Doctor]

Originally Posted by DanoHB

Nice. So I should keep the 12v and just add the 2 6volts to setup. That way I have more lasting power too. Thanks

I don't think I would do that, either stay with 12v or change to 6v
Your batteries should match age and size

[larryandamy]

i agree that you should have the battery disconnect switch on when plugged in at home for the reasons stated.

On the question of two 6vdc batteries in series vs 12vdc batteries in parallel, i have posted on this before in length.
But the short of it is that two 6 volt batteries vs 12vdc batteries is a wash except two 6 volt batteries will last longer (life time) due to larger plate size.. Life of 6 years versus 4 to 5 years.
Two 6vdc batteries require an extra cable and if a cell goes bad on two 6vdc in parallel, then you have zero voltage output vs two 12vdc batteries in parallel where one of the 12vdc batteries would still provide 12vdc but at 1/2 capacity.

Thanks

[5picker]

Originally Posted by larryandamy

i agree that you should have the battery disconnect switch on when plugged in at home for the reasons stated.

On the question of two 6vdc batteries in series vs 12vdc batteries in parallel, i have posted on this before in length.
But the short of it is that two 6 volt batteries vs 12vdc batteries is a wash except two 6 volt batteries will last longer (life time) due to larger plate size.. Life of 6 years versus 4 to 5 years.
Two 6vdc batteries require an extra cable and if a cell goes bad on two 6vdc in parallel, then you have zero voltage output vs two 12vdc batteries in parallel where one of the 12vdc batteries would still provide 12vdc but at 1/2 capacity.

Thanks

Excellent summation!
Thanks.

[MNtraveler]

I would suggest you find out what power converter you have and read up o how it works. Since you have a new unit, you most likely have a converter that will automatically change modes and switch to trickle charge once the batteries are fully charged - meaning they can be left in charge mode indefinitely. But you should check your manual to be sure since this is something you definitely need to know and understand. Once you have read it, you will be able to know what mode it is in by taking a quick voltmeter read with the power converter on (shore power or generator on). Different voltage levels reflect different charging modes.

Hopefully you have a Progressive Dynamics unit.

FAQs About Power Converters/Chargers

[DouglasReid]

Originally Posted by DanoHB

So I just got my new TT. I have the battery disconnect on it. When plugged in at home, and not using it, should I have the battery connected or disconnected? I know to connect about a week before we go anywhere, but if I leave connected, will it damage it? I live in SoCal so no harsh winter here or freezing at all. Will just rarely go in trailer at home to clean and stock, but will have power with plugged in.

Simple, if the camper is plugged in to shore power, leave battery disconnect in on position

If no shore power, disconnect battery to keep converter from draining battery!

[bowebow]

Trailers we've had with 1 12v battery have not lasted very long being plugged in during camping season. In 2008 we bought a trailer had 2 12v battery's installed, they are still in use in their 3rd trailer.