Battery cut-off switch

[bob213]

I just got a new Surveyor Select 264. I'm assuming it has the WFCO converter. It says it's 3 stage and goes into float mode after 48 hours. If we are staying somewhere with shorepower I have always turned my batteries off with the cut-off switch after the first day and then back on the day before I leave. Am I going to hurt anything doing this or do I not need to worry about boiling the batteries with this converter? Also, I've always had 6 volts and now I have two maintainance free 12 volts.

[TURBS]

You shouldn't disconnect batterys when hooked to shore power!
You could overheat the converter you need battery as a buffer

[Triguy]

Bob, you will be fine leaving your batteries connected when on shore power. I think many of us have a wfco 3-stage as supplied by FR.

Below are the three stages for my (55 amp) wfco...

The third stage at 13.2 volts is designed not to boil your batteries dry. Many people leave their trailer plugged in all the time. Periodically checking the water, of course.


Absorption Mode: During this mode, the converter output is in the
13.6 Vdc range. This is the normal operation mode. This mode
provides the 12 Vdc and current required by the 12 Vdc RV appliances,
as well as slow charging the battery.

Bulk Mode: When the converter senses that the RV system voltage is
less than 13.2 Vdc (equivalent to less than 50% of battery charge) the
converter will automatically go into the “Bulk mode.” In this mode, the
output voltage of the converter will switch to 14.4 Vdc for a maximum
of four hours.

Float Mode: If the RV is not being used for approximately 48 hours,
with a “no load” condition and the shore power is plugged in, the
converter will automatically go in to the “Float mode.” In this mode,
the converter is charging the battery with a trickle voltage of 13.2 Vdc.
When the converter senses a demand (by turning on lights), the
converter automatically returns to the “Absorption mode” 13.6 Vdc.

[bob213]

Thanks guys. We'll leave the batteries on. Always something to learn, great to have people willing to share their knowlege.

[Dave_Monica]

My camper has been plugged into 120V AC 100% of of 2 years that I've owned it as it sits in our driveway at home when not camping. I checked the battery today as part of getting ready for the season and added a small amount of deionized water to top up the cells.

No reason to disconnect the battery if you're on 120V power.

Dave