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Old 05-03-2014, 05:18 PM   #1
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another noob question - Battery connected/disconnected

I have a popup trailer, should the battery be disconnected other than when towing and camping or do you keep it connected at all times ?
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Old 05-03-2014, 05:23 PM   #2
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I take mine off and place it on a trickle charger in the garage after parking it. Keeps it charged and ready to go. Same thing I do with my Camaro for the winter.
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Old 05-03-2014, 05:43 PM   #3
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Depends- do you store it at home or at a lot? When mine was in storage, I would pull the batteries and charge each one for a day before we left in another trip. If at home, either disconnect the battery or put in a disconnect switch.
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Old 05-03-2014, 08:14 PM   #4
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I pull mine a day or two after returning from a trip, and re-install the day before or the morning of a trip. When not in the trailer they are on a Battery Minder. That way it keeps them fully charged, ready to go and they won't sulfate.
Or you can leave the batteries in the trailer and keep them on a trickle charger during the winter; although I highly recommend a smart charger like a Battery Minder.
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Old 05-12-2014, 05:36 PM   #5
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If Power is plugged into camper from power from garage, is this adequate for charging the battery and maintaining the charge or is it better putting it on a battery minder?

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Old 05-12-2014, 05:41 PM   #6
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Shore power with converter is all the charging you'll need.

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Old 05-12-2014, 05:47 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ESDSKeith View Post
If Power is plugged into camper from power from garage, is this adequate for charging the battery and maintaining the charge or is it better putting it on a battery minder?

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It depends on the charger in your RV. If it has different charging stages then yes, leave the batteries in and RV hooked to shorepower. If not, get them fully charged and keep them on a trickle charger. Find your charger's model number to see the specs. Don't forget the most important part...check water levels.
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Old 05-12-2014, 06:10 PM   #8
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Have the Rockwood Freedom 1940 LTD

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Old 05-12-2014, 06:11 PM   #9
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2014. Just picked it up Friday


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Old 05-12-2014, 06:31 PM   #10
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and when you check the water levels be sure to use "distilled" water.....
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Old 05-12-2014, 06:40 PM   #11
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and when you check the water levels be sure to use "distilled" water.....
I was told to use holy water. That's probably why my batts last forever.
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Old 05-12-2014, 08:22 PM   #12
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battery disconnect

I noticed the power lift switch is not protected- so I am thinking when the pup is closed an accidental turning on will damage lift system? For good measure I am keeping positive lead disconnected from battery. Like my boat battery, I plan on charging before heading out each trip. Anybody figure out a way to disable switch to prevent accidental switching? Sorry I am an official rookie.
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Old 05-12-2014, 08:30 PM   #13
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You could make it part of a disconnect switch; add a fuse inline from the circuit breaker (at the battery B+ post) and the motor and remove the fuse when not in use, or as you are doing, disconnect it from the battery. (I just remove the batteries.)
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Old 05-12-2014, 08:50 PM   #14
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Dealer told me if it's sitting longer than a week to disconnect the negative.

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Old 05-16-2014, 07:09 AM   #15
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batt

I went ahead and unhooked both the positive and negative cables from battery. By the way, ESDSKeith, the battery that came with my 2012 1940 is ok but I plan on replacing it in a couple of months...I believe it is some generic brand 850 CCA RV/Marine type...I would welcome any suggestions for a replacement. (On my boat I've had good success with Delco and the Auto Zone marine- the truck has an Interstate that lasted 4 years in the Florida heat)
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Old 05-16-2014, 07:41 AM   #16
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I've had the same dual Interstate Marine/RV batts for 9 years and can't tell them from new.

Its always on shorepower during the camping season, in the driveway or camping. After the last trip in the fall, I remove them to my unheated garage where they sit on a small automatic battery maintainer inside a box of 1" pink styrofoam board to hold their little bit of self-generated heat.
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