Plugged in while stored

AngioTech55

2015 FR3 25DS
Joined
Mar 19, 2015
Messages
107
Location
Apple Valley
In regards to my FR3, I thought it has an onboard charge controller so that I can leave it plugged in while not using it. Am I correct in my assumption?
 
There is a charger unit built into the converter you have, and it’s usually located behind your service panel with your fuses, breakers etc.
However, depending on what type of batteries you have, you may have to monitor the water levels because of constant charging.
 
Although we have a TT, we leave ours plugged in 24/7 while here at the house. One should be sure to top-off the batteries with distilled water. Usually only need to do this 2 or 3 times a year. I might check them every month. We have 2 FLA batteries.

Bob
 
Wow that was fast! Thank you for the fast responses. So I have another question regarding battery maintenance. It is very difficult to get the right fluid level without over filling. Any best practices for that?
 
Although we have a TT, we leave ours plugged in 24/7 while here at the house. One should be sure to top-off the batteries with distilled water. Usually only need to do this 2 or 3 times a year. I might check them every month. We have 2 FLA batteries.

Bob
What are FLA batteries?
 
Wow that was fast! Thank you for the fast responses. So I have another question regarding battery maintenance. It is very difficult to get the right fluid level without over filling. Any best practices for that?
When the time comes…..upgrade to maintenance free AGM batteries.
AGM = Absorbed Glass Mat
Just Google them for more information.
 
Wow that was fast! Thank you for the fast responses. So I have another question regarding battery maintenance. It is very difficult to get the right fluid level without over filling. Any best practices for that?
I had this on my pusher, it makes filling the batteries a breeze.
 
In regards to my FR3, I thought it has an onboard charge controller so that I can leave it plugged in while not using it. Am I correct in my assumption?
Yes, with the above caution about maintaining the 'house' batteries.
The only other thing that could affect whether the batteries charge is the battery disconnect switch. If the battery disconnect is on the batteries won't charge.
Now the chassis battery is another matter. Hopefully another FR3 owner will let us know if the chassis battery charges when you plug in.
 
Wow that was fast! Thank you for the fast responses. So I have another question regarding battery maintenance. It is very difficult to get the right fluid level without over filling. Any best practices for that?
Use a turkey baster. Much easier to control the water flow.

Bob
 
I had this on my pusher, it makes filling the batteries a breeze.
I looked this one up and the price of the bulb and tubing is crazy.
 
Been there and done that. Problem is reaching the cells and making certain not to overfill which I’ve done.
That's why I suggested the setup I had. I didn't even have to slide out the battery bank. There's a fitting that is there when you open the door, you connect the squeeze ball/siphon hose to the battery filler, then put the other end of the hose into your distilled water and simply squeeze until the squeeze ball gets firm, then you know the batteries are full. It fills all the batteries at once. So simple.

Looks expensive, but worth it. I figure I had a coach that cost $300k when new in 2006, a few bucks here and there was pretty irrelevant in relation to that. Heck mine had a $10k HWH Active Air upgrade done, so the price of the filler wasn't bad at all. :)

When we were full-timers, I had to fill the batteries monthly. It would have been a major PITA to pull out the battery tray, take the tops off all those batteries, then fill them one by one.
 
If I had a $300K rig, I'd have someone else doing the battery checks. But for me, I'll keep using my Walmart $2 turkey baster. The second advantage to the turkey baster, if one accidently gets a bit too much water in a cell, the turkey baster can easily suck some out.

Bob
 
If I had a $300K rig, I'd have someone else doing the battery checks. But for me, I'll keep using my Walmart $2 turkey baster. The second advantage to the turkey baster, if one accidently gets a bit too much water in a cell, the turkey baster can easily suck some out.

Bob
Just be sure not to put it back in the kitchen drawer. 🤮
 
add solar and lifepo4 batteries get twice as much capacity
90% of the time the solar can recharge it , no need to plug it in
depends on where you camp and if you like to go off grid

donate the baster and FLA batteries to the Smithsonian
 
Go with the blaster or get a wash bottle which is better.

Not the fancy level things. Your next batteries will not be lead acid. Nor AGM.
 
I have had one of these for 60 years, still works, $7 at ACE.
1736603597636.jpeg
 
I’m just wondering why you’d say “Nor AGM.”
why would you go AGM when there are much better alternatives for around the same $$$


50% lighter
2 x the capacity (usable power)
charges upto 5 x faster which is a bonus if you want to go solar
no water/maintenance
can be expanded to make a bigger bank than was ever thought possible in a RV (weight/size)
safe............... not like a phone of hoverboard that catches fire
has been around for years and has a proven track record
lasts so long , you probably would never have to buy another battery again
 

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