• Click here to access some of the presentations made during the 2022 National Rally

Healthy LED acid battery Life question?

Midnight Rider

Well-known member
At my house wear I store my trailer I have the ability to have it plugged in all the time to 50 AMP to keep the batteries tendered when trailer is not in use During spring, summer and fall. My question is, is it better for the battery life to be plugged in all the time like I mentioned or is it better to leave trailer unplugged and turn off the two battery disconnect knobs so batteries don’t loose their charge? I want to take best care of the batteries as I can? what is best procedure?
thanks
 

BryanValRox

Well-known member
At my house wear I store my trailer I have the ability to have it plugged in all the time to 50 AMP to keep the batteries tendered when trailer is not in use During spring, summer and fall. My question is, is it better for the battery life to be plugged in all the time like I mentioned or is it better to leave trailer unplugged and turn off the two battery disconnect knobs so batteries don’t loose their charge? I want to take best care of the batteries as I can? what is best procedure?
thanks
I’ll offer a different approach from what OC suggested.
I don’t see the need to keep it plugged in at all
when you have basic solar installed.
I just turn my 12 v disconnect off and leave the solar disconnect in the on position.
I have weathered(pun😅) two off seasons taking this approach without any issue at all.
This way your converter isn’t energized over the off-season and your cord isn’t exposed to the elements long term and most importantly of all, your not tripping over the cord all the time, I know I would be.
The basic solar does a great job keep things topped off for me over the winter.

You didn’t mention if you store inside or out, so obviously that would impact your decision . If Solar charging isn’t available, I would still consider not using the 50amp and converter strategy but rather just a small trickle charger to keep things topped off.
This come down to personal preference based on your comfort level.
 

Lantley

Well-known member
I keep my RV plugged in 24/7/365. The only time it's not plugged in, is when it's going down the road.
I have used this method for 20 years and 3 RV's with no ill effects.
 

Midnight Rider

Well-known member
I’ll offer a different approach from what OC suggested.
I don’t see the need to keep it plugged in at all
when you have basic solar installed.
I just turn my 12 v disconnect off and leave the solar disconnect in the on position.
I have weathered(pun😅) two off seasons taking this approach without any issue at all.
This way your converter isn’t energized over the off-season and your cord isn’t exposed to the elements long term and most importantly of all, your not tripping over the cord all the time, I know I would be.
The basic solar does a great job keep things topped off for me over the winter.

You didn’t mention if you store inside or out, so obviously that would impact your decision . If Solar charging isn’t available, I would still consider not using the 50amp and converter strategy but rather just a small trickle charger to keep things topped off.
This come down to personal preference based on your comfort direct level.
The camper is under A RV barn No direct sun or rain
I think I'll just leave it plugged in, thanks all
 

Mazboy

Well-known member
At my house wear I store my trailer I have the ability to have it plugged in all the time to 50 AMP to keep the batteries tendered when trailer is not in use During spring, summer and fall. My question is, is it better for the battery life to be plugged in all the time like I mentioned or is it better to leave trailer unplugged and turn off the two battery disconnect knobs so batteries don’t loose their charge? I want to take best care of the batteries as I can? what is best procedure?
thanks
remember that just 'turning off' your disconnect will still have some things connected to it. so, there will be a small drain on power.
 

Lantley

Well-known member
I don't think there is any harm in plugging in a modern RV 24/7.
There is no limitation on how often or long you can leave your RV plugged in.
Your RV does not know if it is occupied or unoccupied when you have it plugged in! ;)
 
Top