JToad
SF Bay Area
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Joined: 01/25/2012
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I just bought a C class motorhome over Christmas break: 2005 Coachmen 28', 42000 miles. I have room to store the motorhome in my driveway and my kids love going inside it to play almost daily. Question: should I leave the RV plugged in the entire time, or shut off the battery switch and not plug it in until we are ready to use it again. We plan to go on at least one 3 day trip every 2 months until summer, and then one trip a month. Someone told me that leaving it plugged in actually drains the battery. I thought leaving it plugged in would keep the battery full?
Thanks,
JT
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donn0128
Pronounced Ore-gun
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Joined: 04/21/2005
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For the last 35 years I have had a parking slab next to the house for my RV's. When I first built it I installed a receptacle for the RV. So mine have been plugged in ever since. Check the batteries regularly is all you need to do.
That way when we want to go, we simply go out on Tuesday and turn on the refer, Wednesday we pack our perishable food, Thursday I hook up and Friday 30 minutes after I get home we are pulling out of the driveway.
Donn,Lorri,Max (rescued Lab)
Saigon International Airport 1966/67
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HEMIDAZE
Amelia, OH
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Joined: 03/30/2004
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We put a 30 amp plug next to the garage. We only use it when the battery is low, turning on the fridge before a trip and turning on the air when loading and unloading.
2002 Jayco Greyhawk 31RB
2011 HHR (picture coming)
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musicmole
Everywhere
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Joined: 02/12/2003
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i leave it plugged in. start it every three weeks. run water,toilet,ac while running. refrigerator every two months for 48 hrs. i'm ready to go whenever i want. never had a problem except when i left it completely off for two months. took a couple of days to get back to traveling condition.
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Gene in NE
Omaha
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Joined: 09/15/2003
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JToad - You will have to do some testing to see what happens when you plug your unit into "shore power".
There are a number of units that will keep charging your coach battery to the point it boils out the electrolyte in the battery. That would kill a good battery if it was boiled dry.
On my unit, the "shore power" will not charge my house battery if the RV is in "store" mode. In "store" mode, my coach battery is completely disconnected from all 12 volt loads and the converter charging. The "shore power" does power every device in the coach. The 110 volt outlets are live and the 12 volt lights all work being fed from the converter. When "in use" is turned on, the coach battery is then included in the system and would be charged.
2002 Trail-Lite Model 211-S w/5.7 Chevy (click View Profile)
Gene
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AstroRig57
near Tehachapi, CA
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Joined: 01/15/2009
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With a 2005 Coachmen you will, most likely, have a WFCO 3 stage converter/charger (either an 8945 or 8955). You will find mixed reviews herein. Most negative reviews concern claims that the unit will not go into "bulk" (meaning rapid charge) mode if your cabling is not of a heavy enough gauge though I have not had this issue.
This unit has a "float" mode that should, if the RV has not been used for 48 hours, and has a "no load" condition, reduce the charging voltage to a "trickle charge" or 13.2 volts. Still, this is not a battery maintainer and in a 2 month period of time this could deplete the electrolyte in the batteries.
For storage of more than just a few days, my protocol, and my recommendation, is to cycle the battery disconnect to the "Store" position, turn the converter off at the breaker/distribution box, and maintain the batteries using a Deltran Battery Tender Plus (or similar battery maintainer). I've used this technique for many years and have had excellent battery life.
Your unit also probably has an Intellitec Battery Disconnect. In case you haven't already figured it out, bear this in mind. The disconnect switch does not physically turn the batteries off like a switch. Rather, it is a momentary switch that cycles a remote solenoid that is usually located close to the converter/charger. When plugged into shore power, and even if you cycle the momentary switch to the "Store" position, the indicator light will continue to glow. The light will only go off, when cycled to "Store", if the RV is not plugged into shore power. When plugged into shore power, and if you want the batteries to charge, you must ensure that you have cycled the switch to the "Use" position.
2005 31' Coachmen Freelander 3150SS, Stargazer II - Mobile Astronomy Unit
Do you remember when the sky was dark, and the stars were bright?
The International Dark-Sky Association
American by birth...Scottish by the Grace Of God.
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