72 Tradewind Inverter Longevity

[yochanan]

I have a 72 tradewind in nice condition, ---parked semi permanently and plugged into 110.
I use it one or two days a week but often am away from the unit for periods of up to two weeks.

All the electrical works great but every time I leave the trailer site, I shut down the electrical completely to prevent any unexpected inverter/battery failures while I'm away.

Are my concerns realisitic? Would it be easier on the system and make the
inverter and battery last longer if I were to just leave the power on while I'm gone?
Thanks for your experienced comments. I'm just getting tired of having to deal with the cycle of condensation and potential for mold that happens in the refridgerator. I don't like to leave the refridgerator door open at power-down as I don't want any additonal moisture inside the trailer.
Thanks.
John

[davidz71]

I leave my '86 Sovereign plugged it 24/7 in my back yard and the Fantastic fans run most of the day until the early evening hours when the inside has cooled down sufficiently. I have an Intellipower with Charge Wizzard and it has done an excellent job over the 14 months I have owned it. I do not run my refrigerator though. Four months ago I also installed a Hughes Autoformer just in case there might be an electrical problem from the 15 amp circuit I am plugged into in the garage. I am using the largest Yellow Jacket extension cord they make with the 15 amp plug and I have never noticed any problems. Obviously I am not running my AC. I think it all gets down to the type of converter/charger you have. The 3 stage converter/chargers like the Intellipower do not overcharge your batteries in the process of running any of your 12 volt appliances like fans. Hope this helps.

[wahoonc]

John,
I have one of the old univolt systems like yours. I don't reccomend leaving it plugged up with the battery connected. What I do is leave the trailer plugged up 24/7 BUT unplug the univolt from the 110v power. That leaves the 110v to power up the fridge (or it would if it was still in there ) run fans, small heaters, plugged in lights, charge batteries for the cordless tools, etc. Eventually (probably real soon) the Univolt will become a boat anchor and I will have the Intelipower system installed. Univolts have a history of running batteries dry, especially the older ones. When I am working on the trailer and need the 12volt I will plug the Univolt back in, typically for the weekend.

Aaron

[yochanan]

Thanks for the great answers....John