Can you leave an AS plugged in in storage?

[perryg114]

I have the old univolt power supply and I leave it on all the time and have never cooked the battery. The trailer sits a lot.

Perry

[robert claus]

My trailer stays plugger in to shore power when not being used. In 5 years of ownership, I only had to water the battery once. The original battery (there's just one) lasted about 7 years, and the next one five (replaced this fall). So, the charger seems to do a respectable job. I run a small electric heater to keep the interior temp at about 50 degrees. I haven't winterized yet, as we've not had a significant cold snap - only a few nights dipping just below freezing - trying to get out for one more weekend!

[A W Warn]

I leave my trailer plugged in all of the time while stored at home or when camping. I turn off the breaker that controls the circuit that powers the converter. A few days before I leave I turn on that breaker. If I do not travel I'll turn it on over night once or twice a month.

The reason I leave my trailer plugged in is to power a mouse repeller. Have not had a mouse in my trailer since I got this. And, I run a small electric heater fall and spring so I do not need to winterize before traveling south for the winter.

[SuperTrouper]

Originally Posted by Alumaholic

We leave our Airstream plugged into shore power all winter while it is parked in Mesa, AZ, December through March.
Airstreams still come equipped with a Univolt converter/charger, an inferior choice in my opinion that is hard on batteries.
So, this summer I replaced the Univolt with an Iota DLS-55. It's great! Two things I have noticed are no more dry batteries, and much more efficient charging when using a generator.
Hope this helps!

The IOTA is quieter too! No hums and a variable fan that is controlled by current draw not simply temp of power supply.

Brad

[JamuJoe]

You can leave the shore power connected, just flip the battery disconnect switch (ours is right by the entry door) to 'STORE' to isolate the batteries from the single stage converter/charger. This will prevent overcharging while leaving power (110v & 12v) energized. You might flip it to 'USE' for an hour or so once a month to maintain your batteries, or better yet, get a BatteryMinder to maintain the batteries. Ultimately, changing to a three stage converter/charger might be the best route. There is a three stage conversion kit for the Parallax converter available:
Magnetek/Parallax 6300/7300 Upgrade Kit

[Jammer]

Um, Joe, that link is for "upgrading" the Parallax converter by replacing it with a converter from the World Friendship Co. (WFCO).

[Steelegood]

If you don't have a three stage converter, I'd disconnect & pull the batteries unless you keep furnace, fridge etc. going all winter and use it occasionally. IMO.

Terry

[Andrew T]

What we recomend to customers that are able to store where there is a power connection is to plug the trailer or the convertor in with a cheap basic light timer. You don't want a fancy digital one just one where you slide the pin out. Set it to run one hour per day. That will top up the battery without putting constant pressure on it and save your power bill as well.

Andrew T

[JamuJoe]

Um, Joe, that link is for "upgrading" the Parallax converter by replacing it with a converter from the World Friendship Co. (WFCO).

Correct, Jammer. This is what was recommended to me by Randy at bestconverter.

[SteveSueMac]

So now I'm slightly confused (why should today be different?).

I have the Magnatek/Paralllax 7300 which is spoken of in this thread has having and not having multiple stage charging capability.

The AS user manual implies it does but doesn't say it outright.

I ask because I checked out the batteries today and added distilled water to each cell (first time I've done that since picking it up on April 6). Before doing that, I used a 12v meter to test their voltage and they were at 12.51 which I believe means 90% charged and we've been disconnected for a week (it was 100% when we parked it last week).

So what do I actually have? There is no documentation from Magnatek/Parallax in the briefcase that comes with the trailer.

Thanks!

[rnaser]

Same here, mine is always plugged in and I don't have problems

[wolf146]

My trailer is parked close to the house so I run an extension cord to a timer which then connects to the trailer cord. I set the timer for about 2 or 3 hours each day. When I come home from a camping trip I automatically connect the timer each and every time. I check the battery level several times a year. I have used this technique for about 25 years. Wolf146

[ROBERT CROSS]

If anyone has questions about converters I would call Randy.

We use an Iota DLS 55a IQ4.....the IQ4 is an integrated four stage unit. It has worked flawlessly for 5 Seasons with no concerns for extended periods on shore power.

Bob