Leaving AS connected to land power

[Bruceandbarb]

Newbie question: Is there any reason not to leave our 2018 ASFC 28 50AMP connected to land power (50 AMP) while it is awaiting our next trip. Parked in our driveway in Florida?

[GMFL]

Nope, mine stays plugged in and ready to go at a moments notice.

[YippieKiYa]

It shouldn't hurt it, especially since you have a newer trailer with a multi-stage converter that should be able to float the batteries correctly. If you have wet cell batteries, I'd still be sure check the water levels regularly. AGM's (that come with the solar set-up) will be fine.

[dbj216]

Hi bruceandbarb: Welcome to Air Forums. Nice to meet folks with a brand spanking new Airstream. May you have many enjoyable adventures with it.

In the old days of single voltage converters, we often left the trailer unplugged and took the battery out for the winter. Now they build multi stage converters that just trickle charge the batteries and won't overcharge them and thus dry them out.

I understand the new Airstreams have multi stage converters. They won't cook the battery dry. So you should be okay.

David

[Bruceandbarb]

Thanks for the replies! I was getting unreliable information from a dealer salesman.
Also we feel very fortunate to have a new AS, a bit spoiled in fact. We've owned a different brand TT and a class B, the AS is our dream.

[mythbuster88]

Originally Posted by Bruceandbarb

Newbie question: Is there any reason not to leave our 2018 ASFC 28 50AMP connected to land power (50 AMP) while it is awaiting our next trip. Parked in our driveway in Florida?

We have our 50 Amp trailer plugged in 24/7. Since we just keep the batteries charged and the fridge cool there is no need for that fat 50Amp power cord. We use a regular extension chord with an adaptor.

[xrvr]

Make sre cord is rated at enough amps or it can overheat the adapter. Maybe use a 30 amp cord..

[m.hony]

Sometimes I leave mine plugged in for months at a time.
Difference in light bill is barely noticeable- like $10-$20 a month more.

[KWN306]

Very interested in these answers as I have a 2017 with the solar package which is supposed to keep my batteries charged.

I had a 2015 23 FB before purchasing the 30' FC and the switch had to be in the "use" position to charge the old wet cell batteries when plugged in to land / shore power.

Does the 2017 30' FC need to have the battery switch in "use" to charge the batteries while plugged in?

I assume (and I hate to use that word) with the solar system on the roof it automatically charges the batteries without the battery switch being flipped to "use."

[ortho]

what year did AS move to newer converter

[xrvr]

2018?

[tbashin]

Always plugged in. No issues.

[ekm217]

Make sre cord is rated at enough amps or it can overheat the adapter. Maybe use a 30 amp cord..



what cord then? the orange ones for outside?

[rmkrum]

Originally Posted by KWN306

Very interested in these answers as I have a 2017 with the solar package which is supposed to keep my batteries charged.

I had a 2015 23 FB before purchasing the 30' FC and the switch had to be in the "use" position to charge the old wet cell batteries when plugged in to land / shore power.

Does the 2017 30' FC need to have the battery switch in "use" to charge the batteries while plugged in?

I assume (and I hate to use that word) with the solar system on the roof it automatically charges the batteries without the battery switch being flipped to "use."

Don't assume anything--verify that the solar charges the batteries when in 'store'. I figured out that my self-installed solar system was wired to the wrong side of the use/store relay after my batteries went flat on me with the AS in full sun. I had guessed which lug of the relay to run my charge line to, and missed.

[Boxite]

Originally Posted by ortho

what year did AS move to newer converter

Different models .... different years, I believe. My 2008 has a factory-installed WFCO multi-stage converter and it's been plugged into shore power continuously with no problems whatsoever.

[GammaDog]

We keep ours plugged in. I even run the AC at 80 degrees in the summer months to prevent heat and humidity damage inside (e.g.: mold, wood warping, etc.)

[FCStreamer]

Originally Posted by GammaDog

We keep ours plugged in. I even run the AC at 80 degrees in the summer months to prevent heat and humidity damage inside (e.g.: mold, wood warping, etc.)

This is what I do. To prevent the batteries from overcooking, I keep them in the Store position and I use an external battery charger to keep them topped off. So far so good!