Power w/o batt. just shore...

[crazylev]

Hello.

This weekend will be another sad reminder that cold weather is upon us in Chicago. I will be taking out the two batteries from my '04 CCD and store them in my basement with a BatteryMinder watching over them.

1) Will I still be able to hook up the AS to shore power without having the two batteries in the coach? (In case I want to visit during winter).

2) With the batteries out, the cables will just be sitting in the battery storage box, which is made out of metal (of coarse). Let's say I can hook up to shore power, do I need to isolate (insulate) the connectors for the batteries so that they don't short out against that box, or doesn't it matter?

Thanks.

Jonathan

[jcanavera]

Originally Posted by crazylev

Hello.

T
1) Will I still be able to hook up the AS to shore power without having the two batteries in the coach? (In case I want to visit during winter).

2) With the batteries out, the cables will just be sitting in the battery storage box, which is made out of metal (of coarse). Let's say I can hook up to shore power, do I need to isolate (insulate) the connectors for the batteries so that they don't short out against that box, or doesn't it matter?

Thanks.

Jonathan

Jonathan,

I don't think you should hook up to shore power without batteries. I remember reading in my manual that you can cause some damage but I forget exactly as to what components. I'm sure there is someone who can verify my statement. Obviously if you are going to hook up to shore power on an occasional basis, the batteries should be fine left in place.

I pull my batteries out since my trailer is at a storage facility and will not have shore power available till next spring.

Jack

[Janets Husband]

Originally Posted by crazylev

Hello.
1) Will I still be able to hook up the AS to shore power without having the two batteries in the coach? (In case I want to visit during winter).
2) With the batteries out, the cables will just be sitting in the battery storage box, which is made out of metal (of coarse). Let's say I can hook up to shore power, do I need to isolate (insulate) the connectors for the batteries so that they don't short out against that box, or doesn't it matter?
Thanks.
Jonathan

I do not believe that it would hurt the unit unless you shorted the battery cables, but why not just tune off the charger circuit breaker. This would be the best solution.

[sander17]

I would wrap the ends of the battery connectors in plastic sandwich bags. A 60 amp spark bouncing around inside the compartment is a little dramatic.
The batteries act like big filter capacitors for the power supply. Since yours is a very recent vintage, the power supply may be a switcher with enough internal filtering to produce smooth DC. For those of us with ancient Univolts, the output without batteries is extremely noisy. The light bulbs and water pump do not care, but I wouldn't want to submit a computer chip to it. (Of course, this does not apply to items like TVs that use the AC shore power.)

[till]

I believe that the batteries act as a voltage regulator for the 12 volt DC curcuit. With out them the 12 VDC may not be 12VDC, but something higer.

[crazylev]

Hello.

I was curious enough about this to actually call AS, and spoke with Jim in customer service.

The bottom line: Apparently you can run shore power to the unit, however, the converter will put out full power going to the batteies, thinking that they are not charged. I was told this would not harm the converter, and in fact that there are some people that only run on AC, without their batteries.

The one thing to make certain of, like Gary, Sander, and Jim(AS) point out, is that the terminal ends MUST be insulated so they don't short out against anything metal.

So who wants to try this first? No.....you go first!

Joanthan

[Ken J]

I've always heard that you should have a load on the converter or else it will ruin the converter.

Ken

[john hd]

my manual sez you can do it, but kiss your radio fuse goodbye!

no you go first!

i don't run mine without batteries. i do think the best solution is to unplug/turn off the breaker to the converter, then just light the trailer with 120 volt lamps from the outlets.

john

I was hooked to shore power the other day with the lights and furnace running while winterizing the Soverign. I had removed the battery the week before. I hope I didn't damage anything.