Always tied to shore power

[carpetbob]

My '89 Excella 25-footer was purchased with sole intent to become my stationary home office/retreat. I know, it's a wonderful travel trailer. However, I have another RV for that purpose. I love my silver bullet office! I also love this forum but have been going blind searching/reading trying to find the answers to my electrical questions. My area of retardation is definitely electrical. So here goes:

When I bought "Priscilla" she already had fairly defunct batteries. Since I was going to keep her plugged into shore power I didn't worry about it. Now that I've recently yanked the gaucho out and am doing a little remodel, I've started to concern/educate myself about the Univolt and the 12/110V electrical system. Of course the hummmmmmmm of the Univolt is more pronounced now that the gaucho isn't there to help insulate. So basically do I need to:

1) Even have batteries installed, dead or otherwise?

2) Am I risking boiling the batteries and having a fire hazard?


I haven't put a volt meter on the Univolt to check output but whenever I have the 12-volt radio/cd changer playing and I start turning on more lights, the radio dies for a few seconds and then usually resumes playing. Any ideas about that? I guess I'm thinking about replacing the Univolt with something more modern. I just don't want to blow/burn myself up. Thanks for any/all imput. Sorry if there is already a thread for this. CarpetBob

[silverleeper]

Welcome to the forums carpetbob,

1) Even have batteries installed, dead or otherwise? Yes, keep good batteries installed.

2) Am I risking boiling the batteries and having a fire hazard? Get rid of the Univolt. It will continue to cook your batteries if you are constantly plugged in.

May I suggest BestConverter - Converters, Inverters, Electrical Supplies, Electronics. No hum with a new converter and it won't over charge the batteries and if you get this one you don't need a battery - <<< DLS Series 12 Volt.

[carpetbob]

Lee,

Thanks much for the quick reply. I just got off the phone with Randy at Best Converters and placed my order for the DLS 55/55. CarpetBob

[airbassador]

I have no problems with my Univolt. I have a battery bypass switch installed on my battery post. Was cheap (< $15), and keeps my battery from boiling when I'm tied to the hitching post.

I do unplug every month or so and give the battery a workout, turn the switch on and let the battery charge, then turn it back off.