Newbie question: Does Use switch have to be on to charge batteries?

[bonginator]

On our Safari 23FB, there is a use/store switch near the door that turns on power to the unit from the batteries.

I thought I recalled seeing something in the owners manual that said the switch had to be in the use position when towing to have the batteries be charged through the 7 pin connector.

Is this true or does a battery charge also occur if this is in the store position.

We are about to do a long trip and I want to make sure the batts are charging...

Sandy

[HowieE]

I have never found a reason to ever turn the switch off.

As for charging while driving. The alternator will only charge until it has topped off the TV batteries. Yes during that time the trailer batteries will see a charging voltage but once the TV batteries are fully charged the alternator will drop off. Do not rely on the alternator as the only means of charging the trailer batteries.

It generally takes about 20 miles of travel for an alternator to recharge a battery from a single start up. Once the TV battery is charged and the alternator drops off there will be current flowing to the trailer battery but at a greatly reduced voltage.

[pmclemore]

I turn the switch off when I am at home and plugged in for a long time, to keep the batteries from continuously charging. I turn it on for a day or so, every week or so.

Pat