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11-29-2006, 10:31 AM
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#1
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Rivet Master
2003 22' International CCD
Kiln
, Mississippi
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,779
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Plugged or Un-plugged in the Driveway
Ok, I'm sure this has been asked before but I could not find from my searches of previous threads any good answers.
I have a 2003 International CCD - DO I LEAVE IT PLUGGED IN OR UNPLUGGED in the driveway over the winter?
The fridge is running and the PO said he always had it plugged in. I can turn off the fridge but don't want it to get the mold smell. I'm not so concerned about the battery charge - or over charging with the newer electronics. On my 66 Caravel - I only plug it in for a day twice a month to keep the battery up and if there is a freeze. The old Univolt can damage the battery if left on I have read.
OK - What do some of you do? Full time plug in sure makes it nice to just walk in the camper.
Mike
__________________
Michael & Tina with Layla and Preston BZ The family has grown. 2003 22' INTERNATIONAL CCD
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11-29-2006, 10:41 AM
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#2
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Rivet Master
2012 28' International
Currently Looking...
New Orleans
, Louisiana
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,077
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Quote:
Originally Posted by clancy_boy
Ok, I'm sure this has been asked before but I could not find from my searches of previous threads any good answers.
I have a 2003 International CCD - DO I LEAVE IT PLUGGED IN OR UNPLUGGED in the driveway over the winter?
The fridge is running and the PO said he always had it plugged in. I can turn off the fridge but don't want it to get the mold smell. I'm not so concerned about the battery charge - or over charging with the newer electronics. On my 66 Caravel - I only plug it in for a day twice a month to keep the battery up and if there is a freeze. The old Univolt can damage the battery if left on I have read.
OK - What do some of you do? Full time plug in sure makes it nice to just walk in the camper.
Mike
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I stayed plugged in, fridge is off with the door cracked open.
Jim
__________________
Jim N5TJZ Air# 174
2012 International Serenity 28
2005 Safari 25 SS Traded
1968 Globetrotter Sold
2011 F150 Ecoboost
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11-29-2006, 10:42 AM
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#3
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Rivet Master
1951 21' Flying Cloud
1960 24' Tradewind
West Coast
, BC
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,790
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Mike
I remove my battery and then plug the trailer in for the winter. I have a small heater that I leave on that keeps the trailer to about 55 degrees. I do not have the fridge on = I turn it off, leave the door ajar, and put a package of baking soda in it. I unplug any other electrical devices so the only draw is the heater. We've been doing this with our trailers since 1969 and never had a problem both when we lived on the prairies and for the past 18 years on the wet coast.
Barry
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11-29-2006, 10:47 AM
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#4
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Rivet Master
Massachusetts
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: 1964 17' Bambi II
Posts: 4,282
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Quote:
Originally Posted by safari57
Mike
I remove my battery and then plug the trailer in for the winter. I have a small heater that I leave on that keeps the trailer to about 55 degrees. I do not have the fridge on = I turn it off, leave the door ajar, and put a package of baking soda in it. I unplug any other electrical devices so the only draw is the heater. We've been doing this with our trailers since 1969 and never had a problem both when we lived on the prairies and for the past 18 years on the wet coast.
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I'm curious what the benefits are of keeping the trailer plugged in if you aren't using it.
__________________
WBCCI Region One
Attitude is the only difference between ordeal and adventure
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11-29-2006, 10:47 AM
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#5
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Always Airstreaming!
2005 22' Safari
1960 24' Tradewind
Anytown
, Connecticut
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,115
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Winterizing
Hi there Mike-
Everyone has their own preference for what to do over the winter. Of course what you need to do vs. what you could do depends on your local. We live in NE and Thanksgiving weekend was our last trip of the season. Here is what we did: Parked our baby where is will remain till the first trip of the spring (April), Removed anything that would freeze or go bad (canned goods etc.)took out clothing, turned off everything. Cleaned the fridg out, cleaned all the interior surfaces and have it clamped to be open 3", cleaned the oven, blew all the water lines and emptied the tanks and water heater. Put anti freeze in all the P traps and some in the black and gray tanks for good measure, shut the LP valves and removed the battery. The battery is now in the basement and will receive a trickle charge every 30 days or so. We also filled two old pillow cases with cedar chips and placed on the floor of the Safari. Sadly we are all set till spring. I am sure lots of others will add their thoughts. Have a warm and short winter!
__________________
J. Rick Cipot
Sandi Gould
NEU New England Unit
Airstream Life Magazine
Proud Member of WBCCI
WBCCI #3411
AIR #17099
2009 Silverado 2500HD
2004 22' Safari
1960 24' Tradewind
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11-29-2006, 10:49 AM
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#6
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Rivet Master
2006 25' Safari FB SE
St. Cloud
, Minnesota
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,280
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99.9% of the Airstream world probably have theirs unplugged. To prevent the moldy smell I always open the fridge doors and put a dishtowel across the freezer-fridge divider to keep them ajar (was easier on the old Dometics). Closing the fridge doors is on my mandatory startup list when I pick up the trailer from storage.
In the real cold it is necessary to bring the batteries into the house since I want to put them on a battery minder to recharge at least once a month. The parasitic trailer loads will probably drain it a little quicker if you leave batteries hooked up -- even with the master switch off. In that case I'd probably plug it in to house current for a day 'bout every two weeks. You are correct about the old Univolt equipped Airstreams -- they'll cook the battery dry.
We keep hearing that refrigerators/freezers are not built to properly cool and maintain recommended interior temperatures if left on in a cold environment. It might be a good idea not to store food unless you are monitoring temperatures. I tried to Google and all I could find was, "Can I put a refrigerator/freezer out in my garage?Yes. But, if the refrigerator is self-defrosting, don't let the garage temperature drop to much below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Otherwise, the oil becomes thick and causes premature compressor failure."
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11-29-2006, 11:00 AM
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#7
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Remember, Safety Third
1973 27' Overlander
Catfish Corners
, Georgia
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,720
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Quote:
Originally Posted by safari57
Mike...... We've been doing this with our trailers since 1969 and never had a problem both when we lived on the prairies and for the past 18 years on the wet coast.
Barry
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That's a pretty good track record, Barry. WHat kind of heater are you using? One of those oil filled radiant types? I've thought about using one of those along with a small fan of soem kind to keep moisture down (lots of humidity here in the south).
Jim
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11-29-2006, 11:03 AM
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#8
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Rivet Master
Airstream - Other
2016 Interstate Grand Tour Ext
Bosque Farms
, New Mexico
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 7,017
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We leave ours unplugged, too. All winterized, of course, and fridge open a few inches (even though mold isn't a big issue up here).
We got a cheapo solar charger that feeds just a trickle to the battery. It just stays on for the whole winter.
Lynn
__________________
ACI Big Red Number 21043
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11-29-2006, 11:03 AM
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#9
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Rivet Master
1951 21' Flying Cloud
1960 24' Tradewind
West Coast
, BC
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,790
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Quote:
Originally Posted by yukionna
I'm curious what the benefits are of keeping the trailer plugged in if you aren't using it.
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It's our emergency shelter. We've always had it set up for an emergency winter haven. Propane tanks are full, warm blankets and extra winter clothing, non-perishable food, candles, etc. It's cheap to keep that way, and should we be without power for whatever reason we go out to a trailer that's still reasonably warm, light up the propane system, put the battery back in and we are warm and comfortable until whatever has happened is dealt with. On the prairies it was winter blizzards while on the coast it has been anything from a potential earthquake (hopefully not in my lifetime) to most recently winter storms taking out the power lines. It may be overkill but we've never once been sorry and we've had to use it a few times - just enough to realize we have the right idea.
Barry
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11-29-2006, 11:21 AM
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#10
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Rivet Master
1951 21' Flying Cloud
1960 24' Tradewind
West Coast
, BC
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,790
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim & Susan
That's a pretty good track record, Barry. WHat kind of heater are you using? One of those oil filled radiant types? I've thought about using one of those along with a small fan of soem kind to keep moisture down (lots of humidity here in the south).
Jim
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Hi Jim, for the past ten years I've used a small ceramic heater I got at Sears. I think I paid $19 for it and it's run steady four months of every year since then, plus been put to use on cold nights when we are out camping and want to warm things up a bit. The fan is just starting to get noisy so I'll replace it yet this winter once the buying rush is over and prices get a bit more reasonable. I'm thinking I might get an oil filled radiant - I use one in my shop and it works very well, but so far have not looked too hard at them. We are experiencing an unusual cold snap here, setting records for cold and snow, so everyone is out buying extra heaters. If you have any suggestions on better options for heaters let me know.
Thanks
Barry
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11-29-2006, 11:21 AM
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#11
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Rivet Master
2012 28' International
Currently Looking...
New Orleans
, Louisiana
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,077
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Quote:
Originally Posted by yukionna
I'm curious what the benefits are of keeping the trailer plugged in if you aren't using it.
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We are always using it, pool house in the summer. Ebay sales office now and again, Ham radio shack sometimes. Project center, get away from the wife/husband. Dog even likes to hang out in the trailer. I sometime watch TV in the trailer. Trailer is also used for Hurricane Evacuation if needed. Oh I forgot you guys have a winter.
Jim
__________________
Jim N5TJZ Air# 174
2012 International Serenity 28
2005 Safari 25 SS Traded
1968 Globetrotter Sold
2011 F150 Ecoboost
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11-29-2006, 11:56 AM
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#12
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Rivet Master
1994 30' Excella
Currently Looking...
Milwaukee
, Wisconsin
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 1,935
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Quote:
Originally Posted by safari57
Mike
I remove my battery and then plug the trailer in for the winter.
Barry
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Why remove the battery if you leave the unit plugged in? I thought the convertor would keep it charged and if kept charged it does not have to be kept warm.
Second, what winter in Kiln, MS?
__________________
Chaplain Kent
Forest River Forester 2501TS
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11-29-2006, 11:56 AM
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#13
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Rivet Master
2003 22' International CCD
Kiln
, Mississippi
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,779
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rickandsandi
Hi there Mike-
Everyone has their own preference for what to do over the winter. Of course what you need to do vs. what you could do depends on your local. We live in NE and Thanksgiving weekend was our last trip of the season. Here is what we did: Parked our baby where is will remain till the first trip of the spring (April), Removed anything that would freeze or go bad (canned goods etc.)took out clothing, turned off everything. Cleaned the fridg out, cleaned all the interior surfaces and have it clamped to be open 3", cleaned the oven, blew all the water lines and emptied the tanks and water heater. Put anti freeze in all the P traps and some in the black and gray tanks for good measure, shut the LP valves and removed the battery. The battery is now in the basement and will receive a trickle charge every 30 days or so. We also filled two old pillow cases with cedar chips and placed on the floor of the Safari. Sadly we are all set till spring. I am sure lots of others will add their thoughts. Have a warm and short winter!
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rickandsandi - Ohhhhhh - P-traps - there is one I forgot - THANK YOU!!!!!!
Chaplain Kent - winter can sneak up on you here - may not be cold for long BUT long enough to do damage. I guess I am being overly cautious with our new AS. Why re-learn what all of you have experienced and go through the frustration all over again.
__________________
Michael & Tina with Layla and Preston BZ The family has grown. 2003 22' INTERNATIONAL CCD
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11-29-2006, 12:17 PM
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#14
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Mom scared by aluminum
Currently Looking...
Phoenix
, Arizona
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 167
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What's all this winterizing talk? You should all move to Phoenix. On second thought, just visit.
I had an old motorhome a few years ago that I left plugged in when I wasn't using it. I was sitting in the office one night and heard a loud BOOM. I looked out the window, but couldn't see anything.
Went out the next day to see my battery compartment door blown across the yard and acid all over my driveway. It was a 1983, so I'm sure the newer charge controllers are more reliable, however, food for thought.
__________________
Dave and Joanne
1963 Flying Cloud
2005 Silverado 4x4 3/4 Ton
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11-29-2006, 12:31 PM
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#15
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Rivet Master
Airstream - Other
2016 Interstate Grand Tour Ext
Bosque Farms
, New Mexico
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 7,017
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Quote:
Originally Posted by safari57
It's our emergency shelter. We've always had it set up for an emergency winter haven. ... Barry
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Ours is similar, but not for the winter season. We heat with wood in the house, so any power failure will only disrupt lights, the washing machine and our computers. We do, however, keep it ready to roll during fire season, especially June. We're both a bit weary of the flatlander goof-balls who come up here during that period, wanting to have themselves a nice campfire in the forest. "A bit weary" is too little. It scares the crap out of us.
Lynn
__________________
ACI Big Red Number 21043
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11-29-2006, 12:46 PM
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#16
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Rivets?
1992 29' Excella
2010 22' Interstate
Van By The River
, Georgia
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,361
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Unplugged Most of the Time
Hello clancy boy,
I did not realize you purchased the "new" AS. Congratulations. We're not going to the FLA forum rally so we have not been following that thread. Either trailer you take will be fun I'm sure.
Danielle and I park our trailer at a storage facility but it is relatively convenient to Danielle's office. We use our AS periodically during the winter so we just plug in a week or so before we plan to leave and that allows the batteries to be in good shape for the trip.
We leave the fridge open (when we are unplugged) to prevent mold/smell. We close the fridge and turn it on for the week or so while the batteries are returning to full charge before we leave for a trip. That way the fridge is cold and ready to go when we hook up to leave. We basically follow that pattern year round since we use the AS every 6 weeks or so on average.
I also plug in any time I am at the trailer for maintenance. For instance I recently spent the better part of an afternoon working on a toilet problem, performing general clean-up, etc.
Lucius
__________________
Lucius and Danielle
1992 29' Excella Classic / 2010 Interstate
2005 Chevrolet Suburban K2500 8.1L
2018 GMC Sierra K1500 SLT, 6.2L, Max Trailering
Got a cooped-up feeling, gotta get out of town, got those Airstream campin' blues...
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11-29-2006, 12:58 PM
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#17
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Rivet Master
2009 27' FB Flying Cloud
1982 31' International
1991 35' Airstream 350
Jay
, Oklahoma
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,706
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Plugged in most of the time
Hello all, as stated before, all kinds of good ideas! I have installed a battery disconnect in my trailers so I may stay plugged in, and not over charge the battery. This is also handy when camping with electric available. In the AS, mostly due to the location of the battery(under the front couch, so short cable lengths), I installed the switch in a postion accessable from the inside of the trailer, easy to switch on and off. It is also nice to be able to completey shut down the trailer without having to remove the battery cables.
Jeff
__________________
Jeff & Cindy
'09 27FB Flying Cloud;'82 31 International
'91 350 LE MH; '21 Interstate 24GT
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11-29-2006, 01:13 PM
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#18
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Rivet Master
1951 21' Flying Cloud
1960 24' Tradewind
West Coast
, BC
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,790
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chaplain Kent
Why remove the battery if you leave the unit plugged in? I thought the convertor would keep it charged and if kept charged it does not have to be kept warm.
Second, what winter in Kiln, MS?
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Chaplain Kent - I have removed the batteries out of my vehicles stored for the winter and put them in the shop on a shelf I have set up for trickle charging them. The first bunch of trailers we had did not have an internal charging system. Old habits die hard I guess with the trailers. I also have a problem with dead batteries if left in vehicles for some reason yet to be determined. My property backs onto a green strip that has major power lines feeding into the Vancouver area which may or may not be the cause, but when I remove them and charge them in the shop versus leave them in the cars and mower rather than in the vehicle and charge them there I over double their life span. I've had the local hydro provider who owns the lines out to check and my friend recently borrowed a monitor system from them and ran a check on his place and mine. Once he gets feedback from the hydro company we will know if that's what is killing our batteries (I'm not the only one - neighbours as well have similar issues).
Barry
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11-29-2006, 01:21 PM
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#19
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Rivet Master
1951 21' Flying Cloud
1960 24' Tradewind
West Coast
, BC
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,790
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Quote:
Originally Posted by eubank
Ours is similar, but not for the winter season. We heat with wood in the house, so any power failure will only disrupt lights, the washing machine and our computers. We do, however, keep it ready to roll during fire season, especially June. We're both a bit weary of the flatlander goof-balls who come up here during that period, wanting to have themselves a nice campfire in the forest. "A bit weary" is too little. It scares the crap out of us.
Lynn
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Lynn, I can sympathize. BC has a real problem with forest fires and we sold our cottage on a lake because we could no longer get fire insurance and it was in an area that has had frequent fires. It was sad but we just couldn't handle the emotion of hearing of another fire on the radio and then waiting it out to find out if our place had survived another one. It was a 9 hour drive so too far to bop up there every time something happened and was intended to be our retirement base. When my Mom was staying there we had a small trailer all set up and ready for hook up for her to get out if things got out of hand. Fortunately she never did have to use it but there was a few times where she had it hooked up and ready to go on a moments notice and that's what finally got her to move back to her home .
Barry
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12-27-2015, 07:33 PM
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#20
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Rivet Master
2015 25' Flying Cloud
2016 30' Flying Cloud
Blenheim Ontario
, Ontario
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 1,263
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I just leave my batteries in the RV, do all the winterizing 'stuff' that needs to be done, and leave it plugged into a dedicated house outlet. I also have a 'NOMA' timer on the cord, set for one hour a day, to keep the batteries up to snuff.
This has worked for at least 6 years; till this year, when I traded my 2015 25'FC, in for a 2016 30' FC. They are both in winter storage at CanAm Rv centre, and hopefully they have done their job right in storing them. I wonder about the batteries being left on their own; but I'll find out this coming spring, how they turned out.
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