Shore Power-Unplug OR Plugged In?

[tfbeitz]

We are on site, in a campground that we get to infrequently. It could be two weeks or two months between visits.

Should we leave the shore power plugged in or should we disconnect when we leave?

The only thing that would be on is the intellipower to charge the two batteries and an electric clock. The refer is off, nothing in it.

Thanks in advance for your ideas

[dkottum]

I would unplug it and disconnect the battery cables, just in case something went wrong. Weather (lightning), heat, voltage spike/drop, somebody messing around all are a risk.

Maybe put one of those little solar battery chargers on to keep the batteries up, but they should be okay between your visits.

doug k

[overlander63]

If your converter plugs in to an outlet, simply get a 24 hour timer, and set it to come on for 15 minutes a day. That will keep the battery charged. You could probably do the same thing for the shore power connector, but it would be more involved.

[lsbrodsky]

I always left my cruising sailboat plugged in to shorepower when I was not there, but mostly to be sure that the batteries could not die and leave me without a bilge pump. It was never a problem.
With your AS a small solar panel would easily keep the batteries charged and you could not worry about any AC power problems. I would opt to unplug and just buy a small solar panel.
Larry

[garry]

I have done it both ways. I now leave mine plugged all the time even at home my Intellipower (PD 9260) is a 3 stage charger and the batteries last a "lot" longer.

[DryFly]

I leave ours hooked to shore power all the time. The Intellipower is a really good unit and is designed to provide a "float" charge to the battery to keep it up to snuff. While I've had a small trickle charger go bonkers and fry a motorcycle battery years ago, the Intellipower's and other new models are well designed and I don't have any concerns. Also, during the rainy season (up here it's from late September until early August) I leave an oil filled radiator style heater plugged in.

[7GenTex]

Originally Posted by overlander63

If your converter plugs in to an outlet, simply get a 24 hour timer, and set it to come on for 15 minutes a day. That will keep the battery charged. You could probably do the same thing for the shore power connector, but it would be more involved.

Thank You! - Great idea.........

My 1966 Avion does not have a "smart charger" (yet) - but this is a great interim fix!

[Splitrock]

For storage I unpower everything and disconnect the water.