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Old 10-24-2008, 10:17 AM   #1
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Batteries Shore Power

I am currently permanently parked and using shore power. What function do the batteries perform? Thanks.
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Old 10-24-2008, 12:10 PM   #2
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Willyd,
I am not really sure, but I know I needed them. When I was remodeling our '87 I figured what do I need the batteries for when I am hooked up to shore power. So I did not install the batteries. The first time I turned on the radio, I was greeted with a loud 60 cycle hummmmmmm over the speakers. I put the batteries in and the hummmmmmm went away. So having the batteries installed must do something. Other than the hummmmmm everything else seemed to run fine without the batteries installed. I am sure somebody will provide the tchnical reason why we need batteries installed even when hooke up to shore power.
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Old 10-24-2008, 12:15 PM   #3
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I am currently permanently parked and using shore power. What function do the batteries perform? Thanks.
willyd,

The batteries filter the power from the convertor. They also allow you to use the lights, furnace, water pump etc in the event of a power outage.

Bill
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Old 10-24-2008, 12:36 PM   #4
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Your converter is not meant to be an ONLY source of 12 volts for those items in the trailer that use 12 volts. The batteries maintain a level source of power and supply demand current when you have everything in the trailer on at once. Once the heavy load is dropped the converter than has time to recharge the batteries.

Running on just the converter you will be supplying close to 14 volts. Light bulbs will not last too long under this condition.
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Old 10-24-2008, 04:02 PM   #5
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We leave our batteries in use (as opposed to disengaging them with the "disconnect" switch) even while we are parked with 30 amp service between trips...for periods of 1-3 weeks at a time...sometimes (alas) a little longer. We are always ready to go without having to worry about whether the batteries are ready for action or not. (We do have no-maintenance batteries, which are great. I believe with maintenance-required types of batteries, you need to continue to monitor them, even while hooked to shore power.)
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Old 10-24-2008, 04:07 PM   #6
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We leave our batteries in use (as opposed to disengaging them with the "disconnect" switch) even while we are parked with 30 amp service between trips...for periods of 1-3 weeks at a time...sometimes (alas) a little longer. We are always ready to go without having to worry about whether the batteries are ready for action or not. (We do have no-maintenance batteries, which are great. I believe with maintenance-required types of batteries, you need to continue to monitor them, even while hooked to shore power.)
Big ditto; we are full time.
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Old 10-24-2008, 05:07 PM   #7
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Aside from those rather mundane features of the battery mentioned above...less not forget that it's weight helps to keep the front of the trailer on the ground when you walk to the rear...like a tetter-totter....
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Old 10-24-2008, 07:12 PM   #8
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Not sure about the late model converters, but the earlier ones will boil the water out of the batteries by overcharging them if left plugged in indefinately. So, you need to keep monitoring the water level, and keep replacing the water in the batteries.
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Old 10-24-2008, 11:44 PM   #9
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I am currently permanently parked and using shore power. What function do the batteries perform? Thanks.
Hi, the batteries run all of you 12 volt system and regulate the voltage made by your converter like the voltage regulator in a car. Without the batteries in the system your converter could fluxuate too much or send too high of a voltage and damage 12 volt control panels [E.G. refrigerator control panel] and burn out lights at an accellerated rate. [water heater, water pump, radio, furnace, Fantastic Vent, and thermostat]
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Old 10-28-2008, 12:02 AM   #10
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Not sure about the late model converters, but the earlier ones will boil the water out of the batteries by overcharging them if left plugged in indefinately. So, you need to keep monitoring the water level, and keep replacing the water in the batteries.
Late model Airstream supplied converters/chargers (single stage) will toast your batteries as well. 3 stage units configured for your specific battery type will allow you to plug into shore power for extended periods while keeping your batteries conditioned. Check - www.bestconverter.com
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Old 07-28-2021, 10:44 PM   #11
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I have a 2018 international , I accidently left lites on for three days with the unit plugged in to shore power . Evidently the trickle charge on the batteries is not much. The batteries were run down and charged them externally. Also the converter will not operate the lights without the batteries.
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