Quick question about charging

[dford77]

I just picked up my new 2021 25FBTB GT and one of the features that sold me was the multi-stage charger. In my last Airstream, I would disconnect the batteries when not camping and attach a trickle charger to keep them topped off. That worked fine. But now with this new charger, I would like your opinion about leaving the trailer connected full time to shore power (120 v) - are there any concerns? I assume that it will top off and then float? That would greatly simplify storage, and no - I don't have solar on my new unit. I just don't want to damage my batteries or charger by leaving it connected full time.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

[lsbrodsky]

In theory, the newer chargers are safe..they won't cook your batteries. But regular LA acid batteries require more care and maintenance than more expensive batteries. Leaving any kind of charger on them means you need to periodically check and add water and really should check specific gravities. For my money, I wouldn't leave any "electric charger" on a battery full time. No doubt maintainers are safer but I had two respected-brand maintainers self destruct when connected to my sports cars. Fortunately the maintainers smoked, the cars were fine. If your trailer is outside a small solar cell is a better idea. If it is inside, periodically connect your trickle charger to keep the batteries topped off.
Larry

[OTRA15]

Probably a good idea to check the specific language in your owner's manual, and to get written [email] feedback from the dealer and Airstream, confirming the best practices for your specific setup [incl. exact battery and converter/charger specs] IMO.

[DCPAS]

I leave mine connected to A/C. To me, that is the point of a multi-stage charger. I have wet cells so I check them monthly.

[AldeanFan]

My neighbour keeps his trailer plugged in all the time and hasn’t had any problems.

I mounted a solar charger on my trailer to keep the Battery up it works well in summer.

I leave the radio on the help keep mice away and in the winter the solar panel can’t keep up when it snows or is cloudy so I plug the trailer in with a timer so I charged 8 hours a day at night when time of use rates are lower.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by dford77

I just picked up my new 2021 25FBTB GT and one of the features that sold me was the multi-stage charger. In my last Airstream, I would disconnect the batteries when not camping and attach a trickle charger to keep them topped off. That worked fine. But now with this new charger, I would like your opinion about leaving the trailer connected full time to shore power (120 v) - are there any concerns? I assume that it will top off and then float? That would greatly simplify storage, and no - I don't have solar on my new unit. I just don't want to damage my batteries or charger by leaving it connected full time.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

Is the AS remotely in storage?
24/7 on the converter,(any) is most confidently done with regular checking.
I have never done it, nor would I if remotely stored.

I have two vehicles in the garage on battery maintainers, and the AS & boat with batteries installed, fully charged and disconnected.
POI...still inspected regularly.

Consider continuing with the tickle charger,(maintainer)routine.👍

Bob
🇺🇸

[GammaDog]

I keep plugged in while in storage. My converter is a Progressive Dynamics 4655. The factory installed charger was single stage.

Although I check water levels, I almost never have to add water.

Question for AldeanFan: What type of music repels the mice most successfully?

[ROBERT CROSS]

^
RAT Music?

Bob
🇺🇸

[AldeanFan]

Originally Posted by GammaDog

I keep plugged in while in storage. My converter is a Progressive Dynamics 4655. The factory installed charger was single stage.

Although I check water levels, I almost never have to add water.

Question for AldeanFan: What type of music repels the mice most successfully?

I haven’t tried any other stations but the news/talk radio station seems to be working and it comes in clear.

I haven’t caught any mice in the trailer since I started playing the radio, before I would catch one or two in the fall/winter.

Maybe the neighbourhood cats are taking care of the mice for me, it’s not a very scientific test, but the trailer appears to be mouse free lol.