Proper Storing and battery care

[Corley795]

Newbie question. Our storage facility has the option of plugging in while stored. When we plug in with the appropriate dog bone do we need to use our surge protector? Do we use the battery disconnect switch? Do we leave the inverter switch on? Do we just leave it plugged in all the time? Anything else we should do? Thanks

2021 International 27FB

[OutdoorIdaho]

Inverter off unless in use. That applies while camping, as well.
Battery disconnect should be on, the intent of plugging in is to maintain a charge on your batteries.
Surge protector is for the benefit of your on board electronics, but I would be concerned about sticky fingers while unsupervised in a storage facility.
Folks leave their trailer plugged in months at a time without issue.

[OutdoorIdaho]

Further clarification on the use of your inverter. It is only used when you are not plugged in. It's purpose is to provide 120 VAC to select outlets while your only source of electricity is your batteries. The inverter itself will consume 1-2 amps internally while turned on, which is quite a waste if the inverter is not being directly used.

[Corley795]

Originally Posted by OutdoorIdaho

Further clarification on the use of your inverter. It is only used when you are not plugged in. It's purpose is to provide 120 VAC to select outlets while your only source of electricity is your batteries. The inverter itself will consume 1-2 amps internally while turned on, which is quite a waste if the inverter is not being directly used.

So just turn it off in storage then?

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by Corley795

Newbie question. Our storage facility has the option of plugging in while stored. When we plug in with the appropriate dog bone do we need to use our surge protector? Do we use the battery disconnect switch? Do we leave the inverter switch on? Do we just leave it plugged in all the time? Anything else we should do? Thanks

2021 International 27FB

Just me...I don't plug the AS in when storing, especially if it's unattended.
Charge them fully and isolate and/or disconnect.
Without a draw they will be fine 'til Spring.

Disclaimer...I've only been doing this since 1988.

Bob
🇺🇸

Without a charge since Oct 1st '20.

[Corley795]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

Just me...I don't plug the AS in when storing, especially if it's unattended.

Charge them fully and isolate and/or disconnect.

Without a draw they will be fine 'til Spring.



Disclaimer...I've only been doing this since 1988.



Bob

[emoji631]



Without a charge since Oct 1st '20.

How do I check the percent of charge of the batteries? On the SeaLevel panel it shows voltage.

[B. Cole]

If leaving trailer in storage, say for winter, pull the batteries out, take them home.Put them in garage or storage room.Cover positive post, when not charging.Never leave batteries on concrete floor.Set on piece of wood or couple short 2×4 sections.Then, for most conventional deep cycles, get a $29 automatic car battery charger from Harbor Freight ( combination Trickle charge/ 2 Amp/10 amp ) and juice them up once a month.Use only distilled water to fill lead acid batteries,if oh sealed.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

The "never leave batteries on this or that surface" thing dates back a *long* time ago. Unless your batteries are certifiable antiques, it's nothing to worry about these days. They don't make battery cases out of the same stuff today that they used back in 1940. Indeed there may be some weird off brand that does it the old way. You don't want those batteries anywhere near your trailer .....

If you do plug things in, set up a timer. It does not have to be anything exotic. A dirt cheap 7 day timer from the local big box store is fine. Set it up to supply power for a couple hours a week ( couple being >= 2 and <= 12 hours). That way the charger isn't blasting the batteries forever and ever.

Bob

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by Corley795

How do I check the percent of charge of the batteries? On the SeaLevel panel it shows voltage.

Your '21 should have sealed AGM batteries, without a shunt and 'smart' monitor,(Victron or similar),you will have to depend on the converter/charger in the AS going into the 'float' mode.

Bob
🇺🇸

[uncle_bob]

Hi

+1

If you care about battery state of charge, get a shunt based monitor. Yes, they do need a bit of wiring and setup. Once working, they will tell you just how empty or how full your battery is.

https://shop.pkys.com/victron-energy...y-monitor.html

Is the one that I use. There are a number of them on the market.

Bob