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  1. #1
    beccag24
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    Shore Power & Battery 380TH

    We were wondering if it is okay to keep the battery on and the unit connect to shore power while in storage. Been told the battery can dry out and concerned if on shore power while in storage, of power surges. If we use the disconnect on the battery does this truly turn everything off. Wondering about long term storage and short term (4 weeks) or less.

  2. #2
    Fireside Member Bruce & Terry's Avatar
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    Hi
    All the trailers I have owned I always connect to AC when at home even over the winter. But yes you should once in a while check the water in the battery.
    2012 F250 Lariet Crewcab
    2015 Reflections 29RS

    Retired from towing: 2003 F250 7.3L Lariet Crew Cab
    Past RV's: 1990 HiLo Classic 27ft, 2009 Laredo 245RL

  3. #3
    Manufacturer
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    Quote Originally Posted by beccag24 View Post
    We were wondering if it is okay to keep the battery on and the unit connect to shore power while in storage. Been told the battery can dry out and concerned if on shore power while in storage, of power surges. If we use the disconnect on the battery does this truly turn everything off. Wondering about long term storage and short term (4 weeks) or less.
    Hi @beccag24,

    Short term okay, long term not recommended.

    Best regards,
    ~ Janice
    Mailing & shipping address: Grand Design RV, Attn: Customer Support, 13868 CR 4, Bristol IN 46507
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  4. #4
    Long Hauler Paul & Deb's Avatar
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    Janice, I would really like to hear what this recommendation is based on? What would be the issue of having the unit connected to shore power AND the batteries turned on for long term (as long as the batteries are not allowed to go dry)? I have done this for years and years without issue but if there is something different with my new Reflection, I certainly would like to hear about it.

    Thanks.
    Paul "Poppy" and Deb Cervone
    2022 Imagine XLS 22MLE
    2021 Imagine XLS 17MKE - SOLD ; 2015 Grand Design Reflection 337RLS - SOLD
    2016 GMC Denali 3500HD SRW Duramax/Allison CC 4x4; Tire Minder TPMS

  5. #5
    Big Traveler
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    Janice, I would like to hear this answer as well. I've been plugged in for 7 years now between 2 rv's and never had any issue. Thanks.
    Scott and Jan Platt Ocala, FL
    Cameron(Son) & Chica(chihuahua)
    2014 Reflection 337RLS
    2015 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD 4X4, Crew Cab, Dually, Diesel
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

  6. #6
    Site Sponsor Cate&Rob's Avatar
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    Most modern battery chargers (converters) have a Float/Trickle charge mode when the battery reaches full charge.
    The operator manual for the WFCO Converter in my Reflection specifically states "Float mode 13.2 VDC during storage".
    The biggest risk of leaving the converter plugged is is that if a battery cell fails, the converter will interpret this as a load and return to charging the battery (or battery bank) at a higher voltage. This is what boils (over charges) the batteries. If you have to add more than a couple of ounces of water per year, this is a clear indication that something is wrong with a battery or the converter.

    On the other hand, completely disconnecting each battery (if you are not using the RV anyway) is an opportunity to measure the condition of each battery independently. Before hooking them back up, check the voltage on each. If it is not still 12.5 V or higher after a couple of months of storage, you have a bad battery.

    The mystery in this (for me) is why GD installs a "battery disconnect" switch that does not fully disconnect the battery.

    Rob
    Cate & Rob
    2015 Reflection 303RLS

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