A 'learning opportunity". Dead battery questions

[pjcamper]

My first newbie gotcha in our new 2600RB after our shakedown trip. Sadly, I have to put the rig in storage almost 20 miles away from home. Went to check on it today and install a TPMS system and the RVLock only to find the battery completely dead. I forgot to turn the battery disconnect off. It has only been 10 days so I'm a little peeved that the parasitic loads could have depleted the charge so soon. But again, my bad. I understand my options going forward include disconnecting battery cables, installing a 'real' battery shut-off switch, physically remove battery and stick it on a trickle charger at home, or maybe a solar charger at the storage facility. I thought I could hook up the 7-pin connector to get 12v power with the truck running. That apparently doesn't work (lights, tongue jack didn't work). I'm assuming the trailer brakes or the safety brake won't work without battery power in this case either. Am I doing something wrong with the hookup? Do I have any other options if I'm stuck in a no-hookup scenario again? Can I run the jack or charge the battery with a small jump starter box? Many thanks in advance.

[DougW9876]

Depending on your truck, I had a ford that would not send auxiliary power to the RV if the truck was already running when I connected the trailer. I had to shut the truck off, plug in the trailer then restart the truck to get power for the trailer. It is an easy thing to try and might do the trick.

[pjcamper]

Out of habit, I typically make all electrical connections with power off at the source first, though it's possible I had a senior moment when I hooked up today. I have a F150. I'm going to head back to the storage facility sometime this week after Grace clears SW Florida so I'll give that a shot first. Thanks!

[Ynot4me2]

Out of habit, I typically make all electrical connections with power off at the source first, though it's possible I had a senior moment when I hooked up today. I have a F150. I'm going to head back to the storage facility sometime this week after Grace clears SW Florida so I'll give that a shot first. Thanks!

When I do that with my F150 I have to press on the brakes and turn the head light from auto to on. For some reason it's designed this way. I installed a true battery disconnect right on the battery after getting caught a few times by those parasite discharge even when using the GD disconnect which BTW I don't use anymore.

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[jjbbrewer]

I forgot to turn the battery disconnect off.

There's probably quite a bit still powered on when that switch is on - detectors, refrigerator fans(?), LCI panel? stereo bluetooth, etc.

My rig will go several months without killing the batteries just by turning the factory disconnect off. This thread discusses it in detail.

https://www.mygrandrv.com/forum/show...ery-disconnect

Short answer - some units will go a long time with the factory disconnect, others won't. Without measuring your "off" current draw, there's no way to know.

[jleonard]

My solution for storage is a cheapo solar panel from Harbor Freight mounted on top of the propane cover.
I've used this also on my trailer boat.

[pjcamper]

I like that. Saw a couple of threads recommending it. Can you leave it attached or do you remove it prior to towing?

[jleonard]

I like that. Saw a couple of threads recommending it. Can you leave it attached or do you remove it prior to towing?

I leave it.

[Ynot4me2]

I leave it.

Does it come with a controller so that your battery doesn't over charge?

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[jleonard]

Does it come with a controller so that your battery doesn't over charge?

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No. It's such a minimal amperage that I don't bother with a controller.
I've been told this can't work, but it does. Been on my boat for 4 years, been on the trailer one year.
YMMV