Leaving your A/C on while on shore power

Tahoediver

Hi all, 

We're new owners of a 2023 Tab 400. We have it hooked up to a 30amp plug at our house so we can run the A/C and other systems as we get acquainted with everything. We live near the water in the Tampa FL area so heat and humidity are an issue for half the year or so. Fortunately we'll be able to store our Tab at home and I have ordered a cover. 

I'm hoping you can help with a couple questions>

First, should we leave the A/C on but set the temp to 85 or something to help dry things out and manage the heat? I have a dehumidifier plugged into the bathroom outlet and leave that door open. Nice to dry things out but does essentially nothing about heat.

Second, we have extra solar capacity and 900Ah of batteries. If we're not using the trailer for a few months is it advisable to turn the batteries off and just run off shore power? Or maybe leave them on to ensure a continuous full charge? Maybe toggle back and forth to run the batteries down by maybe 50% and then recharge? I've read the Tab and battery manuals but still feel like I don't know what I don't know. 

What are some best practices from any of you dealing with heat and humidity? Thanks in advance! 

qhumberd

Our 2019 was used last year starting in July as our sleeping room while we were building a home in TN. Many hot and humid days. The camper was in a pole barn so no direct sun but temperatures were above 90 with similar humidity. Found that setting the CoolCat on Auto fan mode kept the humidity down to under 60%.

Letting the fan run all the time when the compressor cycles off pumps humid air into the camper causing a yo yo effect on humidity. 

But it was on for months with no adverse effects. Works fine this summer. Just make sure the trailer is leveled so pan can drain condensate.

Sharon_is_SAM

Can you safely run the A/C with a cover over the TaB?  

Regarding the batteries, if you are using shorepower to run the A/C, I would turn off the battery. No point in using the converter/charger.  Solar will keep the battery charged, even through a cover, but, I am not sure of the latest advice for storage of lithium batteries.  Not sure if you should turn off the charge controller and let the batteries rest.  Someone with lithium, please chime in😊

Tahoediver

Thanks to both of you. I'll wait to hear from others but this is good information.

I hadn't thought about the A/C fan pulling in outside air so I'll have to look into that. This is our first trailer and my only experience is with household A/C.

Regarding the cover, we should get it in a few days and I thought to lift it to uncover the A/C vent. We'll experiment to see what works best. 

Any other thoughts and suggestions are appreciated. We want to protect our little home away from home!