Power on all the time

clinck

I have a 30 AMP circuit installed on the side of the house where the Trailer is parked. I have it plugged it at present although all power applications are off. Is there any harm in keeping the trailer plugged in? I was hoping that it would keep the battery charged fully. Am I correct?

ScottG

@clink, this has been a topic of much discussion. Some people do exactly what you suggest and have no issues. Others feel keeping the camper plugged in puts undue wear on the converter and risks "boiling" the battery. (I lean toward the latter camp.)

Poke around here and you'll find lots of information and opinions.

Smullis7

I have kept mine plugged in all the time, but I have a habit of hanging out in it doing something almost daily, so not sure if that makes a difference from a 'boiling' battery standpoint.

clinck

Maybe th best thing is to plug in intermittently.

Ratkity

I leave mine plugged in, but on a 20A circuit. I do have to unplug and hit the battery disconnect every 6 months or so to check the water in the flooded battery. I've had to add a little bit each time to each cell. Doesn't boil off, it just sorta evaporates slowwwwwwwly. 

Michigan_Mike

ScottG said:

@clink, this has been a topic of much discussion. Some people do exactly what you suggest and have no issues. Others feel keeping the camper plugged in puts undue wear on the converter and risks "boiling" the battery. (I lean toward the latter camp.)

I do as Scott does....  I do plug the trailer in from time to time, leave it plugged in for 3-4 days, unplug it and then turn the battery disconnect off while it is sitting idle.  I think it goes without saying, "different strokes for different folks."  

ColoradoJon

Mine is always plugged in but the battery disconnect is shut off.  Batteries are constantly on maintenance charge from an external charger.

db_cooper

Same as Colorado Jon here.  I think that's best practice if you have anything invested beyond the stock battery and boondock a lot.

dsatwork

I have had the same concerns others have had about leaving the converter plugged in all the time. So I have purchased this charger to make sure my two agm 100ah batteries get a deep charge and stay optimized when not in use. NOCO Genius G3500 6V/12V 3.5A UltraSafe Smart Battery Charger & NOCO Genius GC004 10' Extension Cable (Bundle) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M18LKB2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_LNPf3IqtvXyCQ

clinck

always insightful...Thanks guys. 

Deltaboy59

I have been connected continuously for 3 years now with my original stock battery...every 2 or 3 weeks I will unplug and let battery run things for 4 hours or so...then let it charge back up...no problems so far...

Mouseketab

Mine has been plugged in to a 30 Amp plug in the garage for 8 of it's 10 years. I am on my 3rd battery in those 10 years, and the last battery I bought I broke down and invested the money in a Blue Top Optima. I rarely boondock, but do on occasion have the T@B parked in the parking lot at work with the fridge running, and sometimes do an overnight hotel stop and leave the battery running. I did replace the converter about 3 years ago. I do use the T@B as my "thinking" spot sometimes, so nice to have the power there.

GrandmasKid

So, I see what people are doing and I appreciate that, but I don't think the original question was answered. "Is there any harm in keeping it plugged in?" We have a AGM battery that does not take water. Is there a chance of hurting that battery if our T@B is plugged in most days? My understanding (or maybe misunderstanding) is that the converter supplies a trickle charge to our battery. Does the converter wear out faster with use or just age? Are there any warning signs before the converter wears out or should it just be replaced after a certain amount of time? Should everyone who owns a T@B buy a separate battery charger? We have a battery charger but it's easier for us just to plug into our house current. Any thoughts are appreciated.

dsatwork

GrandmasKid said:

So, I see what people are doing and I appreciate that, but I don't think the original question was answered. "Is there any harm in keeping it plugged in?" We have a AGM battery that does not take water. Is there a chance of hurting that battery if our T@B is plugged in most days? My understanding (or maybe misunderstanding) is that the converter supplies a trickle charge to our battery. Does the converter wear out faster with use or just age? Are there any warning signs before the converter wears out or should it just be replaced after a certain amount of time? Should everyone who owns a T@B buy a separate battery charger? We have a battery charger but it's easier for us just to plug into our house current. Any thoughts are appreciated.

From all the replies to that or related questions about keeping the battery charged with the converter, have had mixed responses. Some do and haven't had any issues, others have either had issues or believe it's a bad idea. I have an agm too and let it charge on converter at times and I have a separate charger that can do a better job at keeping it charged. So periodically I use that get higher level charge which is good for the battery. I just don't think there's a yes or no answer to this question