T@B 320

SBBrooks · September 20

my battery has completely died and I never ever use it. Can I remove it to free up space in the storage box or is it an integral part of the electronic system?

qhumberd · September 20

So if you have more recent 320 with electric brakes, the battery is integral to activating the brakes in case of a disconnect from the tow vehicle. That would be a big safety and regulatory concern.

On a practical note, having the battery powers the basic 12V systems in the trailer until you hook up to shore power, like the lights and the fan etc. More of an inconvenience if you arrive after dark and need to have some light inside the trailer. Our other electrical members likely can provide more specifics.

SBBrooks · September 20

my storage location gives me no means for a trickle charger so the neglected battery has died. If I replace it, it will just happen again. That's my quandary.

MuttonChops · September 21

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/comment/223140#Comment_223140

Following is purely an opinion

As noted the 'house battery' is an important safety item if the trailer ever breaks away from your tow vehicle on the highway.

What type of battery chemistry does your TAB have; flooded (you add water), AGM (sealed), or fancy Li-Ion. How long a battery can be stored before self-discharge drains it too low varies with the battery type. Flooded & AGM generally last 3 to 6 months depending on type and storage temperature.

One option to consider is to remove the battery when in longer duration storage. Bring it home and place an (in expensive) trickle changer on it.
If removal is not possible. Disconnect the Battery Negative Terminal wires. That will insure the Battery is fully isolated and you know next season those wires go to the negative only.

For your current situation:

Attempt to recharge the battery.
Have an auto-supply-store test the battery;
- if bad replace (a $$ cheap one based on your usage)

Lead-acid batteries can survive being fully discharged a few times, it can damage them so the battery has less capacity (runs down faster next time) but since your primary usage is as a safety power source that's not as big of a concern.

Mickerly · September 21

I'm not sure about the trailers from before 2015. I think all 320's have a battery disconnect in the nose bin. Turning the disconnect OFF will disconnect the battery from all the trailer loads. If left ON parts of the trailer are always powered and the battery will deplete.

If you camp without hookups, the battery powers the Alde controller, Alde glycol pump, water pump, ceiling fan, TV, electric lights, and a number of smaller items. With the propane refrigerator, a combination of battery and tow vehicle could maintain the refrigerator temperature while towing. In the -CS, the refrigerator and the propane safety switch for the kitchen are powered from the battery in addition to the list above. If you camp with hookups, external power will power these items. You still need a battery to power the emergency brakes.

I think all 2015 and newer 320's have electric brakes. A battery is required to operate the emergency brake system. If your remove the "ship's battery" you will need to retrofit a smaller battery to operate the emergency brakes to be legal towing. Yes, every state has a minimum weight for requiring trailer brakes. Most states minimum weight is greater than the 320's weight. However, every state has a phrase similar to, "If brakes are installed an emergency system….."

So, you original question, "Is the battery integral?" The answer is no. But, you have to have a small battery for emergency brakes. And a lot of stuff won't work except when external power is applied. Once you plug into the site power, the battery is not required.

The suggestions above sound good. Use your battery disconnect switch.

Marceline · September 21

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/comment/223140#Comment_223140

If you have a T@B that didn't come with a battery cutoff (2014 or earlier, I think), the problem can be easily solved by installing a battery cutoff switch. My 2013 didn't come with a switch, so for the first couple of years (before I got around to installing a switch) I would pull the fuse from the line that runs from the battery to the trailer interior. IMO this is a better solution than doing away with the battery.

Mickerly · September 21

Thank you. 2015 was a big update year. I couldn't remember what was there before.

I hope you are enjoying you '13CS as much as we enjoyed our '18CS.

T@B 320

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