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Poddy ![]() Groupie ![]() Joined: 22 Jul 2020 Online Status: Offline Posts: 47 |
![]() Posted: 26 Jul 2020 at 2:08pm |
Hi folks, I'm new to RV'ing and I'm wondering what others do with their battery while at home. Right now i'm plugged into the house and my next trip is not until next weekend. Is it necessary to have the Pod plugged in all the time or just a few days before an upcoming trip? Or maybe just a few hours every day?
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StephenH ![]() podders Helping podders - pHp ![]() ![]() Joined: 29 Nov 2015 Location: Wake Forest, NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 6417 |
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Plugged into the house is great for keeping the battery charged. Periodically check the electrolyte level if you have a flooded cell battery (not needed if sealed). If you want to disconnect it, there are two ways: 1. Remove the negative battery cable when not plugged in or in use. 2. Install a battery cut-off switch that you can turn off when not plugged in or in use. Either one will help keep the battery from being discharged by the constant draw from things like the LP/CO detector.
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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
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offgrid ![]() Senior Member ![]() Joined: 23 Jul 2018 Online Status: Offline Posts: 5290 |
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+1. If you're plugged in at home just leave it like that and check the battery water level periodically. No need to disconnect until you want to go somewhere. That also gives you the option to keep a dehumidifier going inside if you live in a humid place and/or a small electric heater to keep things from getting really cold.
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1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
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mcarter ![]() podders Helping podders - pHp ![]() ![]() Joined: 07 Apr 2016 Location: Greenbrier, TN Online Status: Offline Posts: 3419 |
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For a couple years I ran my Pod off a 120 outlet, then had a 30A RV box set up where I park Pod. I plug in like on a campground, Pod has become a man cave and guest house. Visitors love it. I set rules:)
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Mike Carter
2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
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fwunder ![]() Senior Member ![]() ![]() Joined: 04 Oct 2013 Location: New Jersey Online Status: Offline Posts: 1676 |
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Except for the last few weeks while I've been trying out some solar alternatives, my Pod has been plugged in 24/7 since 2014. My WFCO bit the dust two years ago and I replaced it with: I run dual Duracell: I replaced batteries last year. They were on sale for like $100.00/battery. I figured 5 years for $200.00 was a good deal. So I would say...keep it plugged in and let the charger do what it does. |
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2014 RPod 178 => MyMods and Buying Habits
2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
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Phil from Maine ![]() Newbie ![]() Joined: 12 Jul 2020 Location: 04074 Online Status: Offline Posts: 19 |
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On my 2011 R-Pod 172 there is substantial parasitic battery Drain. I installed a battery cutoff switch on the battery case to prevent drain. When possible I keep the pod plugged into shore power, but when not plugged in, I use the battery cutoff switch.
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Olddawgsrule ![]() Senior Member ![]() Joined: 20 Sep 2017 Location: New Hampshire Online Status: Offline Posts: 1014 |
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I come from a belief the battery needs to be used. Just running trickle charger is your choice. If you pay attention to your battery it will last fa beyond what is normally expected. I do (well did, now LiFePo4) allow the battery to draw, then charge it. Keeping that Draw low and the recharge low balances off the chemical reaction happening nd the plates pretty darn clean..
I say yes do charge at home, but understand the draw/charge cycle and how to balance it. I say this as MHO and not knowing your particular situation.. Batteries love attention and the more you give them, the longer they last.
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mcarter ![]() podders Helping podders - pHp ![]() ![]() Joined: 07 Apr 2016 Location: Greenbrier, TN Online Status: Offline Posts: 3419 |
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+1 to Olddawgs. I have the same battery my Pod came with in 2015. The convertor stays live, I go in every few days and turn on the 12V stuff, watch the convertor go to 13.6, every month I check the water level. Might even shut the convertor down and let battery discharge randomly. I top it off with a battery mix of water and acid. Works for me so far.
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Mike Carter
2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
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StephenH ![]() podders Helping podders - pHp ![]() ![]() Joined: 29 Nov 2015 Location: Wake Forest, NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 6417 |
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Why a mix? Why not just distilled water to make up for that which was dissociated into H2 and O2? Yes, I know water is H2O, but oxygen normally bonds with another oxygen atom when not bonded to anything else so 2 water molecules dissociate into 2 pair of H2 and one O2. The sulfuric acid does not get consumed, so you are changing the balance if you add acid and water at each filling. You are also likely cutting the capacity of the battery if you add acid along with the water.
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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
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jato ![]() Senior Member ![]() ![]() Joined: 23 Feb 2012 Location: Kewadin, MI Online Status: Offline Posts: 3325 |
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Our flooded cell batteries are 12v Interstate group size 24, deep cycle marines. Since we took ownership of our 177 back in March 2011 I simply take off the ground cable when not using, doesn't take very long to do. Interesting mcarter to add acid with the distilled water, never heard of that. Just adding distilled water (from our dehumidifier) for the past 9+ years has worked well for us. And when we get to winter (northern Michigan) both batteries are removed in November and set on the concrete floor in our unheated garage. They each receive a 2 amp trickle charge for 24-36 hours and then 'hibernate' all winter until the following mid-late April where the process is repeated and then re-installed around May 1. Batteries are kept clean by washing with baking soda 2x/year. Also key is keeping an eye on the water level.
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God's pod
'11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." |
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