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Topic ClosedCharging battery while at home?

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Direct Link To This Post Topic: Charging battery while at home?
    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 View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 26 Jul 2020 at 2:16pm
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.
StephenH
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 26 Jul 2020 at 2:26pm
+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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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 26 Jul 2020 at 3:36pm
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:)
Mike Carter
2015 178
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 26 Jul 2020 at 6:46pm
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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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Jul 2020 at 1:33pm
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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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Jul 2020 at 3:40pm
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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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Jul 2020 at 4:32pm
+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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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Jul 2020 at 7:12pm
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.
StephenH
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Jul 2020 at 8:45pm
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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