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Redshift ![]() Newbie ![]() ![]() Joined: 26 Dec 2017 Location: Missouri City, Online Status: Offline Posts: 11 |
![]() Posted: 18 Aug 2018 at 3:10pm |
I am new to RV'ing and have recently purchased a 2018 R-Pod 180 with solar. I recently built a garage for it at our place in New Mexico. Considering that I may have to store it in this garage for 3 or 4 months unattended over winter, would it be better for me to plug my R-Pod 180 into a 110 outlet to maintain a constant battery charge or would it be better to disconnect both batteries (I have two - one is for solar)? If I do leave it plugged in, should I put it on a timer so it will only charge a few hours a day? I am not sure if this R-Pod 180 has a trickle charger or whether even if that would still be safe to leave plugged in unattended for 3 months. I have googled this topic and have gotten a lot of varying answers. Some say even trickle charging causes the fluid to dry out and get sulfate deposits. Also, does this R-Pod have a battery disconnect switch somewhere or is removing terminals the only way to disconnect power if I decide to go that route? Any insights would be appreciated.
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-Robert
Hood River RP 180 with winter-ready insulation/heaters upgrade and GoPower solar kit |
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GlueGuy ![]() Senior Member ![]() ![]() Joined: 15 May 2017 Location: N. California Online Status: Offline Posts: 2702 |
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There is not a battery disconnect as standard on any R-pod as far as I know. I do know that a lot of people have added them, and it's not a difficult thing to do. That said, you can go either way for storage. Pulling/re-installing the batteries is a bit of a PITA, but that's a cheap way to go. If power is ready and available at your garage, plugging it in is a good way to go too. If no one is going to be around, I'd consider putting the power on a timer. Once a day for 30-60 minutes would be where I might start. You'd still want to check the water level in the battery on a regular basis.
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bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
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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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Couple things, many of us do have battery disconnects we have installed. From factory it does not come with that. Personally I think any charging warrants a fluid check. The pod has a 3 stage charger, I would NOT leave it unattended for 3 months, I know I check my fluids monthly and I have a 30A power point my pod is plugged into here at house. I would remove battery and take it with you for charging when required, if the pod will be unattended for months.
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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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Redshift ![]() Newbie ![]() ![]() Joined: 26 Dec 2017 Location: Missouri City, Online Status: Offline Posts: 11 |
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Thanks - that all is good information. I am hoping I won't have to leave it unattended that long (I'm getting some surgery in Texas) but if I do, I will get a neighbor to check in on it.
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-Robert
Hood River RP 180 with winter-ready insulation/heaters upgrade and GoPower solar kit |
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Redshift ![]() Newbie ![]() ![]() Joined: 26 Dec 2017 Location: Missouri City, Online Status: Offline Posts: 11 |
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Mike, You mentioned that the pod has a 3-stage (multi) charger. Is that the case with R-Pods or did you have that installed yourself?
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-Robert
Hood River RP 180 with winter-ready insulation/heaters upgrade and GoPower solar kit |
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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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Your original convertor (WFCO) is a multi stage charger. Comes that way.
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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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When not using our Pod, it stays plugged in @ home with converter on. Over the last four years, it's worked just fine and my batteries are still in good shape. Your converter is a 3 stage charger. Simple.
fred
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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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mcarter ![]() podders Helping podders - pHp ![]() ![]() Joined: 07 Apr 2016 Location: Greenbrier, TN Online Status: Offline Posts: 3419 |
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fwunder,
I'm sure you do battery maintenance? Add water. |
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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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Mike, I do. Maybe twice a year.
fred
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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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mcarter ![]() podders Helping podders - pHp ![]() ![]() Joined: 07 Apr 2016 Location: Greenbrier, TN Online Status: Offline Posts: 3419 |
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Yes Sir.
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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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