battery maintenance questions

So I have been reading a lot about battery maintenance and just how long can the battery set on the pod, connected and not be drained. I have had it in storage now for a week but I made sure everything was turn off including the LP gas. I am going to get it this weekend were it will stay with us at home for about a week before we go on our trip. Should the battery be disconnected every time the pod is not in use no matter how many days it will sit till the next camping trip. I know if i was going to let it set for months it should be disconnnected but a few days here and there before recharging it when I get it back home would not drain the battery it would it? Also I read were people say they recharge there battery when the connect the electrical to the TV. How do you know if you are doing that?

I am sure you will get  a lot of opinions and answers to your question.  I will start with mine.  The main issue is that even with turning off all electrical in the trailer, there is still a power draw, primarily from the LP gas detector.  Even though you have turned the gas off, this electric device will continue to draw power and will eventually completely drain the battery.  This would probably take a few weeks.  Completely draining a battery a few times will dramatically shorten the life of the battery.  So letting it sit for a week or so is not a problem.  I usually just leave my pod plugged in if it is sitting at home.  Your pod should charge from the TV while driving.  If your vehicle has a factory installed towing package, it should have the wire connected to the round bargman connector from your TV.  Best way to check is probably to get a multi meter and check the voltage with the trailer plugged in to the TV and the motor running on your TV.  Voltage should be 13+.  There should be a voltage difference with the TV running.  You can get a very basic multi meter at Harbor freight for less than $5.  This is handy to have to monitor your battery voltage while  dry camping to make sure you do not over discharge the battery.

If you are parking where you can't plug in, may I suggest:

My additional 2 cents.  Disconnect the battery from the pod every time.  Lead acid batteries need to be kept full or near full to prevent damage.  If you leave it connected and then plug the whole pod in every 1-2 weeks to recharge you will shorten the life of the battery.  Best to completely disconnect, then reconnect once a month and plug in the pod overnight.  As Charlie said, also charge overnight before a trip.

There should be little, if any, damage to your battery.  My deep cycle batteries I use for my shrimp lights are often drained very low after a night of shrimping.  They will still last me 4 or 5 years with the care I give them. 

If you install a second battery, parallel connect them.  That is, positive to positive, negative to negative.

Bob