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Topic Closedbattery maintenance questions
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CharlieM View Drop Down
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Posts: 1797 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: battery maintenance questions
    Posted: 12 Sep 2013 at 7:43pm
Originally posted by On Golden Pod

So positive to positive, negative to negative and then the positive cable from pod to positive pole on one battery and the negative from the pod to the negative pole on the other battery is that correct?


That is correct. Connecting the pod wires to the different batteries is a fine but important point. Might as well do it right.
Charlie
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OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD
PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD
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TrinityTurret View Drop Down
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Posts: 58 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Oct 2013 at 8:45pm
So if I read you correctly---to properly charge and maintain the Rpod's 171 battery, I simply disconnect it from the pod after I'm done camping for awhile.....then connect it back up once a month and run power to the pod (110 volts via extension cord from my house) overnight? I assume the Pod's inverter will charge the battery?

I thought the concensus I've read was to keep the Pod connected 24-7 to power so that the inverter trickle-charges the battery, minding it, keeping it 'just right'?

Confused
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kymooses View Drop Down
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Posts: 1807 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Oct 2013 at 9:21pm
Originally posted by TrinityTurret

So if I read you correctly---to properly charge and maintain the Rpod's 171 battery, I simply disconnect it from the pod after I'm done camping for awhile.....then connect it back up once a month and run power to the pod (110 volts via extension cord from my house) overnight? I assume the Pod's inverter will charge the battery?

I thought the concensus I've read was to keep the Pod connected 24-7 to power so that the inverter trickle-charges the battery, minding it, keeping it 'just right'?

Confused

We leave ours plugged in.  Works just fine that way.

Plenty of people plug their pod in once or so a month to keep a full charge on their batter.  Others will use a disconnect switch in between trips to keep anything from draining the battery at all during that time.

So it's really just a preference.

Leave it plugged in
Use a disconnect switch
Or plug it in at least once a month and let it charge

I think all 3 options are equally used amongst Podders depending on their situation and camping schedules.
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techntrek View Drop Down
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Posts: 9059 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Oct 2013 at 9:25pm
Yes the converter will charge the battery.  You can leave it connected, too, but I've measured mine at about 32 watts at rest, or about 23 kw per month.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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TrinityTurret View Drop Down
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Posts: 58 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Oct 2013 at 9:25pm
Keeping the 'inverter/converter thing' running doesn't cause any problems with heat buildup in that unit, or wear out the built-in fan in it?

Wish I could disconnect the hard-wired Jenson blue-tooth stereo system; it will also be powered up (at least the LED screen) if I keep the Rpod connected.

Remember, I'm a new-newbie, LOL. I can tell you how to create a website, and can produce TV commercials...but it's difficult to change the oil in my lawnmower :)
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TrinityTurret View Drop Down
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Posts: 58 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Oct 2013 at 9:57pm
Thank you all for your kind patience with me as I continue this new adventure!
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techntrek View Drop Down
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Posts: 9059 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Oct 2013 at 8:36pm
No problems leaving the converter plugged in, the fan is designed for long-term use.  
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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TrinityTurret View Drop Down
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Posts: 58 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Oct 2013 at 8:55pm
Thanks again, y'all...I'm gonna pick up a plug and extension cord tomorrow.
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furpod View Drop Down
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Posts: 6128 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Oct 2013 at 8:27am
Originally posted by TrinityTurret



Wish I could disconnect the hard-wired Jenson blue-tooth stereo system; it will also be powered up (at least the LED screen) if I keep the Rpod connected.




You can pull the fuse or trip the breaker, whichever is needed.
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