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Old 06-06-2019, 12:16 PM   #1
JML
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2106DS Battery Charge Question

Hello,

I am a new RV owner and am still trying to learn. I have two deep cycle batteries that carry about 13.63 volts each when plugged in. I am of the understanding that you should keep the RV plugged in when not in use. I did unplug while away on business and noticed the battery voltage dropped to 11.92 after about two weeks. I also noticed that even with everything turned off and unplugged the stereo clock and the carbon dioxide detector stay on. I am assuming this is normal for these items to be on all the time. If I am incorrect please educate me. I also want confirmation that you should stay plugged in all the time.

Thanks in advance,

John
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Old 06-06-2019, 03:54 PM   #2
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John, our 2250DS stays plugged in 24/7 when not traveling. I have done this for 5 years with 2 different Winnebago Minnies. Never had a bit of battery trouble. The WFCO charger/converter in our 2250DS is made to do that. I do top the 12 volt battery off with distilled water about every 2 months. It never needs much water.
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Old 06-08-2019, 07:53 AM   #3
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John, My TT is in a storage facility. So I purchased an armored lockable battery box which has a small solar panel attached. This panel provide enough trickle charge to keep my battery at full charge.
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Old 06-08-2019, 08:11 AM   #4
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If you are storing the TT with it unplugged pull the positive battery cables. Make it easy to do by installing a quick disconnect knife switch on the positive battery post.

When we had TTs in storage I would remove the batteries and bring them home. Then I put them on a smart charger in the garage so they were ready to go when we were heading out.
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Old 06-12-2019, 04:30 PM   #5
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Thank you to all those that replied. Your insight was very helpful. One thing I have since realized as I continue to learn about my RV was that I actually have a battery disconnect switch located in the underneath storage. Would have been helpful if this was shown to me during the walk-through. With that said I will now test how the batteries hold up after turning that switch to the off position.
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Old 06-12-2019, 04:38 PM   #6
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That's called the "Salesman's Switch." Pretty much ALL RVs have such a disconnect switch. The name comes from dealer lots where the salesman has to turn it on to show the RV and then, most important, remember to turn it off. Otherwise they have a lot full of dead batteries.

Even with a battery disconnect switch it was my practice to disconnect the batteries when I stored my TT - when I had a Travel Trailer, that is. (My Motorhome has 4 batteries and I just hit the house and chassis disconnects in my stairwell when I store the RV. )
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Old 06-12-2019, 04:43 PM   #7
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Makes sense...for long term storing I will definitely disconnect the batteries.
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Old 06-12-2019, 07:49 PM   #8
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Remember, lead-acid batteries lose about 30% of their power every month, unless charged. Once you drive them under 12 volts, you damage their power holding capacity and partial charging to almost full also does damage. It takes about 24 hours to properly fully charge lead-acid batteries from 50% discharge. Anything else will just shorten their life. If you are not sure of the battery's condition, have it tested.

I gave up on lead-acid batteries and went to lithium power, which does not have any of the previously mentioned issues and can be drained to 20% level without harm. They will also fully charge with an adequate lithium charger from 20% to full in about 4-5 hours. Partial charges do not harm them.

To monitor your battery capacity and performance, try looking into getting a Victron BMV-712 or similar, an excellent battery monitoring setup.
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Old 06-12-2019, 07:53 PM   #9
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Thank you for the information; this is very helpful.
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Old 06-12-2019, 08:18 PM   #10
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I literally just completed a 300 ah (three 100 ah) lithium battery upgrade and added 400 watts (four 100 watt Eclipse panels) of Renogy solar to the roof (and no holes drilled in the roof). Tested this afternoon in full perpendicular sun and got 22.5 amps at 13.6 volts. The Eclipse panels produce significant power even in full shade on a bright day putting out about 6-8 amps. The whole system will make our trip to Alaska and other dry camp trips a bit easier, saving our propane for cooking and heat only. The fridge was converted to 12 VDC about a month ago and draws about 70-80 ah per day, which means we can run for 3 days with no sunlight. But we still have the generator or alternator (drive down the road) 4-5 hours to get our batteries back to full. Try that with lead-acid!
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Old 06-13-2019, 06:50 AM   #11
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John, you didn't mention what model Minnie you have but here is a drawing that you might find helpful for the 12 vdc end of your Minnie.








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Old 06-13-2019, 07:10 PM   #12
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I have the 2106DS
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Old 06-14-2019, 07:43 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JML View Post
I have the 2106DS
It is probably wired the same way as our 2250DS with the same junction box. Look under the Minnie on the left front inside of the frame and let me know if you see a junction box there. I'm curious. Thanks
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