Posted 2011-10-22 3:39 PM (#138431) Subject: keep plugged in or not
New User
Posts: 2
Location: Parsons,TN
I have a sundowner, I need to know should the trailer stay plugged in at barn all the time when I'm not using and if you do, do you keep the main power switch ON or Off while it is just plugged in at barn. I think I'm having converter trouble!!!
Posted 2011-10-22 7:41 PM (#138432 - in reply to #138431) Subject: RE: keep plugged in or not
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Originally written by cajunintn on 2011-10-22 3:39 PM
I have a sundowner, I need to know should the trailer stay plugged in at barn all the time when I'm not using and if you do, do you keep the main power switch ON or Off while it is just plugged in at barn. I think I'm having converter trouble!!!
If you keep it plugged in all the time you need to have a monitor controlling the charge on your batteries...you also need to have surge protection for your trailer against a lightning strike on your building's electrical system...
Posted 2011-10-22 10:05 PM (#138434 - in reply to #138431) Subject: RE: keep plugged in or not
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
I don't leave our LQ's "plugged in". The batteries easily last from week to week and during the winter off months, I use aux battery tenders to maintain the batteries. I don't like to leave electrical systems within the trailer powered, when they are not being used. Most electrical components have a MTBF, "mean time before failure" and to me, it doesn't make sense to use them up whilst doing nothing.
Older trailers have converters that usually do a poor job of battery maintenance, and if left on, they can over cook a battery and destroy it. Newer converters feature multiple step charging systems, that can both charge and maintain a battery without any damage.
Jim Bob is our resident SD expert, and it's possible that if you inform him of your specific trailer and LQ installer, he might be able to assist you in learning what type of converter you have.
keep plugged in or not
