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Hi Folks!

I keep my ‘01 Zanzibar plugged into the garage 50A circuit all the time when not in use and have inverter turned off at the inside console. I was wondering if this will have any negative effects such as drying out the batteries or causing them to wear out faster. Anything I should be aware of that would be negative about that?

Happy New Year!

Chuck,

If this is a properly programmed inverter/charger, you can leave it plugged in full time.

And, agree with leaving the inverter function off in case power is lost the inverter will not drain the batteries.

chuckster wrote: ↑Thu Dec 31, 2020 9:33 am Hi Folks!

I keep my ‘01 Zanzibar plugged into the garage 50A circuit all the time when not in use and have inverter turned off at the inside console. I was wondering if this will have any negative effects such as drying out the batteries or causing them to wear out faster. Anything I should be aware of that would be negative about that?

Happy New Year!

chuckster
With the inverter/charger properly programed my now 24 year old coach has always been plugged in 24/7, (except when on the road or when camping without hookups)...It's currently 6 years on the 3rd set of batteries, (both house and chassis).
However the 4 12V house batteries always need topping off every 2-3 months.

Thanks for the replies. I would assume that my inverter was programmed properly when it was installed? I have only had the coach since August 2020.

stuplich@ymail.com wrote: ↑Thu Dec 31, 2020 11:34 am

chuckster wrote: ↑Thu Dec 31, 2020 9:33 am Hi Folks!

I keep my ‘01 Zanzibar plugged into the garage 50A circuit all the time when not in use and have inverter turned off at the inside console. I was wondering if this will have any negative effects such as drying out the batteries or causing them to wear out faster. Anything I should be aware of that would be negative about that?

Happy New Year!

chuckster
With the inverter/charger properly programed my now 24 year old coach has always been plugged in 24/7, (except when on the road or when camping without hookups)...It's currently 6 years on the 3rd set of batteries, (both house and chassis).
However the 4 12V house batteries always need topping off every 2-3 months.

Hi Mel,

By "topping off", you mean the water levels in the batteries, correct?

-Chuck

chuckster wrote: ↑Mon Jan 04, 2021 4:51 pm Hi Mel,
By "topping off", you mean the water levels in the batteries, correct?
-Chuck

Chuck,
YES

chuckster wrote: ↑Mon Jan 04, 2021 4:50 pm Thanks for the replies. I would assume that my inverter was programmed properly when it was installed? I have only had the coach since August 2020.

That's not necessarily true.
If your inverter/charger is programmable "how to instructions" will be found in the inverter/charger owners manual... or online.

stuplich@ymail.com wrote: ↑Tue Jan 05, 2021 11:45 am

chuckster wrote: ↑Mon Jan 04, 2021 4:51 pm Hi Mel,
By "topping off", you mean the water levels in the batteries, correct?
-Chuck

Chuck,
YES

Copy that.

When stored I've always kept my rigs plugged in. Checking the water level in the batteries is something that should be done periodically. How often is something you learn over time. Once a month I'd check my rig, inspecting for rodents and bugs or anything out of place. I'd run the generator and check the water level in my batteries. I discovered they lost very little water in a month so I cut it back to once every three months. Leaving them charging won't hurt them but allowing them to boil dry will.

Some people replace the fill caps with ones that have a level gauge, others add an automatic or manual filling system. The battery tray on my Serengeti didn't pull out far enough to be able to see the levels in the rear batteries so I used a mirror and flashlight. Picked up a Turkey Baster style battery filling bulb at a local auto parts store. Don't use tap water to top off the batteries. It can contain dissolved minerals that can shorten battery life. Buy a gallon of demineralized or distilled water at the grocery store. Your batteries will thank you for it.

If you must add water to your battery manually buy one of these battery water fillers. (under $15)
https://www.amazon.com/Performance-Tool ... 003EHIFE4/


I opted for the Flow-Rite battery water filling system:
https://www.amazon.com/Flow-Rite-RV2000 ... 001FCAXT0/