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Old 01-09-2023, 02:27 PM   #1
GHallof
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Winter Storage Electrical Hook Up

Hello all,

I have a quick question that I was hoping someone could answer definitively for me.

The rig is a 2017 3661RL.

Every winter when I put er' in storage here at the house. I park in line with my barn. Hook er up to my 50 amp connection, go thru my winterization process and walk away.

She stays plugged in. The only reason I leave the rig plugged in is to keep the battery freshly charged. (Water Level checked and filled as part of the winterization process. Will check and fill when she goes back out)

That said. I would like to ensure that the only thing consuming electricity is the battery charging process.

Is it really just as simple as throwing all the breakers to "off" and pulling the battery disconnect key in the convenience center?

Appreciate the assist here. To me, it seems like I am missing something.
 
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Old 01-09-2023, 02:42 PM   #2
AZ Traveler
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Gordon,

Recommend you install a disconnect switch at your battery or just unhook the negative cable from your battery. This will totally disconnect your battery from any draw.

If you take the above action there will be no need to keep your rig plugged in. As long as your battery bank is fully charged prior to disconnecting your battery will not freeze.
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Old 01-09-2023, 03:00 PM   #3
Carl n Susan
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As long as you are plugged in, you can leave the breakers on and the disconnect key in place. The converter will keep the batteries charged. *BUT* if you remove the disconnect key, the the converter can *NOT* keep your batteries charged and the parasitic loads will drain them to nothing. Not good!
So there are two choices:
1. Leave it plugged in with the key installed
2. Disconnect the battery at the ground cable once it is fully charged and unplug from shore power.
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Old 01-09-2023, 05:29 PM   #4
dieselguy
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Totally agree with replies 2 and 3. Since I don't use my fiver from Dec to latter part of March, I just haul them down to the basement and put them on a trickle charger, but I still have the power to do that extra motion. Some may not.
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Old 01-10-2023, 06:25 AM   #5
DutchmenSport
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Your winter process has worked well for your in the past, so why do it different now?
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Old 01-10-2023, 08:54 AM   #6
Foldbak
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Turn everything off plug in and forget it.
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Old 01-10-2023, 04:45 PM   #7
Trevor
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I agree with them . We just plug ours in and forget about it. Sometimes during the holidays we use the fridge for extra food storage, and when my DW through her back out she would go and sit in the recliner with heat and massage. Which helped a lot.
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Old 01-11-2023, 04:25 AM   #8
RMcNeal
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Gordon, Carl is correct. The red key removed will disconnect your batteries from the converter/charger, so don't do that.
If memory serves, your 3661 has a residential fridge (odd number at the end?).
The only breaker I turn off is the one to the residential fridge, since I don't need it running when the rig is not in use. I then prop the doors open to let it air out. I also cut off the disconnect in the battery bay that feeds the inverter to the fridge.
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Old 01-15-2023, 10:54 PM   #9
firestation12
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If you leave the batteries (lead acid type) on some type of charger over a long period, make sure to check electrolyte levels first. Batteries not fully charged can freeze and be damaged.
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