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How to store our coach?

Yahoo Message Number: 75224
A question for the experts..

We will be storing our coach on a lot with 15-20 AMP power..
We will need to run a 100 ft to the post.

How would you suggest that we keep the batteries charged.

Paracitic drain is my main concern.

Thanks all,
Russ

05 Intrigue
11883

Re: How to store our coach?

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 75228
I disconnect the grounds to the house batteries, leaving the engine battery connected. I normally drive the coach about 100 miles once a month or so, maybe 6 weeks, to get all the fluids hot, put a load on the genset, etc. during which time the batteries come back up. Ive found that even without driving the coach for 3 months the batteries only loose about 5% as indicated on the battery control panel. I learned about this procedure from owning a 98 Allure. It would drain my batteries twice as fast as my current 04 Intrigue, Most of the time 15 amps will only keep things even. If the batteries are low you really need 30 amps for the inverter charger to bring them back. It really isn't designed to do that as it has limited charging capability. So buy your self a good high output charger that can handle all types of batteries, AGM, GEL and lead acid.
TWI 2004 Intrigue 11731 PS, Also get yourself a 100' 30 amp RV cord with an extra 15/20 amp adapters to prevent voltage drop.

Re: How to store our coach?

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 75232
Russ,

I agree with you that a 15 amp AC circuit is not nearly enough to operate your Inverter DC battery charger, however, I don't understand the statement that the inverter has limited charging capability. My 2kw inverter is advertised to have a 100 amp DC charger built in and when I am connected to 30 amp AC power my wall amp-meter will show 80 amps or so of DC charging to the batteries initially, if the batteries are nearly discharged, that will quickly level off to a lower current flow as the batteries become charged and they will charge up over night on the inverter charger. I have the Freedom 2000 Xantrex charger.

Ray

2000 Intrigue 11040

Re: How to store our coach?

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 75235
A 15 amp circuit is plenty and will keep your batteries charged if at the time you hook up the 15 amps, your batteries are fully charged. I have done this for years with no ill effects.

Don

'02 Intrigue #11427
'02 Intrigue #11427

Re: How to store our coach?

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 75239
I gave up struggeling with this problem and installed three solar panels on the roof, and as long as it's outside I have stored the coach for up to six months at a time and stopped buying new batteries every year. Two panels would have done it I found out later. Just a thoughtful suggestion.
Good traveling to you

Ron & Molly Bodeen, 40' 2001 Intrigue # 11262, FMCA & SWCCers

Re: How to store our coach?

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 75242
I am another one who stores the coach hooked to a 15 amp circuit for months at a time. Works flawlessly. Your batteries will be very happy with this setup. Set your Xantrex for 15amp power availability and it will take care of everything. I just have to remember to service the batteries once a month (mine are all flooded lead-acid type) and I drive the coach every so often to warm everything up and look for any problems.

Nate Richards
04 Allure 31043

Re: How to store our coach?

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 75244
The question here is the 100 foot extension cord. I am skeptical about that.

Max

98 Affinity #5487

Re: How to store our coach?

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 75247
With the 35' cord contained in the coach and a 25' 50 amp extension cord I have run 75' of 30 amp cord with a 20 amp adapter at CC and FMCA rallys running 1 air, refer lights etc. with no issues. Dropping only 2 volts from the source. I do have to shut off the air to run the microwave. 20 amp breaker can't handle both.
TWI 2004 Intrigue 11731

Re: How to store our coach?

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 75249
Ron,

I'm with you on the solar panels, we have two panels and it works for us. Hardly ever have to add battery water and the batteries just keep going and going.

Ray

2000 Intrigue 11040

Re: How to store our coach?

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 75251
I agree guys. I have stored my '04 Allure without electric hookup since new. Almost 8 years. My 240 watts of solar panel have kept my original Lifelines in like new condition. I do use a desulphater also.
I now have 50 amp electric so we'll see how the batteries do on the inverter/charger rather than solar.

George in Birmingham
'04 Allure 31038
George in Birmingham
2003 Magna 6298

Re: How to store our coach?

Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 75272
with 15 amp service you will have zero problems, if you start storage with batteries in full, fridge and entertainment center off.
Bert 08 Magna with CAT C15
6909

Re: How to store our coach?

Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 75276
Re 15 amp, I turn off my hot water heater (both electric/hydro in my case) before plugging into 15 amp, as the inverter immediately goes into bulk charge mode and thus has a fair draw, and the water heater is also a significant load.
Once inverter charger goes into float mode and current draw is down, I'll then turn the water heater on. Of course for storage, no reason to need water heater on.
To be clear, it's the 120 volt breaker in the main (120v) breaker panel that I switch off (in my case in the right hand cabinet above the window in the bedroom).

Jim Walsh
2003 Lexa