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CharlieM View Drop Down
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    Posted: 06 Apr 2014 at 1:54pm
Originally posted by Tars Tarkas

So with 12v batteries in parallel, both negative posts go to the chassis?  (Rather than one negative connected to the other negative and then to the chassis?)

But wouldn't the positive terminals be connected to each other with one cable to the fuse box?  So why disconnect them both?

TT


Generally the two negatives would be strapped together and only one battery connected to the chassis. Likewise the two positives would be strapped together and only one battery connected to the trailer power panel. The two trailer connections should be to opposite batteries to perfectly balance the circuit impedance. The reason for disconnecting both positives or both negatives is to prevent discharging one battery through the other one. However, this is really a minor effect. Probably way less than the self discharge rate of each battery separately. Jump in Doug if I'm of base on this.
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Posts: 23 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Apr 2014 at 11:44am
I will be drilling the holes in both boxes. Easy fix. I'm also going to investigate the possibility of using a perko switch for the batteries. Might just work. In the mean time I'll just plug it in every weekend since it's in the driveway. Thanks for all the help....Bill
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kymooses View Drop Down
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Posts: 1807 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Apr 2014 at 11:37am
Originally posted by wingnut2312

So I know this may sound like a dumb question, but....why is it necessary to have distilled vs tap water? I guess the water keeps it cool. If not, why the water? Conductivity? I hate electricity unless it persuades answers...

the extra minerals and things in your regular house water can build up on the plates.  plenty of folks use regular tap water with little noticeable harm if any at all.

i suppose depending on how hard the water is where you are could change that a lot.

that being said, i have distilled water in the garage to check mine and only use that.
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wingnut2312 View Drop Down
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Posts: 231 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Apr 2014 at 11:09pm
So I know this may sound like a dumb question, but....why is it necessary to have distilled vs tap water? I guess the water keeps it cool. If not, why the water? Conductivity? I hate electricity unless it persuades answers...
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Tars Tarkas View Drop Down
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Posts: 1446 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Apr 2014 at 10:29pm
So with 12v batteries in parallel, both negative posts go to the chassis?  (Rather than one negative connected to the other negative and then to the chassis?)

But wouldn't the positive terminals be connected to each other with one cable to the fuse box?  So why disconnect them both?

TT

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techntrek View Drop Down
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Posts: 9059 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Apr 2014 at 10:09pm
Agree with adding holes to the battery boxes, you aren't the first one to discover that their batteries were taking a bath.  As for the batteries staying connected, if two batteries are in parallel (12 volt batts) then you must remove the positive from each battery to completely disconnect them.  I added a weatherproof fuse holder just outside of my battery for that.  If your batteries are in series you only have to remove one connection.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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OhTallMan View Drop Down
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Posts: 11 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Apr 2014 at 5:16pm
Thanks folks for all the responses. I am, obviously, very new to the R-Pod and appreciate the advice.
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Posts: 1807 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Apr 2014 at 1:33pm
Drilled holes in the bottom of my battery box the first day I brought the Pod home.
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Posts: 556 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Apr 2014 at 1:07pm
Originally posted by David and Danette

   We keep our camper plugged in all the time their is no problem with the r-pods in doing so. As has been said you will need to drill holes in the bottom of the battery case to let water drain. I think I am right in saying all TV's with a 7 pin connector will charge your camper battery while TV engine is running.


That is normally true, but not always.  Most newer GMC and Chevy tow vehicles have the wiring in place but the wires (brake controller and 12 volt to the TT) have to be connected at the large fuse panel under the hood on the driver's side.  My Chevrolet Avalanche already had the necessary fuses in place, but some do not.  All I needed to do was connect the 2 wires to the threaded studs.
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Goose View Drop Down
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Posts: 672 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Apr 2014 at 10:45am
Like David said, drill a couple of small holes in the bottom of the battery case for water to drain. I use a battery disconnect now, just put it on towards the end of last summer. It does work well. Before that I would plug the POD into the barn or the yard pole every couple of weeks to keep the battery charged up. I put the battery on a small charger/minder in the garage all winter to keep it in good shape, it's still the original battery and at the end of last summer did OK. Goose
Mother Goose's Caboose..2011 RP171..07 Grand Cherokee
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