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babyboogerfamily View Drop Down
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Posts: 36 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: 176T Battery Life
    Posted: 09 Apr 2018 at 11:51am
We're new owners so we're learning as we go, but I have a question about the battery.  Should it drain fully in two weeks if all the lights and the thermostat is turned off?  The microwave keeps the clock running and the radio has a dim light on the power button, but other than that everything was off.

Should I turn off all the breakers or is this expected?
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StephenH View Drop Down
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Posts: 6326 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Apr 2018 at 1:25pm
Not everything is off when things are turned off. In addition to the obvious power use, the CO/LP detector uses power and it is direct wired so you can't simply flip a breaker. A lot of us have installed battery cut off switches (you can see mine in my mods, link in signature). Unless the 'Pod is plugged in, the battery will be drained. A cut-off switch or simply disconnecting the negative terminal when it is unplugged and unattended will keep the battery from being discharged although for long term, it should be checked and charged periodically.
StephenH
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Posts: 6128 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Apr 2018 at 2:19pm
If I may.. the breakers have NOTHING to do with the battery, other then, while plugged in, the converter/charger is powered by 120v and has a breaker. The 12v side is all fused..

Beyond that.. cut off switch as StephenH suggests.
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GlueGuy View Drop Down
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Posts: 2654 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Apr 2018 at 2:26pm
If the clock on the microwave is on, then you must be connected to shore power? I don't know which microwave you have, but ours is AC only?

... and... if you are connected to shore power, I don't understand how your battery is draining?
bp
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StephenH View Drop Down
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Posts: 6326 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Apr 2018 at 3:01pm
If the battery terminals were installed reversed, even for a second, then the two 40A fuses in the box are probably blown. If so, the converter is not charging the battery while it is plugged in. First check to make sure the battery cables are connected to the correct terminals. Second, check the fuses and replace if needed. Third, if the battery is still not charging, get with your dealer as it is possible the converter is bad.
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babyboogerfamily View Drop Down
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Posts: 36 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Apr 2018 at 8:55am
Sorry, the light was on because we were connected to our homes 15amp outlet.  You are correct, the Microwave is fully off when not running on 15 > amps.  It must be the detectors and vampire led's on the TV and Radio that drain the batter when not in use.  I'll be sure to disconnect the ground when not in use or charge it more often.

Thanks everyone.
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Olddawgsrule View Drop Down
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Posts: 1014 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Apr 2018 at 4:53pm
SH is giving good advise on this. Listen to what he said.

Is it normal, no, but don't 'really' know what was truly running. So, maybe for what was running.

I will also add a dis-connect, but do understand it is not a 'fix-all' answer.
Your battery needs to be used. The chemical reaction that occurs insists upon you draining and replacing amperage. Those that use the dis-connect understand this and still have a charging system in place for any 'long' durations. This would be the same if you dis-connect your battery by removing the terminal connection.

Realize your battery does need to be used. 

I setup a simple low wattage solar for my Nephew's sailboat. It allows him to leave it for the week after weekend use and re-charges the battery. It's not the best answer (dis-charge greater than re-charge) but works pretty well and hasn't replace for 3 seasons (used to very season).
What I'm saying here is it needs to be used.

Tell us more and we'll help as we can.

Only mistake we can make: Is not going camping!

Hope this helps. 
Byways no Highways
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Posts: 767 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Apr 2018 at 5:21pm
Yes, two weeks 'with everything off' is about normal for battery life, 'cause not everything is off.  Specifically: your propane detector is hard-wired in and will not turn off with a breaker - and it'll chew through battery amps fairly quickly.

You have to disconnect the battery when storing your trailer more than a few days (a week at most).  You can either disconnect one terminal (negative is generally suggested, as if the positive terminal should happen to touch your metal trailer frame, it'll short), or you can install a battery cutoff switch.

Finally: You should avoid discharging your trailer's battery more than 50%; after that, it'll start to shorten your battery's useful life (both in how much charge it'll hold and how many years it'll last you).  Most importantly: a led-acid battery is only good for four full discharges: after that, you can't expect to get much out of it at all. 
Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150
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babyboogerfamily View Drop Down
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Posts: 36 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Apr 2018 at 7:12pm
Originally posted by Outbound

Yes, two weeks 'with everything off' is about normal for battery life, 'cause not everything is off.  Specifically: your propane detector is hard-wired in and will not turn off with a breaker - and it'll chew through battery amps fairly quickly.

You have to disconnect the battery when storing your trailer more than a few days (a week at most).  You can either disconnect one terminal (negative is generally suggested, as if the positive terminal should happen to touch your metal trailer frame, it'll short), or you can install a battery cutoff switch.

Finally: You should avoid discharging your trailer's battery more than 50%; after that, it'll start to shorten your battery's useful life (both in how much charge it'll hold and how many years it'll last you).  Most importantly: a led-acid battery is only good for four full discharges: after that, you can't expect to get much out of it at all. 

Can you suggest a good way to install a cutoff switch?
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mcarter View Drop Down
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Posts: 3419 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 Apr 2018 at 8:06am
Lot of info on battery cutoff installs. Some have mounted internally in trailer, while others like me have installed outside next to or in battery box. I mounted a plastic electrical box next to my battery and the switch is the red key type that easily disconnects battery when necessary.
Mike Carter
2015 178
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