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ragadas View Drop Down
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Posts: 40 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: battery question
    Posted: 17 Jul 2016 at 8:50am
Actually a couple of questions. 2015 RP 179
Being new to the hard bodied campers with bells and whistles, I'm wondering what device is draining the battery, and are there breakers that can be opened to alleviate some of that.
I've searched this forum and read other poster's concerns about battery drain, so am thinking it's not unusual to have to recharge the battery every couple weeks.
Dave & Chris
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CharlieM View Drop Down
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Posts: 1797 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Jul 2016 at 9:24am
The Propane/CO detector is the major source of "parasitic" battery drain. It draws 0.1A-0.15A continuously. In addition the thermostat and the fridge control board draw slight amounts. None of these go through circuit breakers. The circuit breakers are only for 120V shore power appliances. The best solution if the camper is left unattended for months is to disconnect the battery or install a battery disconnect switch. Even then the battery will self-discharge and should be checked/recharged every 2-3 months. Other options for unattended storage are small solar panels, trickle chargers, or just leave the POD plugged in if you can. 
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Posts: 3419 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Jul 2016 at 9:29am
I take it you are talking about when it is parked at your house.  Personally I shut off everything and disconnect the battery when not in use.  I have a small Solargizer mounted to the battery box and do not cover it with the storage cover.  Prior to a trip I reconnect battery, apply shore power and allow things to charge and cool (frig).  I also do my checks to make sure things are working.  Lot of posts on best way to cool frig while traveling, propane or TV battery, different subject I guess.  I think the battery drains somewhat just parked and without any charging system.  To me it is normal to charge battery before use.
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ragadas View Drop Down
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Posts: 40 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Jul 2016 at 9:51am
Thanks for the replies guys. I guess I'll install a disconnect switch.
Dave & Chris
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WillThrill View Drop Down
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Posts: 298 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Jul 2016 at 11:02am
Originally posted by ragadas

Thanks for the replies guys. I guess I'll install a disconnect switch.

Keep in mind that lead acid batteries will self-discharge 3-5% per month, and every minute that a lead acid battery is not at 100% is some amount of time irreversibly lost from its lifespan.

The best strategy is to leave the battery on a computer controlled charger 24/7 when you aren't actually using your Pod.  This can be done by simply leaving your battery connected to your Pod and connecting the Pod to shore power, by placing a charger on the batteries while they're still sitting on the tongue of your trailer, or by removing them and then placing a charger on them wherever is most convenient (what I do).  This practice will significantly lengthen the life of your batteries.
"Not all those who wander are lost." Tolkien

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Posts: 18 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Jul 2016 at 10:15pm
So now if you have it plugged in all the time when you are at home then you do not need to put a charger on it? I have a cutoff switch on ours but I have it plugged into power 24/7 at home.
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Posts: 298 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Jul 2016 at 10:34pm
Originally posted by 4runninpod

So now if you have it plugged in all the time when you are at home then you do not need to put a charger on it? I have a cutoff switch on ours but I have it plugged into power 24/7 at home.

Yes, if you're Pod is left plugged in, no separate battery charger is needed, assuming that the batteries are not disconnected with a switch from the Pod.
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Posts: 13 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Jul 2016 at 12:46pm
Originally posted by WillThrill

Originally posted by 4runninpod

So now if you have it plugged in all the time when you are at home then you do not need to put a charger on it? I have a cutoff switch on ours but I have it plugged into power 24/7 at home.

Yes, if you're Pod is left plugged in, no separate battery charger is needed, assuming that the batteries are not disconnected with a switch from the Pod.


So it sounds like it is ok to leave the 2016 R-Pod (177) connected to shore power 24/7 without a battery disconnect switch. Is that correct? Is it possible the batteries (two 12V batteries connected in parallel) will be damaged by being over charged? 
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Jul 2016 at 2:13pm
Originally posted by TheLoneRanger


Originally posted by WillThrill


Originally posted by 4runninpod

So now if you have it plugged in all the time when you are at home then you do not need to put a charger on it? I have a cutoff switch on ours but I have it plugged into power 24/7 at home.

Yes, if you're Pod is left plugged in, no separate battery charger is needed, assuming that the batteries are not disconnected with a switch from the Pod.
So it sounds like it is ok to leave the 2016 R-Pod (177) connected to shore power 24/7 without a battery disconnect switch. Is that correct? Is it possible the batteries (two 12V batteries connected in parallel) will be damaged by being over charged? 


That is how I am set up (2-12v batteries). I am plugged in to shore power anytime that I am not driving down the road or dry camping. Your Pod has a built in 3 stage charger.....no problem.
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WillThrill View Drop Down
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Posts: 298 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Jul 2016 at 3:00pm
Originally posted by TheLoneRanger

 So it sounds like it is ok to leave the 2016 R-Pod (177) connected to shore power 24/7 without a battery disconnect switch. Is that correct? Is it possible the batteries (two 12V batteries connected in parallel) will be damaged by being over charged? 

Yes, if the Pod is left connected to shore power, there is no need for a battery disconnect switch, and the Pod's charger will not overcharge the batteries.
"Not all those who wander are lost." Tolkien

2014 Hood River 177
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