Posted 2009-10-30 9:06 PM (#112623) Subject: Plug in trailer over winter??
New User
Posts: 1
Location: wisconsin
I apologize if this has already been asked but... do I leave my LQ trailer plugged in over the winter to avoid draining the batteries or do I shut off the main power switch and leave it unplugged? I don't plan to use the LQ at all over the winter months as I live in WI. Is there anything I need to do with the batteries either now or in the spring, or can I just leave them connected?
Posted 2009-10-31 9:04 AM (#112637 - in reply to #112623) Subject: RE: Plug in trailer over winter??
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 406 Location: Minneapolis, MN
The answer depends on which type of converter you have. If your trailer has one of the "new generation" multi-level converters (like Progressive Dynamic Intel-power with charge Wizard), then yes you can leave it plugged in. If it's a Magnetek/Parallax, then no.
Posted 2009-10-31 9:17 AM (#112638 - in reply to #112623) Subject: RE: Plug in trailer over winter??
Member
Posts: 25 Location: Northeast US
I've only been here for a short time but have learned a lot by using the search feature here to research certain topics. Wintering trailers has been discussed quite a bit. Look into it, I'm sure you'll be amazed at what information has already been posted here in the past year alone.
Posted 2009-10-31 11:03 AM (#112648 - in reply to #112623) Subject: RE: Plug in trailer over winter??
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Instead of running my LQs' expensive main power supply and converter/charger all winter, I remove the batteries and place them in my shop where they can't freeze. Attaching a $7 float charger from Harbor Freight, ensures that I have properly maintained batteries in the Spring.
I have several vehicles, boat batteries and one tractor that are also stored over the winter. Their batteries are left in place and are continuously maintained by float chargers.
Some converter/chargers do not have a maintenance cycle, and can overcharge the battery if left on continuously. This will ruin the battery. Most electronic devices have a maintenance life, and I don't want to shorten them, by needlessly keeping them powered unused, for a half a year at a time.
Posted 2009-10-31 4:35 PM (#112654 - in reply to #112623) Subject: RE: Plug in trailer over winter??
Veteran
Posts: 112 Location: ohio
We keep our LQ plugged into electric all winter and the battery switch off , we do not take them out for the winter and they have been fine for the last 3 years. I don't know if this is right or wrong but so far it has worked for us. We keep our refig. on year round so it stays on aux. in case of a power failure it will revert back to gas to keep it going.
Plug in trailer over winter??
