Posted 2010-11-01 10:09 PM (#126538) Subject: Keeping a LQ plugged in for winter?
Veteran
Posts: 141 Location: Helena, Ohio
This is my first LQ trailer and I was wondering if it would be ok if I kept it plugged in for the winter? I would like to be able to use this trailer all winter, so I dont want to take the battery and everything out. Of course I will winterize plumbing, but I just wasnt sure if it was ok to keep it plugged in for the battery and what not.
Posted 2010-11-02 5:56 AM (#126545 - in reply to #126538) Subject: RE: Keeping a LQ plugged in for winter?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 379 Location: Missouri
I wouldn't. I only plug our trailer in once a week for 24 hours. A few years back I finally ran power out to where I park the trailer and that winter I left it plugged in all winter. Went to use the trailer in the spring and the battery was cooked dry. It seems most all of the charger/converters on RV are not "smart chargers" so they just keep trickle charging the battery. Lead acid batteries don't like this kind of charging system, something has to limit the amount of current the battery receives.
Posted 2010-11-02 7:04 AM (#126547 - in reply to #126538) Subject: RE: Keeping a LQ plugged in for winter?
Location: Central Arkansas
I keep both my 3H LQ trailer and my 4H weekend package plugged in all year. But, I have upgraded smart chargers plus use a battery system filler device on them. Every month, just like clockwork, the battery fluid levels are checked and distilled water added as needed. Batteries are 5 years on the LQ and 2 years old on the 4H.
However, we did upgrade the dedicated generator battery in the haypod on the LQ to a closed gel that is totally maintence free for $189. Money well spent!
Posted 2010-11-02 8:41 AM (#126551 - in reply to #126538) Subject: RE: Keeping a LQ plugged in for winter?
Location: Where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain...
If it is the 96 Sooner, it will be a trickle charge, but you'll have to maintain the batteries. You can either add a Battery Tender, or check your batteries once a month and add distilled water. I check mine and they are always plugged in when they are home.
Posted 2010-11-02 8:46 AM (#126552 - in reply to #126538) Subject: RE: Keeping a LQ plugged in for winter?
Veteran
Posts: 141 Location: Helena, Ohio
yep, its the '96 Sooner. I think I will keep it plugged in and check the batteries every month. With winter the way it is around here, I think that is going to be the best solution. Thanks everyone!!
Add water to batteries without ever having to touch a battery or remove a cap.
Remote battery watering systems let you fill all batteries to proper electrolyte levels from a single fill tube, using a simple hand pump. Safer and more accurate than conventional filling. Install in minutes without tools. Just replace the battery caps with the valve manifolds connected with flexible tubing. Automatically sends water only to low cells. Automatic shut-off at each cell prevents over-fill. Provides electrolyte level accuracy to 1/8". Makes maintaining proper electrolyte levels in hard-to-reach batteries easy, improving battery life and performance and preventing dangerous acid bubble-out during charging. Flame arrestors prevent external spark or flame from igniting flammable cell gasses. Pumps work with any distilled water container. Reusable systems can be installed on new batteries when old batteries are replaced. USA.
Posted 2010-11-02 11:59 AM (#126563 - in reply to #126560) Subject: RE: Keeping a LQ plugged in for winter?
Expert
Posts: 2615
Thanks for this information.I didn't realize this about keeping the batteries charging all time,makes sense.Would hate to pull it out (or TRY to) for spring and have to replace batteries.
Keeping a LQ plugged in for winter?
