Should You Keep Your Travel Trailer Plugged In All the Time?
The simple answer is yes, but there are several considerations you should take into account. While keeping your travel trailer (TT) plugged in ensures that the battery stays charged, it is essential to understand the nuances that come with this approach. Understanding your specific situation, such as the type of battery, charging system, and presence of solar panels, can help you manage the power system effectively.
The Short Answer: Yes, but with a But
By plugging your travel trailer into a power source, you ensure that all electronics such as carbon monoxide and propane alarms, as well as the converter in most RVs, are powered on. For newer units, the smart charger will automatically regulate the voltage to prevent overcharging. However, in older units, the charger might remain at a higher voltage, potentially leading to overcharging and reduced battery life. Monitoring the battery's water levels becomes crucial in such cases.
Deep Dive into the Power System
Whether you decide to keep your travel trailer plugged in or not, understanding the intricacies of your power system is key. If you have a sophisticated charge controller, battery type, solar input, and inverter/converter, this information can further refine your decision-making process. For detailed guidance, the website linked below offers comprehensive insights into battery power and maintenance:
Battery Power Maintenance Site
Based on the battery type and your charging system, tips on prolonging or shortening battery life are provided. This resource is particularly useful for travelers who rely on their travel trailer's battery for extended periods.
Practical Considerations
There are some practical points to consider when deciding to keep your travel trailer plugged in or not. If you live with your travel trailer at home, plugging it in will maintain the battery charge and address parasitic drains such as your LP gas detector, radio, and other devices. This ensures that your refrigeration system, if any, remains operational.
For some, unplugging the trailer before a trip is more appealing. For instance, with a tiny teardrop trailer, the author unplugs and recharges the battery the day before leaving on a trip. This practice also helps extend the battery's lifespan by avoiding continuous overcharging.
Others find a balance between the two approaches. Staying plugged in helps prevent issues such as frozen pipes in winter and warped materials due to extreme temperatures in summer. Keeping the battery charge level also allows for effortless refrigerator functionality without draining supplies stored inside.
Conclusion
The decision to keep your travel trailer plugged in all the time depends on your specific needs and the power system of your trailer. By understanding your battery type, your charging setup, and the tools available to you, you can make a well-informed choice that ensures your travel trailer remains in optimal condition.
If you are a frequent traveler or live with your travel trailer, keeping it plugged in can provide peace of mind and convenience, especially in terms of essential systems. For those who take frequent trips or park the trailer for extended periods, unplugging it and ensuring the battery is adequately charged before departures can be a more sustainable approach.
Whichever you choose, remember to monitor your battery's health and adhere to best practices to ensure your travel trailer's longevity and reliability.
Keyword: travel trailer, battery maintenance, RV power system