Battery - Hi-Lo camper travel trailer forum

bearshrum · 09-18-2013, 02:07 PM

I should know this but I don't. Is it best to disconnect your trailer battery when the trailer is going to be stored for a length of time?

Thanks,

Bear

RichR · 09-18-2013, 02:37 PM

It's not a bad idea, but if you have the main switch turned off inside that effectively does the same thing. For extended periods disconnect and put a charger/maintainer on the battery to keep it in best condition.

Norton Rider · 09-18-2013, 05:45 PM

If you won't have power where the trailer is stored, consider removing the battery, storing it in a garage and hooking it to a trickle charger.

retiredcamper47 · 09-18-2013, 07:30 PM

When I store my trailer at the end of the camping season, Nov - Apr, I leave my battery hooked up and in the trailer. I check the water level to make sure the plates are covered. My factory solar panel keeps the battery charged up during this time. Never had a problem raising the top when I go to check on it during that time. I do leave the master switch in the middle position.

Bob

sam · 09-18-2013, 11:41 PM

Our 1990 25ft. Classic will be under a sunbrella cover this winter. We take the battery out and keep in the house where it is warmer and DH checks the charge monthly. If we left it in the trailer it would freeze and split.

bearshrum · 10-08-2013, 09:25 PM

The only place I could get to make a sunbrella cover for my 33 footer was Calmark Covers. There is no way I'm going to pay $800.00 for the cover plus tax and shipping.

I keep seeing people talk about a master switch in their trailers. All I have is an up and down switch and a cable loop to pull on while it's going down. No other switches there.

Wrascal · 10-08-2013, 09:57 PM

That up down switch is actually Up-Center-Down.

Up = top movement
Down = power to camper
Center=off

sam · 10-08-2013, 11:28 PM

I know what you mean about the price of a sunbrella cover. I was quoted $900.00 at camping world plus tax and shipping. Out of my budget. I was extremely lucky to find a used sunbrella cover that was hardly used and in EC condition. This will be our first winter with it on. Ours is a 25ft. Classic. See if a boat/canvas shop could make it for you any cheaper in their off season(winter.)

PopRichie77 · 10-09-2013, 05:51 AM

Not all Hi-Lo's had a master switch, my 2209 has one but the 95 does not.

RichR · 10-09-2013, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wrascal

That up down switch is actually Up-Center-Down.

Up = top movement
Down = power to camper
Center=off

The switch on both our 1705T and our present 2310H is the opposite of yours. Once you fiddle with it it will be determined which way is for what.

Wrascal · 10-09-2013, 04:32 PM

The switch on both our 1705T and our present 2310H is the opposite of yours.

2:1 you beat me.
I want a survey of owners; speak up y'all.

JackandJanet · 10-09-2013, 05:42 PM

Mine's like RichR's - opposite to yours Wrascal.

- Jack

Norton Rider · 10-09-2013, 05:45 PM

Mine is opposite to Wrascal's: 3:1

455lark · 10-09-2013, 06:42 PM

Mine's like RichR's and Jacks - opposite to yours Wrascal.

RichR · 10-09-2013, 06:44 PM

Wrascal, Maybe your trailer is upside down.

Wrascal · 10-09-2013, 08:35 PM

5:1,

I'm beginning to think mine came from "down under".

bearshrum · 10-18-2013, 01:04 PM

Well y'all can talk and argue about switches all you want. My 3389b has one switch by the entry door. You push the top of the rocker switch and the top goes up. You push the bottom of the switch and pull the wire loop sticking out next to it and the top goes down, nothing else. I wish it would cut off the power to the trailer, then I wouldn't be thinking about buying a master switch. I know, I know, it doesn't cost much. None of the little stuff cost's much, but my wife likes to stand over my shoulder with her calculator and tablet and get that look on her face that only wives seem to be able to get (you know, that I told you that this was going to cost a lot of money look). I'm retired on disability and I think all of you know that when you deal with the FED. you wind up on the short side of the penny every time, so I have to pick the battles I think I have a chance to win, or at least tie. So all you lucky guys that have understanding wives, you have been blessed, and God bless them.

Have a good one.

Bear

Wrascal · 10-18-2013, 06:18 PM

I don't believe this switch is necessary, but then I'm an obsessive/compulsive (OC) type. First I turn everything individually off, unplug the air cond. cord, flip each circuit breaker off (in backwards order so that the master circuit breaker is last), then I kill the main switch by the up/down switch.

Good OC habits are hard to change.

JoeJones · 10-18-2013, 10:15 PM

I am going to do the same thing I do with my car in very cold temps. I put a droplight with a 60 watt bulb near the battery. It enables my car to start in very cold temps and should keep the battery warm in the HiLo. Anyone else done that???
Joe

RichR · 10-19-2013, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeJones

I am going to do the same thing I do with my car in very cold temps. I put a droplight with a 60 watt bulb near the battery. It enables my car to start in very cold temps and should keep the battery warm in the HiLo. Anyone else done that???
Joe

Keeping the trailer battery charged is more important than keeping it warmed. Although it is a good idea in a car for better starting in cold weather. It would be a more efficient use of electricity to connect a battery charger/maintainer during times of storage. A Battery Tender Jr. would do the job. Amazon.com: Battery Tender 021-0123 Battery Tender Junior 12V Battery Charger: Automotive