Hook up (1 Viewer)

combi

Free Member
Aug 23, 2010
64
9
Funster No
13,354
Hi
Me again !!! Just a very quick question - when my van is parked at home should I leave connected to the mains or just let it charge via the solar panels ?
Thanks to everyone for their kind replies to my questions.
Regards
cakeboy
 

656

Free Member
Jul 30, 2007
1,052
290
The universe
Funster No
39
MH
C Class
Exp
6
I hardly ever go on hook up and let the Solar panels do their job and charge all the batteries including the starter battery. After all, they were designed to do just that!
 
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jonandshell

Free Member
Dec 12, 2010
5,476
8,299
Norfolk
Funster No
14,648
MH
Not got one!
Exp
Since 2006
We always leave ours on hook up for a maintenance charge to be maintained.

Then again, we don't have solar panels!!!:Smile:

Be green and let your panels do the work!

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pappajohn

LIFE MEMBER
Aug 26, 2007
43,207
48,811
Dark side of the moon
Funster No
172
Exp
Since 2005
depends on the type of onboard charger fitted..

a standard charger.....turn it on every 2 or 3 weeks for a day.
can overcharge the battery and boil it dry if left on indefinately.

a smart charger...leave it on full time if you want.
only puts in what the battery needs.

solar panels should keep it charged as you arent using any power at home.

check the battery electrolyte level from time to time and top up with de-ionized (distilled) water if needed...not tap water !
 
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1948

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Dec 3, 2009
444
49
surrey
Funster No
9,555
MH
hymer A class
Exp
since 2010
I also had solar panels fitted and in winter months I have the van on hook up with timer which comes on between 7pm to 5am and I leave an oil fire heater connected on 1kw setting. and and do not do any winter precautions except empty the fresh/ waste tanks, no hook up from April onwards
 
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barryd

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Feb 10, 2009
1,143
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Yorkshire Dales
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MH
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Exp
Since May 08
Just to be different I dont have solar panels and I dont bother with hookup at home either. If Im going on a trip where there is no hookup I might plug it in for a few hours before we go. That and the drive to where ever I am going charges the battery. If I am going to a CL with hookup I dont bother plugging in before we go as there is no need.

Hasnt seemed to cause a problem so far.

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WynandJean

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Mar 23, 2010
6,670
3,303
West Midlands
Funster No
10,746
MH
Bailey Autograph 682
Exp
Since 2010
If Im going on a trip where there is no hookup I might plug it in for a few hours before we go. That and the drive to where ever I am going charges the battery. If I am going to a CL with hookup I dont bother plugging in before we go as there is no need.

Hasnt seemed to cause a problem so far.

We usually put ours on prior to going away just to get the fridge up to (down to!) temp. And always leave fridge door open when it's switched off so you don't get mould.
Wyn
 
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scotjimland

LIFE MEMBER
Jul 25, 2007
2,086
9,025
Suffolk Coastal District, UK
Funster No
15
MH
Timberland
Just to be different, No 2 .. :winky:

Never had solar panels, never needed them .. and at home, I always left mine on hook up 24/7 .. and the fridge 'on'.. ready for the 'off' at a moments notice..

never had a battery problem ..

but as papajohn said, if you plan to do this do check you have a multistage charger otherwise you will boil the battery(s) dry.
 
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