Escapees March-April 2024

mark, my words

Your RV Questions By MARK NEMETH #45776, Escapees Technical Advisor Send your questions via e-mail to techquestions@escapees.com

Starting RV While Plugged into Electricity Q. I have always been concerned about starting the RV while plugged into electricity. Does this harm the converters or relays in any way? It seems like they would be trying to switch over to 12 volt. Bobby A. In general, RVs are designed with that operating scenario in mind, so you should not cause any prob lems by starting the RV while the shore power cord is plugged in. However, in my opinion, it’s better to avoid doing so. I have seen too many RVers attempt to drive away while their power cord is still seated fi rmly into the campground receptacle. The results are generally accompanied by fi reworks, which will be somewhat entertaining for your neighbors and upsetting to the campground owner. If you always make it a rule not to start your rig until all hookups are disconnected, it’s unlikely that you’ll ever have such an experience!

Dead Batteries Q. My motorhome has been idle for six months and now it has dead batteries. I think the high temperatures during the summer here in Las Vegas had something to expedite its passing. I want to get it ready for a trip. Can I charge it from my car? Would it help to pay a local service provider to try to start them, or should I just replace all batteries? Gilbert A. If those batteries are completely fl at, then I’d advise you to purchase new batteries. Once a lead/acid battery is discharged completely and allowed to sit in that state for any length of time, its capacity will be signi fi cantly impaired. While you can probably get it started with a jump, and the batteries will seem to come back to life, they will never be okay again. If you don’t dry-camp, you may be able to get by without replacing the house batteries for a while, but the engine starter battery should be replaced before your next trip as it’s no fun being stranded! What most likely killed your batteries during storage were small parasitic loads, like the keep alive power to stereos, clocks, alarms and appliance circuit boards. Over time, these tiny, sneaky loads will fl atten your batteries. That’s why it’s best to disconnect all batteries if you will be storing the rig for a long period, like a couple of months or more.

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ESCAPEES Magazine March/April 2024