Shore power-battery on?

Prismtag

Simple question, if tag plugged in should battery switch be on or off?

Sharon_is_SAM

The battery switch should be “on” when towing and when plugged into shorepower for charging. For storage, fully charge the battery before turning it off.

Also, if you have electric brakes, the battery switch must be on to allow the emergency brake switch to activate in the event of a separation from the tow vehicle.

The_Rigger

@Sharon_is_SAM said:
The battery switch should be “on” when towing and when plugged into shorepower for charging. For storage, fully charge the battery before turning it off.

Also, if you have electric brakes, the battery switch must be on to allow the emergency brake switch to activate in the event of a separation from the tow vehicle.

I'm not sure that's totally accurate. On my T@G (a '21 model - other model years might be different), the charging wire coming from the tow vehicle via the 7-way plug leads directly to the battery, and not through the battery switch. Also, my trailer's brakes pull 12V power directly from the tow vehicle charge wire, and not from the battery. I have brakes and charging power regardless of whether the switch is off or on.

For charging the battery while on shore power, yes I agree; turn the switch ON. Frankly, I can't think of a reason to ever turn the switch off while in camp, unless you're doing some work on the 12V wiring.

For storage, I remove the battery from the trailer and put it on a smart charger in a climate-controlled (read: not freezing) location. YMMV, of course.

Sharon_is_SAM

@The_Rigger - how are your brakes powered without the 7 pin? With a complete separation of the TaG from the TV, the brakes use battery power.

The_Rigger

It's not beyond the realm of possibility that my brakes aren't wired correctly. I mean, given what I've learned about the rest of the wiring...

Sharon_is_SAM

@The_Rigger - you posted about your battery switch before. It sounds like you do not have an isolation relay in your TV.

https://teardrop-trailers.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/comment/13168#Comment_13168

The_Rigger

@Sharon_is_SAM - No, I don't. But that's not really germain, as the battery switch issues were happening when the camper was completely disconnected from the tow vehicle. You can't get any more isolated than that.

Prismtag

Let me rephrase this question, it is a non-camping situation.

the tag is in the garage, I like to go work on mods, power is nice for lights.

i have it plugged into 110 for power, and usually leave it plugged in.

first question-is that ok?

second question-should switch be on or off? Thanks

Sharon_is_SAM

There is an argument against keeping the unit plugged in continuously in that it creates wear and tear on the converter. However, many owners of TaBs and TaGs leave their units plugged in just as you. Once the battery is fully charged, turn off the battery switch. Depending on what kind of battery you have (regular lead acid vs AGM vs lithium), you will want to check it from time to time and recharge as necessary by turning the battery switch on.

So, yes, it is okay to leave it plugged in, but you should turn the battery switch off after it is fully charged.

Prismtag

Thanks 😀