Should a Travel Trailer Be Plugged In All the Time? Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first got my travel trailer, I had a ton of questions. One of the biggest concerns was whether I needed to keep it plugged in all the time. I mean, it’s an RV, right? I knew it had a battery, but what about the electrical systems? Should I constantly have it plugged into shore power to keep everything running smoothly?
If you’re wondering the same thing, you’re not alone. It’s a question many new RV owners and experienced travelers ask. The truth is, it depends. But don’t worry—I’m here to break it all down for you. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a full-time RV dweller, or someone who just loves to explore, understanding how to properly manage your travel trailer’s electrical system can help you maintain it longer, save on energy costs, and ensure it stays in great shape.
In this article, I’ll explain everything you need to know about plugging in a travel trailer, including the pros and cons, how it affects your battery and other systems, and the best practices for keeping your trailer in optimal condition.
Understanding the Power System in Your Travel Trailer
Before we dive into whether or not you should plug your travel trailer in all the time, let’s take a moment to understand how the power system works in these vehicles.
Your travel trailer is designed to run on two main types of power: shore power and battery power.
- Shore Power: This is when your travel trailer is connected to an external power source, like an electrical outlet at an RV park, campsite, or a home. Shore power provides your trailer with 120V electricity, which runs everything from lights and air conditioning to the refrigerator and outlets.
- Battery Power: Your trailer also comes with a deep cycle battery (or batteries) that provide 12V power to the essential systems, such as the lights, water pump, and furnace. When you’re not plugged into shore power, your trailer relies on this battery to keep everything running.
Now, the question arises: Do you need to keep it plugged in to shore power all the time? Let’s explore.
The Pros of Keeping Your Travel Trailer Plugged In
1. Maintains Battery Charge
One of the primary benefits of keeping your travel trailer plugged in is that it keeps the battery charged. Most modern travel trailers come equipped with a converter/charger that automatically charges the battery when the trailer is plugged into shore power.
A well-maintained battery is essential for the proper functioning of the trailer’s 12V systems. If you’re using your trailer regularly, staying plugged in ensures that the battery is always ready to power the essentials, like lights, water pumps, and your furnace during colder months.
2. Prevents Battery Discharge and Damage
If you leave your travel trailer unplugged for long periods, the battery can slowly discharge, even if you’re not using it. This slow discharge can lead to the battery losing its charge capacity over time and possibly failing much sooner than expected.
Keeping the trailer plugged in helps avoid this issue. The converter keeps the battery topped off and prevents it from discharging completely, which can extend the life of your battery.
3. Convenient and Ready to Go
There’s nothing worse than getting ready to head out on a trip only to realize your battery isn’t charged, or you’ve forgotten to check the systems. By keeping your travel trailer plugged in when it’s not in use, you ensure that everything is ready to go when you are. Your refrigerator will be cool, your lights will be working, and your AC or heating will be set.
4. Controls Temperature and Climate Inside
If you’re storing your trailer in a location where the temperature fluctuates, plugging it in can help regulate the interior climate, especially in extreme conditions. For instance, in colder climates, an electric heater or furnace can keep the trailer at a livable temperature. In warmer climates, keeping the air conditioning running on a low setting can help prevent mold and mildew from forming, especially in areas like the bathroom and kitchen.
The Cons of Keeping Your Travel Trailer Plugged In
While there are several benefits to keeping your trailer plugged in, there are also some potential downsides that you should consider.
1. Risk of Overcharging the Battery
Although most modern travel trailers come with a built-in battery charger that regulates the charge, it’s still possible for your battery to become overcharged if you’re plugged in all the time. This is especially true if you don’t have a converter or charger that’s equipped with a smart charging system.
Overcharging can cause the battery to heat up, which can reduce its lifespan and lead to permanent damage. To avoid this, make sure your converter has a smart charging feature that stops charging the battery once it’s full.
2. Higher Electricity Costs
Keeping your travel trailer plugged in can increase your electricity bill if you’re plugged in at home. Depending on how much power your trailer uses, these costs can add up over time. If you’re not using your trailer regularly, it might not be worth the extra expense.
However, if you’re staying at an RV park or campground, the costs for electricity are usually included in the overnight fee, so it’s less of a concern in that case.
3. Power Surges and Electrical Issues
While rare, electrical surges or issues with the power source can cause problems. If you leave your trailer plugged in continuously, any electrical faults could damage your trailer’s electrical system. The best way to prevent this is by using a surge protector designed for RVs to safeguard your system from power spikes.
When Should You Unplug Your Travel Trailer?
While keeping your trailer plugged in has its advantages, there are times when it’s better to unplug it. Here’s when you should consider disconnecting your trailer from shore power:
1. When Storing Your RV Long-Term
If you’re storing your travel trailer for the winter or for an extended period, it’s often better to unplug it to prevent overcharging the battery. This is especially true if you’re storing it outside and don’t have access to a 120V power source. When storing, it’s a good idea to disconnect the battery or use a battery disconnect switch to preserve its health.
For long-term storage, you can also consider using a solar panel charger or a battery maintainer to keep the battery charged without needing to plug the trailer into shore power.
2. When You’re Not Using Your Trailer for Extended Periods
If you’re not using your trailer for a while, you might want to unplug it to save on electricity costs. Most modern trailers will be fine without constant power, but make sure to perform some basic maintenance before leaving it unplugged. For example, check the battery’s charge level and make sure everything is in good working condition.
3. If You’re Using Solar Power
If you have a solar setup in your travel trailer, you might not need to keep it plugged in all the time. Solar power can keep your batteries charged without the need for shore power, making it a great option for off-grid living. In this case, you can unplug and rely solely on your solar panels to provide energy.
Best Practices for Managing Your Trailer’s Electrical System
To ensure that your travel trailer’s electrical system stays in top shape, here are a few best practices:
- Use a Smart Battery Charger: A smart charger will stop charging once the battery is full, preventing overcharging and extending the life of your battery.
- Monitor the Battery Voltage: Regularly check the voltage of your trailer’s battery to make sure it’s not being overcharged or undercharged.
- Disconnect the Battery When Not in Use: If you’re storing your trailer for an extended period, disconnect the battery to prevent it from discharging or overcharging.
- Use Surge Protectors: Protect your trailer’s electrical system from power surges and spikes by using a surge protector designed for RVs.
FAQ: All Your Travel Trailer Electrical Questions Answered
Q1: Can I leave my travel trailer plugged in when not in use?
A1: Yes, you can leave your travel trailer plugged in when not in use. However, it’s important to ensure that the battery is being properly charged with a smart converter/charger to prevent overcharging.
Q2: How long can I leave my travel trailer plugged in?
A2: You can leave it plugged in for as long as needed, but it’s a good idea to check the battery regularly to ensure it’s not overcharged. If you’re storing the trailer for an extended period, it’s best to unplug it or disconnect the battery.
Q3: Does keeping my travel trailer plugged in all the time waste electricity?
A3: Yes, if you’re plugged into an outlet at home, it can increase your electricity bill. However, at RV parks or campgrounds, electricity is usually included in the cost.
Q4: What should I do when storing my travel trailer long-term?
A4: When storing long-term, it’s a good idea to disconnect the battery and unplug your trailer. You can also use a solar charger or battery maintainer to keep the battery charged if necessary.
Q5: Can solar power replace shore power?
A5: Yes, if your travel trailer is equipped with solar panels, you can rely on them to charge your battery and power your systems without the need to plug into shore power.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether or not you should keep your travel trailer plugged in all the time depends on your specific needs and how frequently you use your trailer. For those who use their RV regularly, keeping it plugged in can help maintain a charged battery and ensure that your systems are ready to go when you are. However, for those who store their RV long-term or use off-grid solutions like solar power, unplugging it might be the best choice.
No matter what, always prioritize regular maintenance and make sure your electrical system is well-protected. By following these guidelines, you’ll ensure that your travel trailer stays in excellent condition for many years to come. Safe travels!
