Parkliner Power Mods

[neparker]

Just got my Parkliner back from a local RV repair person and I'm really pleased! (PM me if you're in eastern NC and would like a name -- he's great!!)

Mod #1: Battery cutoff. I've had a problem with parasitic loads on batteries when dry camping. (Refrig doesn't have a thermostat.)

Mod #2: Direct solar/battery connection. Wasn't getting much out of my Go Power portable solar panels using the 7-prong plug connection. Way better with a direct connection. He came up with a great access solution by running the supplied connector underneath the battery cover and up through the propane cover.

The challenge: My Parkliner batteries are stored in a case on the tongue, behind and slightly underneath the propane tanks. Accessing the batteries requires removing the propane and unbolting the battery cover. Sid did solve the unbolting problem, but it's still a pain to access the batteries.

[Wayne Collins]

Nice! I added a battery cut-off switch on ours too. Last winter the battery froze because it had discharged from the parasitic loads. Now it holds its charge well.

[gordon2]

Originally Posted by Wayne Collins

Nice! I added a battery cut-off switch on ours too. Last winter the battery froze because it had discharged from the parasitic loads. Now it holds its charge well.

It froze also in part because you did not maintain it. Keep in mind the battery will discharge all by its self, even if not connected to anything. Not nearly as fast as when there are "parasitic loads" of course, but one still must check it from time to time and top off the charge as needed or use a smart battery maintainer. A battery switch does not fully eliminate the need for periodic maintenance and charging.

[Wayne Collins]

Originally Posted by gordon2

It froze also in part because you did not maintain it. Keep in mind the battery will discharge all by its self, even if not connected to anything. Not nearly as fast as when there are "parasitic loads" of course, but one still must check it from time to time and top off the charge as needed or use a smart battery maintainer. A battery switch does not fully eliminate the need for periodic maintenance and charging.

NOT SO. As long as the top of the battery is clean and dry there is no electric connection between the posts. A fully charged battery will not freeze.
Dirt and moisture on there is the usual culprit. BUT it has to be disconnected.

[gordon2]

Originally Posted by Wayne Collins

NOT SO. As long as the top of the battery is clean and dry there is no electric connection between the posts. A fully charged battery will not freeze.
Dirt and moisture on there is the usual culprit. BUT it has to be disconnected.

http://www.gelcoservices.com.au/docs...ge%20Paper.pdf

[frank_a]

Gee, you folks don't pull your batteries in the winter? I always do, and keep them on a smart trickle charger. Then come spring, no worries, at least battery-power wise!

Frank

[Maria in MD]

Hi, I have no idea if this is going out as a pm, because I don't know what I'm doing <LOL>!. Can you PM the information on this person? I'm getting a new to me Parkliner and would like to have the name or place of someone that could do some thing's for me. Many thanks and happy camping.

[Wayne Collins]

What kind of work do you have in mind?

Any handyman, with tools should be able to help you.
But, if it involves LP gas, Electricity, or the water systems, you can find an RV/Camper service shop in your area.