Battery swap-out procedure question

[Schiefswret]

Greetings all. I anticipate changing out my old(er) batteries today for two new AGM’s. I’m plugged into a dedicated 30Amp/110v circuit at my house where I store the RV. My question is; is there any danger associated with leaving the rig plugged in during the swap process (will also do some rust removal and painting in the same area) and what precautions would be recommended? I’m prepared to keep the Pos and Negs separate and secured but any other precautions or suggestions would be appreciated. Much thanks in advance.

[Cate&Rob]

Greetings all. I anticipate changing out my old(er) batteries today for two new AGM’s. I’m plugged into a dedicated 30Amp/110v circuit at my house where I store the RV. My question is; is there any danger associated with leaving the rig plugged in during the swap process (will also do some rust removal and painting in the same area) and what precautions would be recommended? I’m prepared to keep the Pos and Negs separate and secured but any other precautions or suggestions would be appreciated. Much thanks in advance.

Hi Dave,
It would definitely be safest to unplug shore power while changing the batteries. Not absolutely necessary but still a good idea. Is there a reason that you don't want to do this?
Rob

[Schiefswret]

Hey Rob, only reason is that our Son is staying in the RV for a week or so so I’d like to keep the fridge on (I know I can run off LP) and here in FL I keep the dehumidifier and the AC on most of the time. Otherwise no reason(s). Other than general safety concerns, is there any specific risks you can mention that I should be aware of? Additional comments/observations welcomed.

[howson]

Schiefswret -- when plugged into shore power the converter in your RV will generate 12vDC both to charge and supplement the battery. The converter's 12vDC will "sit" on your battery cable connections, even when disconnected from the battery. You might be able to use the battery disconnect to severe the converter/battery cable connection but testing with a multimeter is required to make sure.

Bottom line: don't give the "blue smoke" a path to escape from inside the wires.

Given the relatively short window required to swap batteries the safest method is to shut off all power.

[Schiefswret]

Gotcha. I’ve opted to secure the shore power and appreciate your advice. Thanks again and Stay safe.

[Cate&Rob]

Schiefswret

Hi Dave,

You do need 12V for the control circuits to run the fridge (on either electric or propane). As Howard notes, turning off the main battery switch will isolate "most" of the 12V circuits and leave these operating from the converter . . . if this is absolutely necessary. The safest is to disconnect shore power for the short time that it takes to change the batteries (in my opinion).

Rob

[Schiefswret]

Gotcha Rob. appreciate the input. Project completed. Took longer than anyone would imagine because I needed to wire brush off the peeling paint and rust caused by (I suspect) my overfilling the old flooded lead acid batteries. Installed two new AGM’s, cleaned connections where applicable, prepped and repainted the Battery Shackle locking mechanism and we are back in business. Next is to swap out the original / prior model Furrion Rear Observation Camera for the Furrion Vision S 7 inch model and we will be almost ready to go. Thanks all for the suggestions and advice of caution.