[SteveC7010]

Originally Posted by 59kaddy

why would the manufacturer do that? does it not make sense that when I am towing or just plugged in to shore power that all electrical is off while trying to charge rather than all electrical being on and draining as we charge?

Unless you left all the lights on, what would be draining so much that has you worried? Normal vampire drains are usually just the propane detector and the back light on the am/fm. The fridge will pull a tiny bit if you travel with it on as will the water heater. I don't see any significant "drains" in those items that is not more than compensated for by the charge line from the truck.

These electrical systems are designed to be fully operational all the time with the batteries online. Charging takes place when connected to the shoreline which powers the convertor which charges the batteries. It also takes place when you plug in the 7 pin for towing. Unplug the charging source and the batteries continue to power the system uninterrupted and pretty much invisible. It is the way it is supposed to be.

Many of us use battery switches to completely disengage the batteries for storage or repairs. But they are not a necessity. You can disconnect the ground at the battery to shut it down for storage or repairs almost as easily.