Battery Storage

I remove my 2 golf cart batts, bring em home and top off fluids then onto a battery tender monthly. Could charge em and leave them in the rig...but like LP tanks they are at risk of theft so I eliminate that possibility.

If you are going to regularly check their condition while in storage, it's fine to leave them plugged in.

But, if you honestly won't think about them until next season, charge them up, disconnect, leave in place or bring into an appropriate indoor location.

pianotuna wrote:
fully charge, and disconnect. Leave them in the RV.

X2 That's what I do. I leave them for 3-4 months every Winter. Never had a problem.

B.O.

Super_Dave wrote:
My experience is that no matter how smart the charger, it will evap a wet cell battery over time if left connected 24/7/365.

Trust me, a good one won't.
But that depends on how MUCH time is involved.
A large wet cell battery should be good for 6 months or more with a good battery tender.

Personally, I use the on-board battery disconnect with my batteries fully charged. I have a Pulse Tech "smart" solar charger on them. This charger is designed to be left in place long-term, for emergency vehicles that don't get used much and for backup generators and other fixed engines. So far, water loss has been very minimal.

Lyle

4x4ord wrote:
Leaving them in the trailer disconnected makes sense to me. They are Costco wet cell batteries.

Although mine are two 12 volt Kirkland Costco wet cell batteries, they are going on 9 years old, and they have been plugged in 24/7 when not in use.

Just got back from a week of hunting, and dry camping . They worked great ran the furnace all night, every night, and they held up well. Recharged during the day with a generator. I am amazed they have held up as well as they have this long. Don't know what the secret is , I keep the water level up, and as said plugged in 24/7 .

Per our tech, leave them in the RV and plugged in. Check them regularly and maintain them, especially during freezing months.

4x4ord wrote:
Leaving them in the trailer disconnected makes sense to me. They are Costco wet cell batteries.

Then when you want to use your trailer batteries are not at full capacity. I leave mine plugged all the time and check water levels a couple of times in summer months. Winter not so much.

Super_Dave wrote:
My experience is that no matter how smart the charger, it will evap a wet cell battery over time if left connected 24/7/365.

And thats why you need to keep an eye on water levels especially in summer months. Leave it plugged in...

Super_Dave wrote:
My experience is that no matter how smart the charger, it will evap a wet cell battery over time if left connected 24/7/365.

If you ignore it yes, not if you keep a check on things.