Disconnect batteries?

dvv711 wrote:
We just got our new 42'6" long rv - our first. It is being stored in the park where we will live in it 6 mos of the year, beginning in May. Two questions: 1) When connected to shore power, should the batteries still be connected, getting charged the whole time - or will they overcharge? There is something called a 'smart battery combiner' installed & an inverter.
2) Secondly, when it's not connected to the shore line, and everything is shut down for months at a time, do we turn the 'disconnect batteries' lever to "off" ? Will the batteries freeze? Do we have to physically remove the batteries & store them somewhere warm?
I know nothing about electricity or batteries...need to know how to properly handle the batteries.
The rv is solar-prepped for a plug n play type solar panel that would sit on the ground. This could generate enough juice to keep the batteries charged...but not sure how to use this with/without shore power. Not sure if that's what we should do or not.
HELP.

Lot of comments here for you...I'll make mine simple and easy.

To your questions;

1. When connected to 'shore' power leave your batteries connected. Keeps them charged and also if there is a shore power outage you will be able to do a few things with the rig via your batteries and you don't have to reconnect them.

2. You say you will be using your rv starting in May for 6 months at a time. Since it looks like you live in upstate NY that means freezing temps over the winter months when you are not using it. Easy solution for the batteries...take them home with you and give them a trickle charge from time to time. Years ago when I did that I put them on a couple of boards so they were not sitting on the cement floor in the basement.

Good luck and enjoy.