Forum Discussion

Campinfan's avatar
Campinfan
Explorer III
Nov 03, 2023

batteries in the winter

Ok, so another battery question. The motor home I may buy next week has 2 12 volt batteries in it, not that that makes a difference in my question. I will be storing my unit at home and have a pedestal with 30 amp service.(It was installed when a previous trailer was 30 amp). Over the winter I have some options. Should I leave the MH plugged in all winter and the batteries connected. If I do this, I have a new Battery Minder (not a battery tender that only trickle charges) that keeps the batteries from sulfating---should I attach that to the batteries too or or should I disconnect the batteries, and just use the battery minder. And if I do that, can I leave them in the rig or should I bring them in the house. I am thinking I should bring them in and use the battery minder.
I am open to suggestions. Thanks all.
Class A

16 Replies

Show More
  • RLS7201's avatar
    RLS7201
    Explorer II
    Nov 03, 2023
    There is no reason to remove the batteries for winter. If you have a smart charger/inverter then just plug in and check the water once or twice during the winter. If you only have a one stare charger, put a timer on its power cord and set it for 2 hours a day.
    My coach is plugged in during the winter and the batteries only come out when needing to be changed. Kip It Simple..........

    Richard
  • TenOC's avatar
    TenOC
    Nomad
    Nov 03, 2023
    I would keep them plugged to shore power so that they are fully charged. I think (?) SULFATING only happen if less than fully charged and high temp
  • KD4UPL's avatar
    KD4UPL
    Explorer II
    Nov 03, 2023
    Turn off your battety disconnect and just leave the batteries in the MH. No nred for a charger as there is no discharge. If they won't hold a charge all winter disconnected they need replacing.
  • midnightsadie's avatar
    midnightsadie
    Explorer II
    Nov 03, 2023
    my rv sit,s in a pole bldg coach plugged in eng battery on a tender,do nothing with coach batteries. meter says 13.3 thats ok with me.
  • way2roll's avatar
    way2roll
    Navigator III
    Nov 03, 2023
    I always brought my batteries in the garage on shelf with a trickle charger in the winter if I wasn't going to be using it for a while. An ounce of prevention...
    • Cybergrunt's avatar
      Cybergrunt
      Nomad
      Nov 24, 2023

      Same here. RV and mower batteries spend the winter lined up on garage work bench, all get several hours of trickle charge once a month.

About Motorhome Group

38,738 PostsLatest Activity: Jul 25, 2025