Forum Discussion

msmith1199's avatar
msmith1199
Explorer II
Oct 29, 2014

Storage and Batteries

I've never had to store my RV before so I've always had access to electrical power for it. But on the occasion where I have let it sit for a month or so without being plugged in usually my chassis batteries go dead and the house batteries get weak.

To the question, I'm going to need to store my motorhome at an indoor facility I found, but they have no electrical to the units. So what's the best way to make sure I don't have dead batteries every time I go to use the motorhome? I have a disconnect switch for the house batteries and it seems to work well, but there is no similar switch for the chassis batteries. Is there an easy way to hook up a disconnect switch for the chassis battery or is it just as easy to remove the cables? With the cables removed should the batteries keep their charge for one to two months? I likely won't go that long between uses, but you never know.

18 Replies

  • Ivylog's avatar
    Ivylog
    Explorer III
    ksg5000 wrote:
    For about $10 you can buy a battery disconnect switch which connects to the battery post.

    A $10 switch is not up to the 1000+ amps that your Cat needs to start. It is capable of disconnecting the smaller wire that powers the loads that drain your battery. Are you sure you do not have a switch near your engine batteries?
  • Use the house battery disconnect switch and unhook the negative cable on the chassis battery. Should be fine for a few months if they have a good charge when you park it.
  • They sell small solar panels that plug into your cig lighter. This will keep the batts trickle charged. They work good. Also battery minder sells a desulphator with a panel that works great.
  • MountainAir05 wrote:
    take the negative battery cable loose on each bank. But the battery has to be fully charge and in good shape. I have started pulling mine and take home and charge every month.


    The Chassis batteries on a DP weigh about 600 pounds each!! Okay, they aren't that heavy, but for an old guy like me they sure as heck feel that heavy when trying to lift them. I'm going to guess close to 100 pounds. So taking them home isn't an option for me.
  • ksg5000 wrote:
    For about $10 you can buy a battery disconnect switch which connects to the battery post and you then connect the existing battery cable to the switch - easy peasy. Disconnecting the cable also works.


    Didn't know it was that easy. I'll look for one of those.
  • take the negative battery cable loose on each bank. But the battery has to be fully charge and in good shape. I have started pulling mine and take home and charge every month.
  • For about $10 you can buy a battery disconnect switch which connects to the battery post and you then connect the existing battery cable to the switch - easy peasy. Disconnecting the cable also works.