What are the proper ways to keep batteries charged.

Thank you all for the feedback. I think I will stay with the system I am using (battery tenders). Since that seems to be the simplest way and I am already doing that. I just wanted to make sure I was not overlooking a better way or missing out on something. Again, thanks for the input, it is all greatly appreciated.

How long does you MH sit in between use? The longest mine sits is 4 mos over the winter. I fully charge and disconnect batteries and recharge in the spring. In the summer I use it every 3-4 weeks so they get fully charged after a trip disconnected and float charged for several days prior to the next trip. Any technique described so for will work.

It depends on several things

Open lot: Solar may work, Make sure you have a properly programmed controller
You have power in the storage facility: Your converter.. if you have a good quality converter like any of the Progressive Dynamics Wizard models this is #1 on the good idea list.. Just plug in.. In my case I can plug in JUST the converter if I wish to make sure I limit current draw.

If you have an older rig with say a Magnetek 6300... NOT a good idea

If no power in the storage lot and solar not an option

First, using a small can of RED spray paint (Testors is good) Spray down the positive wires on the batteries... Use Black on the negative.. now photograph and allow to dry

Remove batteries to a place you can store them WITH POWER

Set them on a slab of scrap wood (Reason in a minute)
Use a "Battery Minder" or "Battery Tender"

Why set 'em on scrap wood

MYTH: Setting on concrete will damage the battery... Well perhaps once but not today

Truth: Setting on concrete MAY damage the concreate, if the battery leaks a bit a floor is expensive to replace, be it Con create, Wood, Vinyl or other. (Cermaic or glazed clay tile is usually fairly hard to damage)

Scrap wood on the other hand.. Is very very cheap (Definition of SCRAP) and thus easily replaced at no cost.

J-Rooster wrote:

pianotuna wrote:
Hi,

I chose to install a modest solar system. My batteries love it.

X-2

X - 3
Always follow the battery manufacturers instructions.

What Brett said. On my coach, when on shore power, the charger charges the coach batteries. However, if putting out 13.3v or more, the charge goes through to the chassis batteries and charges them as well.

Hopefully if flooded cells you're keeping the water topped off. I have to add water every few weeks during the summer. Other than that everything else that was said here.

https://flow-rite.com/battery-watering/marine-rv/pro-fill-rv

I have a marine charger/maintainer hooked to my TT battery 24/7/365.
bumpy

The best way to extend battery life is keep them under float charger at constant 13.5V for flooded batteries.
That said, I had my motorhome in storage, so when taking chassis batteries home for charging, I left house batteries disconnected.
The cheap golf-cart batteries had periods when for 10 or 12 months have not been charged.
Lasted me 12 years.
What I think was also important was the charging voltage of my (expensive) inverter-charger. In 12 years I remember adding water only once or twice.

pianotuna wrote:
Hi,

I chose to install a modest solar system. My batteries love it.

X-2

Battery Tender brand chargers are excellent. Still I prefer solar.
You are doing it right.