Solar to keep batteries charged in storage.
So we have the solar about done on the travel trailer. One of the reasons for solar was we can't plug in and keep the batteries charged between trips because have to have storage away from our home....
Forum Discussion
My 12V 85AH Interstate batteries here at my house are able to hold their charge for the entire winter months if I totally disconnect them from the system when not is use. When the batteries are completely turned OFF for the winter months they read around 12.6-7 VDC across the battery terminals. Then they may drop down to around 12.5VDC over the few months just sitting there. My main battery switch completely opens the battery circuit going to my trailer 12VDC distribution panel. In my case the only wiring I have still connected up is the feed for the Electric brake disconnect switch and the DC voltage to raise my POPUP roof. Both of these feeds are controlled by a manual operated control switch so there is no battery drain involved.
Also note the battery fluids will not freeze if they have a battery charge on them.
I always do a quick check on the batteries every few weeks doing this... When i see the battery drop below the 12.5VDC level I will go ahead and do a battery charge for a few days using a battery tender unit.
Complete disconnect of my battery bank works great for me here in Northern Virginia where we don't have many cold weather extremes.
I would go for the covered storage area if was available for me and I could afford it haha. You also may be able to use one of those small portable panels like that are used for running a yard light to give you a few volts to trickle charge your batteries over time. The covered RV lot may allow you to connect one those where it can get some high sun ??
Roy Ken
Also note the battery fluids will not freeze if they have a battery charge on them.
I always do a quick check on the batteries every few weeks doing this... When i see the battery drop below the 12.5VDC level I will go ahead and do a battery charge for a few days using a battery tender unit.
Complete disconnect of my battery bank works great for me here in Northern Virginia where we don't have many cold weather extremes.
I would go for the covered storage area if was available for me and I could afford it haha. You also may be able to use one of those small portable panels like that are used for running a yard light to give you a few volts to trickle charge your batteries over time. The covered RV lot may allow you to connect one those where it can get some high sun ??
Roy Ken
