Forum Discussion

dave14117's avatar
dave14117
Explorer
Jul 11, 2018

Unused batteries discharging; is solar trickle the answer?

Have two fifth wheels and since using them we've almost always been on shore power or generator, I think I've been delusional thinking the batteries in the rigs are working. They're unused for months at a time and I've noticed that when we are dry camping, the batteries are no-go. Thought it was just the WFCO converters, but maybe not -- can even deep cycle batteries survive so much time off power? Currently trying to get 3 year old Costco batteries working; they won't keep a charge even out of the RV after being on a car charger.

Question is whether a solar trickle charger is an answer. (No power where we store these rigs.)

Thanks
  • Sam_Spade's avatar
    Sam_Spade
    Explorer
    Jul 12, 2018
    MEXICOWANDERER wrote:

    Does a reasonably priced controller exist that not only maintains batteries at the correct voltage but weekly or bi-weekly give a surge of voltage for perhaps a half hour?


    IF.....it really does "maintain them at the correct (float) voltage", what exactly makes you think that the other part is in any way necessary or beneficial ? Except maybe for trying to eek out a few extra months from batteries that are mostly worn out already.
  • MEXICOWANDERER's avatar
    MEXICOWANDERER
    Explorer
    Jul 11, 2018
    Intermediate Question

    Does a reasonably priced controller exist that not only maintains batteries at the correct voltage but weekly or bi-weekly give a surge of voltage for perhaps a half hour?
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Jul 11, 2018
    Yes solar works great. Forget the tiny trickle panels. For the effort get 100 to 200 watts and a good controller.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Jul 11, 2018
    My TT batteries are maintained with a small solar panel and controller from WindyNation when at rest and covered. This system is completely separate and hooked directly to my two T125 batteries. Works great!
  • Housted's avatar
    Housted
    Explorer III
    Jul 11, 2018
    We have a permanent site 5er in the mountains. A 50 watt solar panel works well to keep the two 12 volt batteries trickle charged. I have a battery disconnect so that there is nothing connected but the solar when we are not there. Has maintained the batts for over 2 years with little loss of water and they are fully charged when we arrive. I did tilt the panel for optimum exposure to the sun.

    Housted
  • fitznj's avatar
    fitznj
    Explorer
    Jul 11, 2018
    I keep my TT at the back of my property and have 2 x 100W panels which keep the batteries fully charger when stored. I take the panels with me if I'm dry camping.

    I also have a battery disconnect switch - batteries consistently stay at 12.9.
  • Sam_Spade's avatar
    Sam_Spade
    Explorer
    Jul 11, 2018
    All 3 of the previous answers are correct in their own right.
    You just need to pick the one that best suits you.

    And it looks like your present batteries are toast.

    At a minimum you need new batteries and a multi-meter to test them and your converter.

    P.S. If the battery disconnect switch is left in the OFF position, your 12 V stuff will work on shore power or gen but the batteries will never charge.
  • BFL13's avatar
    BFL13
    Explorer II
    Jul 11, 2018
    You other choice it to take the batts home and keep them on a maintainer there. Solar is better, since you can also use it while camping if you get more solar than needed just for storage.

About Technical Issues

Having RV issues? Connect with others who have been in your shoes.24,234 PostsLatest Activity: Apr 11, 2025