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
  • MEXICOWANDERER's avatar
    MEXICOWANDERER
    Explorer
    Jul 11, 2018
    A decent solar battery float system not only will maintain float voltage but will goose the batteries occasionally with higher voltage to stir the electrolyte. Sizing at 3% per total amp hour capacity is plenty. Cheap and solar management are two incompatible words -- but it's worth every penny.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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!
  • 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.
  • 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?

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