What's best for batteries and winter storage?
I have 2 group 31 batteries, and want to know what is better for winter storage? #1 - I have the coach unplugged, the battery bypass OFF, and a battery tender on them... --- OR --- #2 - keep ...
Forum Discussion
I think it's really 6 of one and half-a-dozen of another. Either way will return the same results. The only difference is, if you leave the camper plugged into shore power, not only is there a draw on the camper converter, but you will also still have power to the microwave, the plugs, and any other appliance you may have plugged in all the time (like a television). Plus, with the battery kill switch still on, the DC volt items will still be have power, like the lights, the refrigerator, the Carbon Monoxide detector, any item that runs on 12 volt. This may be good in a way, as keeping some power to the electronics will help keep them a bit "warm" with electricity powered to them.
With the battery tender only, there's no AC voltage running through the camper and no DC items drawing a parasitic pull. Everything is dead if you are not plugged in.
The down side is, everything IS completely dead.(I call it "the down side" because I want the electronics to have some power, so they won't freeze to death. A little heat inside the electronics goes a LONG way when the temperatures are below freezing.
As far as keeping the battery charged, I don't think it makes any difference either way.
I keep mine plugged into shore power 24x7 (at home -- Indiana, even in the winter). Why bother with another item of equipment. I keep my battery tenders on my John Deere tractor with the snow blower and riding lawn mower! Use them where they are really needed.
With the battery tender only, there's no AC voltage running through the camper and no DC items drawing a parasitic pull. Everything is dead if you are not plugged in.
The down side is, everything IS completely dead.(I call it "the down side" because I want the electronics to have some power, so they won't freeze to death. A little heat inside the electronics goes a LONG way when the temperatures are below freezing.
As far as keeping the battery charged, I don't think it makes any difference either way.
I keep mine plugged into shore power 24x7 (at home -- Indiana, even in the winter). Why bother with another item of equipment. I keep my battery tenders on my John Deere tractor with the snow blower and riding lawn mower! Use them where they are really needed.
