Forum Discussion

zorro1's avatar
zorro1
Explorer
Nov 20, 2014

12 volt battery

Hello folks... have a basic question here and would be very interested in your comments as I am brand new to rv's. I recently bought a Winnebago travel trailer Minnie 2201DS. it comes with a 12 v battery and we store this at a facility that has no power. I have no way to run a trickle charge on this and the radio and carbon dioxide lights stay on. Over the winter I am afraid I will draw the battery down so I unhooked it.
I was looking into a small solar unit that might be able to keep a charge on the battery.
Has anyone used one of these or does anyone have any other thoughts. Your comments would be most appreciated.
Thx.............Peter

13 Replies

  • zorro1's avatar
    zorro1
    Explorer
    Nov 21, 2014
    Thanks folks.. this is great info. I will take it home and put a charge on it and also look into a disconnect.... Thanks for the advice!
    I will probably be looking for a generator as I plan to camp off the grid as well. I would want something strong enough to run the A/C. IF anyone ahs any experience or suggestions I would move to hear... I am in a 27'ft TT.
    Great Forum....
  • skipnchar's avatar
    skipnchar
    Explorer
    Nov 21, 2014
    If the battery in disconnected and it's fully charged when you do it, it should stay charged for at least several months.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Nov 21, 2014
    And if you disconnect cables.......MARK them so when you hook battery back up you don't reverse the cables and then have to post "Why don't I have DC Power" :B
  • opnspaces's avatar
    opnspaces
    Navigator III
    Nov 21, 2014
    If the battery is fully charged you should be able to just disconnect it and leave it be. If you are concerned about it you could bring it home and trickle charge it. If you want to use a small solar panel like you are talking about then you will want to still make sure you disconnect the battery.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Nov 20, 2014
    If you do get solar think 100 watts and a good controller as a minimum for the effort.
    Even with solar I recommend a switch to cut power to the trailer.

    Disconnected should be fine. Home on a small charger is probably best.
  • Dakota98's avatar
    Dakota98
    Explorer
    Nov 20, 2014
    Old-Biscuit wrote:
    Bring battery home and trickle charge over winter.

    2 for 1
    Battery stays charged and doesn't get stolen


    X 2

    Also, install a battery discount switch for in the future during your season of use. Take a little time and read this article concerning the proper procedure & care of the battery. Obtain a hydrometer & inexpensive multimeter, you will need both. Do not rely upon your coach battery monitoring system - It LIES. :E

    Battery care & maintenance

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