Forum Discussion

falconman515's avatar
falconman515
Explorer
Aug 15, 2013

Okay To Leave Batteries Connected While Stored?

I have 2 6V batteries on my TT and they are in the box all connected with a strap around them and what not ... would be a pain to have to disconnect them when I take the TT to storage until the next camping trip (I of course will be taking out the batteries completely and storing them in the garage during winter and the trailer is not in use ... this is just a question about storing it from one camping trip this month to the next trip maybe a few weeks or month later).

Nothing of course is really on I would assume other then the built in LP detector and that's basically it when everything is turned off.

SO ... my question is .....

Is it better to disconnect the batteries when being stored outside for a few weeks at a time or should I disconnect them while in storage (and also depending on your answer why?)

Thanks so much for the info guys! :)

-Chris
  • 2edgesword's avatar
    2edgesword
    Explorer
    Aug 16, 2013
    I disconnect to avoid the battery drain from the CO2 detector and radio in addition to "someone" forgetting to turn a light off when they leave the trailer.
  • REDF350's avatar
    REDF350
    Explorer
    Aug 16, 2013
    Disconnect the battery. Too many small parasitic loads on my unit.
  • JRS___B's avatar
    JRS___B
    Explorer
    Aug 16, 2013
    There are a lot of 12 volt parasitic loads. Some you can find and shut off, like the booster on a bat wing antenna. But other 12 volt loads, like the electronics for a refrigerator, and carbon monoxide detector, maybe electronics for heating and cooling, and even an inverter is you have one, really require a battery disconnect switch.

    I only have one battery. I can come in off the road with the battery fully charged from 3 days driving on the interstate. Then, if I forget to flip the disconnect when I put it in storage, my battery won't have enough juice to open a slide out in just one day, maybe two.

    I would look hard and long for a place to conveniently locate a disconnect switch.
  • coolbreeze01's avatar
    coolbreeze01
    Explorer
    Aug 16, 2013
    My trailer has a battery disconnect switch by the sink. If it didn't, I would disconnect the batteries during storage. If storage was 4 plus months, I would pull the batteries and charge them at home once a month. Good luck.
  • mosseater's avatar
    mosseater
    Explorer II
    Aug 15, 2013
    I can only speak for my system. I have only one 12v battery, original and 5 years old. I always leave mine in the trailer and trailer plugged in year round. Only thing I ever do is check the water once a month and keep the connections clean. Unplugged, mine will drain it in about three days from gas detector and parasitic losses. If you can plug it in and are sure no one will mess with it, I'd let it plugged.
  • hmknightnc's avatar
    hmknightnc
    Explorer
    Aug 15, 2013
    Disconnect them. If you don't have a battery disconnect switch just remove the ground wire from the battery, that is all that is needed. Don't have to disconnect a whole bunch of other stuff
  • Bob_Olallawa's avatar
    Bob_Olallawa
    Explorer
    Aug 15, 2013
    Do you have a battery disconnect switch on the trailer or can you install one. Most any RV or marine store would have them.
  • Verne's avatar
    Verne
    Explorer
    Aug 15, 2013
    To me, it depends on where you're storing your TT. We have ours at home and we have it plugged in all winter and so, no problem. I wouldn't leave them connected, otherwise.
  • NanciL's avatar
    NanciL
    Explorer II
    Aug 15, 2013
    Not on your gas detector, but your radio will be causing a drain.
    I always disconnect mine between trips unless the trips are onloy a week apart.

    Jack L

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