Batteries

Fabguy wrote:

owenssailor wrote:

The best way to store batteries is to have them fully charged, make sure there is NO load on them and leave them in a cold dark place.

This is the correct answer

Agreed, correct info there.

Even if you have a 6 month long "winter", those batteries may have sat on dealers shelf for 6 months with no charging or care.

owenssailor wrote:

The best way to store batteries is to have them fully charged, make sure there is NO load on them and leave them in a cold dark place.

This is the correct answer

For several years now I just make sure they are fully charged, (both 5th wheel and the boat battery), and leave them for the entire Michigan winter as is, installed in the boat/rv. I do have isolator switches so they are totally isolated from any possible drain. I have yet to have an issue but I'm sure that the occasional charging or maintenance charge would be preferable

There is so much BS on this forum regarding winter storage of batteries that it boggles the mind.

The best way to store batteries is to have them fully charged, make sure there is NO load on them and leave them in a cold dark place.

If you really want to lug them home put them in your deep freezer.

I have been leaving the batteries in my sailboat on board over the winter for the last 38 years. Charge them in the fall, disconnect all loads and come back to happy batteries in the spring. I have no interest in lugging batteries from the bilge to the deck, down a ladder and along a dock in order to put them into a warm place where they do need battery tenders.

Last winter I charged the batteries Nov 10 and checked them Apr 10. They were at 90% - same as every other year.

The critical piece is to fully charge and the DISCONNECT ALL LOADS.

Make your life simple

I agree with Coach-man...I bought a panel and controller from Northern Tool and as my 5th wheel sits in the storage lot it keeps my 2 x 6 volt batteries at around 12.6 volts during the winter.

The only concern would be if my panel suddenly "grows legs" and disappears.

Larry

Solar panel and a battery minder to prevent overcharge. You state outdorr storage so you will get some light, northern tool sells that package for about $150.

I second the suggestion to disconnect your batteries and reconnect them when you fire up your generator. Running the generator once a month is a really good idea and it should charge your batteries. Put a load on your generator when you are running it. I turn on my ac's - which should be run now and then. I run mine for an hour.

Make sure they're charged and then disconnect the battery cables. Mine last just fine that way in my DP.

The three batteries in my rig pictured below get used during Sept moose hunting, the battery disconnect flipped (which unlike most MHs, kills everything) and then it sits for 11 month until next hunting season. The batteries lasted 9 years. I changed them two years ago.

Bill

100 watts solar and a controller would be best IMO.
Also need a cut-off switch to eliminate all parasitic drain.

Trails And Tails wrote:
I'm new to the RV world, but I live in an appartment and will be leaving our Class C in an outdoor storage lot when not in use. My plan for winter battery maintenance is to visit the storage, once a month or so, to run the generator. It's my understanding that is a good thing to do. While the generator is running, I'll put a charger on the batteries to top them off. Right or wrong that's my plan.

Be willing to bet that the batteries will charge straight off the genny; no charger needed. Double-check to be sure, though.

Lyle