removing batteries for winter.
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Sep-20-2015 09:01 AM
Thanks,
Bill W
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Sep-21-2015 03:36 PM
Bill W
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Sep-21-2015 11:21 AM
pianotuna wrote:
Hi Mile High,
Converters are crude compared to solar charge controllers. For one thing they don't do temperature compensation. Where I live it gets to -40. At -40, 13.2 volts would actually discharge a battery bank.
In an ideal world fully charge in the fall by plugging in for one week, then disconnect the battery bank and leave it in place.
There is also no guaranty that either of the users has not 'flatten' their batteries during summer time use. Batteries don't do well with such an approach.Mile High wrote:pianotuna wrote:I'm not clear on how that solved the issue? Both the guys that had the failures over winter said they were plugged in so they were already charging them.
I solved the issue by adding a modest solar system. The batteries lasted 10 years.
A thanks, I understand what you are saying now. I imagine for those that store indoors like myself, a much improved plug in battery conditioner/charger might be the ticket.
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Sep-21-2015 11:16 AM
arnko37 wrote:Made me laugh! I think all of us have done those kind of goofs...
HERE IS WHAT NOT TO DO. I left the batteries in my motorhome for the winter thinking the solar maintenance charger on the roof would keep them up. Then I parked the unit inside a barn where no light could reach the solar charger. In the spring the batteries were froze and split open.
I leave mine in the trailer all winter (2 12volters)but I specifically bought a charger/converter with a built in battery maintainer (including a desulfater) and leave the trailer plugged in. I ran a 20A line from the house panel to the trailer to serve that purpose, as well as power for our 'guest room'.
No problems in 15 years or so...
Tim
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Sep-21-2015 05:53 AM
I don't believe in keeping the RV plugged into 120 either even though it has a 30 amp plug where it is stored.
I installed a remote batt cut off switch (batt is a PITA to get to). So when the RV is in storage the batt is turned off and a batt maintainer is hooked to it.
However you have to do what makes you comfortable. All of those batts out there in the barn are outside dogs. :W
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Sep-20-2015 09:49 PM
Converters are crude compared to solar charge controllers. For one thing they don't do temperature compensation. Where I live it gets to -40. At -40, 13.2 volts would actually discharge a battery bank.
In an ideal world fully charge in the fall by plugging in for one week, then disconnect the battery bank and leave it in place.
There is also no guaranty that either of the users has not 'flatten' their batteries during summer time use. Batteries don't do well with such an approach.
Mile High wrote:pianotuna wrote:I'm not clear on how that solved the issue? Both the guys that had the failures over winter said they were plugged in so they were already charging them.
I solved the issue by adding a modest solar system. The batteries lasted 10 years.
My ride is a 28 foot Class C, 256 watts solar, 556 amp-hours of Telcom jars, 3000 watt Magnum hybrid inverter, Sola Basic Autoformer, Microair Easy Start.
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Sep-20-2015 08:44 PM
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Sep-20-2015 08:32 PM
Fully charged batteries are happier in very cold temps than in warm environments. The self discharge rate is very low in freezing conditions. For more than 30 years I have left the batteries on my sailboat over the winter here in Ontario. Fully charged in Nov. See them again in April. Make sure there is absolutely no load on the batteries. They have always been fine. Most boaters here leave their batteries in the boat.
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Sep-20-2015 05:35 PM
pianotuna wrote:I'm not clear on how that solved the issue? Both the guys that had the failures over winter said they were plugged in so they were already charging them.
I solved the issue by adding a modest solar system. The batteries lasted 10 years.
2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara Towed
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Sep-20-2015 02:47 PM
My ride is a 28 foot Class C, 256 watts solar, 556 amp-hours of Telcom jars, 3000 watt Magnum hybrid inverter, Sola Basic Autoformer, Microair Easy Start.
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Sep-20-2015 01:13 PM
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Sep-20-2015 01:07 PM
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Sep-20-2015 01:00 PM
walker2413 wrote:I side with you on this. I'm not convinced long periods of cold weather, charged or not, is good for batteries. Neither is hot weather.
Over the last 6 years I have left my batteries in the trailer over the winter with it plugged in. In August I just installed my 3rd set of batteries, so I figured it is time to take them out over the winter.
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Sep-20-2015 12:07 PM
You might check that. The alternative might be to just charge the batteries direct off a smart battery maintenance charger and disconnect from the trailer, but leave the batteries in place.
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Sep-20-2015 11:26 AM
Bill W