Batteries on of off

[Mtn_Mike1]

This will be the first time that I leave the motorhome on the lot in Florida. What is the consensus on turning my coach and chassis batteries off.
I will be on shore power for the 6 months I'm gone and don't know it the batteries should be left on or off.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Mike

[midnightsadie]

x2 you just never no.

[ArchHoagland]

Florida...First thing that comes to my mind is thunderstorms, then hurricanes, then tornadoes.

If it was mine it would NOT be connected to power.

I'd disconnect the fully charged batteries and then show up a day early to take it out of storage and charge the batteries.

[time2roll]

Top off the water and leave them on. Check that the chassis battery is actually getting a charge.

[jdc1]

garym114 wrote:
Just disconnect the batteries, no need for shore power.
Disconnect by removing the ground cable.

And use a small trickle charger to maintain them.

[DrewE]

garym114 wrote:
Just disconnect the batteries, no need for shore power.
Disconnect by removing the ground cable.

Six months (or even three months) disconnected in Florida summer temperatures will cause them to self-discharge a lot...most likely to the point of permanent damage. Six months in subfreezing temperatures is far, far less of a problem.

[garym114]

Just disconnect the batteries, no need for shore power.
Disconnect by removing the ground cable.

[dougrainer]

Your year Model has an Inverter/Charger. Your Coach battery disconnect does NOT turn the batteries OFF from the Inverter/Charger. While plugged into 120 shore the Inverter/Charger will be trickle charging the coach batteries. Your year model, Monaco may NOT have optioned the Bi directional relay that would also trickle charge the Chassis batteries. Regardless, I would install a battery maintainer on the chassis for the months you plan to store. So, disconnect the Coach battery by the ON/OFF switch and your coach batteries will be charged and maintained. Use the link to see just one type of battery maintainer. Doug

https://www.batterytender.com/Battery-Tender-Junior-12V-0-75A

[opnspaces]

Is there a reason that you need to leave the coach plugged in for the 6 months? If the refrigerator is not going to be left running then there is really no reason to leave the coach plugged in.

But if you want to leave the coach plugged in to keep the batteries charged up, we would need to know the make and model of the converter/charger unit.

[wolfe10]

You will need to tell us exactly what converter or inverter/charger you have.

If a smart one and will maintain the batteries at around 13.0-13.2 VDC leave it plugged in. Yes, that is where you want it in summer temps. Higher if cooler temps.

If not, disconnect, but in 6 months, expect their self-discharge rate to pretty well deplete them.

[Lwiddis]

What is your controller’s make and model?