how long let b sit before starting

[gerrym51]

I'm getting a zion(roadtrek promastr).

i will have to store away from the house.

anyone do this and have problems starting the van after-1 week,2 weeks,3 weeks etc.

if you have no outside power hookup do you use a solar battery tender
etc.

i will have no problem going once a week to start the van but i wonder if people go longer and can still start it without using other charge methods.

thanks

[My_Roadtrek]

Newer cars/Van have a lot more electronics using the battery, so my opinion is, if it's going to be longer than 2 weeks, I would disconnect the battery. You will loose your radios presets though.
Just starting the van isn't going to recharge the battery, so depending on how discharged the battery is will determine how long you need to run the engine. Keep in mind the discharging can be cumulative, so try not to let it get below 50% before getting back up to 90%. If you test the battery, after running the engine, give it about 20 minutes or so to remove the surface charge to get an accurate reading.
On my Wrangler, if I'm not going to use it for a week or so I connect the Battery Tender.
Here in AZ batteries don't last very long, so I do as much as I can to prolong them. Both my cars 2010, and 2011 have gone through the OEM batteries. Of course OEM batteries aren't usually the best.

[BudJ]

Hi gerrym51,

I think that you may find obtaining an answer difficult. I would call the manufacturer of the Van, but even then good luck.

I have an 05 Chevrolet Express Van and can go a month and do, no problem. But those with about 08-10, no way. A few days or a week at most.

My guess is that you would probably have to just find out. IF you really like this RV, buy it and find out. If a short time, use a trickle charger. If no 110v A/C to do this, you must find out before purchase.

Good luck obtaining a definitive answer.

Bud

[truepath]

I have an old Chevrolet van I have used for years as a camper. I park it in November (outside in Minnesota), remove the battery (or use a trickle charger) and don't start it again until April. That has work for 20 years. I do the same thing with my newer Dodge based B and again, I have had no issue getting either running in the spring. Be sure the tires are aired up in the fall and be sure to check them again in the spring. Park on a solid surface (not grass). I always change the engine oil in the fall before storing and obviously you want to have the RV well winterized before putting it to bed for the winter. I used to always fret about leaving the vehicle(s) sit all winter, but experience has taught me that fretting over this is a waste of energy.

[midnightsadie]

I,d disconnect one battery cable. with both hooked up ,it will run the battery down.

[K_Charles]

When we go away for a few months our car always starts when we get home. A battery will last a long time if there is no drain on it.