Forum Discussion

gmatti's avatar
gmatti
Explorer
Nov 14, 2019

Winter Storage

We have a 2017 Winnebago Forza 36G with a Magnum Energy MS2000 3 Stage Inverter. We store this coach in an attached garage without heat. We would like to keep it plugged in this winter and plan to turn off both the chassis and coach battery switches. Should we also turn off the inverter? Thank you.
  • Our rig is plugged in 24/7 365. Both chassis and house batterie switches on, main cutoff switch on to power the "converter" to charge the batteries. Inverter doesn't need to be on.
  • Fully charged batteries won’t freeze. Is that your question?
  • Thank you for the replys. I guess I should have stated what my Operators Manual has to say about "Storage".

    When placing the RV into storage, it is recommended that you perform the following:
    1. Connect AC power
    2. Verify the inverter is switched OFF
    3. Switch OFF all unnecessary AC & DC
    loads.

    Not knowing much of anything about electric I am looking for advise as it pertains to what the book is telling me.
  • 2) You should have a separate switch that turns just the invertor off. It is most likely on the invertor display panel. There is no need for it to be on because you are on shore power.

    3) I believe (could be wrong) but they are referring to things like the ant. power boost, frig, water heater, TV, etc. things that draw power. There will always be some 12v draw and 110 draw but you have taken down most it.

    Remember to check your battery water levels monthly
  • With power electrical available cycle the inverter side of the Magnum MS2000 OFF and leave the battery switches ON. With the coach asleep for the winter you won't need the inverter in a ready/standby state to come online if case of a power failure.

    Keeping the battery switches ON will allow the converter/charger side of the Magnum to keep the batteries fully charged. Check the battery water level from time to time the same as you would during the summer.

    If you did not have AC power available then the battery switches should be switched to OFF.
  • Dale.Traveling wrote:
    With power electrical available cycle the inverter side of the Magnum MS2000 OFF and leave the battery switches ON. With the coach asleep for the winter you won't need the inverter in a ready/standby state to come online if case of a power failure.

    Keeping the battery switches ON will allow the converter/charger side of the Magnum to keep the batteries fully charged. Check the battery water level from time to time the same as you would during the summer.

    If you did not have AC power available then the battery switches should be switched to OFF.


    Excellant advise do not turn the battery switches off if it is plugged in
  • rr2254545 wrote:
    Excellant advise do not turn the battery switches off if it is plugged in


    RR, I also have a 36M. You might be interested to know that my Winnebago manual says not to leave it plugged in all the time in storage. They mention battery sulfation as the issue. They recommend storing unplugged with both battery disconnect switches activated, then plugging in and charging once a month.
  • Magnum is a really good inverter/charger, and this from Crown battery says keep them charged to prevent sulfation. I can see a cheap charger causing a problem, but most battery manufacturers recommend trickle chargers on batteries during long periods of storage.

    https://www.crownbattery.com/news/sulfation-and-battery-maintenance