Solar to keep batteries charged in storage.

We also have to store our RV pretty far from where we live. We recently installed solar and it has been a game changer ( I hate that phrase) in more ways than I thought it would be. Easier to dry camp, far less generator use, and a healthy and happy battery all the time. Congrats! You are gonna love it.

jesseannie wrote:
So we have the solar about done on the travel trailer.
One of the reasons for solar was we can't plug in and keep the batteries charged between trips because have to have storage away from our home.
I was looking for a new storage spot and all they had was covered spaces.
I said OK even though it was more money.
My lovely interrupted me before I made the deal and said so patiently. *Honey the solar panels wont work under COVER*
DUH!!!
So with that great advice we are still looking for UNCOVERED storage.

Cost aside I'd take the covered storage, not bother with trying to maintain the batteries with solar while in storage, and instead take them home with me to maintain between trips. JMO, but your trailer will survive much better over the long term if under cover and protected from the sun.

For the first time in years I winter stored our trailer indoors and there's no question in my mind it survived much better being totally protected from the harsh winter elements so I'll be planning to do the same next winter. If I could I'd jump at the chance to store under cover during the camping season but such facilities in our area just aren't available at a cost I can afford. If you have that opportunity and can afford it I'd go for it. :)

My 12V 85AH Interstate batteries here at my house are able to hold their charge for the entire winter months if I totally disconnect them from the system when not is use. When the batteries are completely turned OFF for the winter months they read around 12.6-7 VDC across the battery terminals. Then they may drop down to around 12.5VDC over the few months just sitting there. My main battery switch completely opens the battery circuit going to my trailer 12VDC distribution panel. In my case the only wiring I have still connected up is the feed for the Electric brake disconnect switch and the DC voltage to raise my POPUP roof. Both of these feeds are controlled by a manual operated control switch so there is no battery drain involved.

Also note the battery fluids will not freeze if they have a battery charge on them.

I always do a quick check on the batteries every few weeks doing this... When i see the battery drop below the 12.5VDC level I will go ahead and do a battery charge for a few days using a battery tender unit.

Complete disconnect of my battery bank works great for me here in Northern Virginia where we don't have many cold weather extremes.

I would go for the covered storage area if was available for me and I could afford it haha. You also may be able to use one of those small portable panels like that are used for running a yard light to give you a few volts to trickle charge your batteries over time. The covered RV lot may allow you to connect one those where it can get some high sun ??

Roy Ken

Disconnect your batteries prior to storage; Fully charged batteries won't lose much charge over the winter; My batteries are disconnected while in storage - I checked yesterday - 12.6V;

Take the covered storage - 2 batteries are cheaper than a deteriorated and sun damaged camper

Cost aside I'd take the covered storage, not bother with trying to maintain the batteries with solar while in storage, and instead take them home with me to maintain between trips. JMO, but your trailer will survive much better over the long term if under cover and protected from the sun.

For the first time in years I winter stored our trailer indoors and there's no question in my mind it survived much better being totally protected from the harsh winter elements so I'll be planning to do the same next winter. If I could I'd jump at the chance to store under cover during the camping season but such facilities in our area just aren't available at a cost I can afford. If you have that opportunity and can afford it I'd go for it.

I fully agree with the above statement. They take a beating just being out in the sun. Unfortunately my storage does not have covered spots so I do use solar to keep the batteries topped off with a disconnect switch. On my old fiver it was easy to get to the battery to remove it and bring it home between trips and throw it on the maintainer. The new fiver is a pain to get to them so I went with solar.

austinjenna wrote:

Cost aside I'd take the covered storage, not bother with trying to maintain the batteries with solar while in storage, and instead take them home with me to maintain between trips. JMO, but your trailer will survive much better over the long term if under cover and protected from the sun.

For the first time in years I winter stored our trailer indoors and there's no question in my mind it survived much better being totally protected from the harsh winter elements so I'll be planning to do the same next winter. If I could I'd jump at the chance to store under cover during the camping season but such facilities in our area just aren't available at a cost I can afford. If you have that opportunity and can afford it I'd go for it.

I fully agree with the above statement. They take a beating just being out in the sun. Unfortunately my storage does not have covered spots so I do use solar to keep the batteries topped off with a disconnect switch. On my old fiver it was easy to get to the battery to remove it and bring it home between trips and throw it on the maintainer. The new fiver is a pain to get to them so I went with solar.

Agreed totally with the above, schlepping batteries around is a pain. I can't even start to estimate the number of batteries I've carried over the years. I think I reached my limit.;) I have solar, also, and it is the best battery maintainer I've experienced.

What I really need to do is move some stuff around on my property and set up a cover between out buildings for the old Starcraft. I could mount a solar panel on the cover for battery maintenance. All of that is on my extended to-do list.

I live in an apartment complex and carrying batteries home every week during the season to keep them topped off and ready for the next trip is NOT going to happen. The trailer is going to be fine sitting outside they were actually built for outside use!!!
I thought someone would actually see the humor in my almost renting a covered storage for my solar powered trailer.... Guess not. Sigh
Jesseannie

When you say covered, is it just the top,or like a full garage.
Does just a top give enough protection

Most storage lots around here recommend you pull your batteries and take them home where the bad guys can not get to them.

I would rather have the covered storage.

jesseannie wrote:
I thought someone would actually see the humor in my almost renting a covered storage for my solar powered trailer.... Guess not.

It was funny at some level.
I do find myself looking for sunnier campsites now that solar is in play. Used to be all about shade.

Don't quit your day job just yet ;)