Storing TT away from my house--maintain battery?

[Kansas_couple]

Since buying my TT in 2014 I've kept it next to my house. I will be moving next month and the new house/subdivision doesn't have space for the TT so I will be keeping it at a nearby storage facility.

Currently I keep it plugged into my household power 24/7 but this won't be an option at the storage place. How do some of you tend your battery when storing your RV a distance away?

BTW, if there are threads that already answer this question feel free to provide the link. I'm not the best when it comes to searching topics on this forum.

[coolbreeze01]

Check battery water levels before storage, then disconnect.

[bikendan]

I installed a $6 disconnect switch on mine and the batteries were still nearly fully charged after 4 months of storage.

[Kansas_couple]

Thank you everyone! Very helpful info.

Matt-the storage area is well-secured, fenced with a gated entry. Of course anyone storing at that location would have the gate code...

I will look into solar (I don't plan to use their interior units) as well as battery tender and a cut-off switch. I'm sure I will find what best fits my needs. In the meantime I will do as one suggested, disconnect the positive cable as I do have some parasitic draw.

[pianotuna]

I'd add a modest solar system. If you boondock you may wish to add more wattage. Surf here for more information: https://freecampsites.net/adding-solar/

[colliehauler]

fj12ryder wrote:

camp-n-family wrote:
Use a battery cut off switch. A good battery will hold a charge for several months. Beyond that, remove the battery and put it on a trickle charger.

This is how I do it.

This is what I do for my RV'S in storage. I use a battery cut off switch. Another option is take the battery out and hook it to a battery maintainer if you don't have power at the storage facility.

As far as solar my RV is in covered storage so that would not work, and no power available at storage.

[time2roll]

for the effort I would put 100 watts solar on the roof.

[FlatBroke]

Mine came with a 50w panel and charger. Two batteries are alway fully charged siting all summer. After I go and run the slides and so what ever fiddling I want to do it kicks in and brings them back to full power.

[Sam_Spade]

IF.....it will be used every 90 days or less....be sure the batteries are fully charged, disconnect them and leave it alone. If the batteries don't last 90 days with no load, it is time for new ones.

What I do: Park it. Turn battery switch to OFF. Visit every 30 days of non-use to run the truck engine and generator with the battery switch ON and move it 12 inches or so to keep from flat-spotting the tires.

These periodic visits also allows you to inspect for varmit infestations, etc.

[Matt_Colie]

Kansas,

There is a two questions that nobody has asked.

How well protected is this storage area?
Is there any continuing load on the house bank?

If it is not well protected, bring the batteries and the propane tank home. It is a PITA, but they will not be covered by the deductible.
If it is, get a solar maintainer. I have put these on owners boats for years.
If there is a continuing load like a CO or gas monitor, the solar may still cover it, but depending where it is, it also might not. A good battery will self-discharge about 1% a month. If you can live with that, leave it alone.

Matt

[Lwiddis]

I'm with Bumpy on this one. I use a small solar maintainer placed on the roof of my covered TT. Movng two T125s around isn't my idea of fun...although I can carry both with one arm while texting with the other. lol

[fj12ryder]

camp-n-family wrote:
Use a battery cut off switch. A good battery will hold a charge for several months. Beyond that, remove the battery and put it on a trickle charger.

This is how I do it.

[SoundGuy]

Kansas couple wrote:
Currently I keep it plugged into my household power 24/7 but this won't be an option at the storage place. How do some of you tend your battery when storing your RV a distance away?

I would have thought this obvious ... :W

If the battery is fully charged when you store the trailer disconnect it physically or with a disconnect switch so parasitic draw doesn't deplete the battery while the trailer is in storage. If stored in this condition for a few weeks at a time the battery will self discharge only a small amount and be fine for your next trip.

If the battery is not fully charged when you store the trailer then remove it and take it home with you where you can put it on a charger to restore & maintain a full charge until your next trip OR leave the battery on the trailer & connected and invest in a roof mount solar panel of sufficient size to recharge & maintain a full charge on the battery until your next trip.

Personally I'd take the battery home as that also eliminates any chance that "sticky fingers" will want your battery more than you. 😉

[camp-n-family]

Use a battery cut off switch. A good battery will hold a charge for several months. Beyond that, remove the battery and put it on a trickle charger.

[TimnJo]

I'm in the same situation, at least for the winters, I just unhook the wire from the positive battery post, no problems for the past ten years.

Tim