We keep our TT in a storage yard while not using. Whilst i pull the fuse (my version of a disconnect) from the power lead, it still loses a bit of charge while sitting.My wonderful (sarcasm) helium fridge requires a fully charged battery to run, even if on propane. Itll fire up, but not cool.. So, precooling the fridge a day or two prior to a trip doesnt work and our first 24 hours camping is with a warm fridge and multiple coolers full of ice. And a grumpy owner.Id like to install something to fix this issue.. Whether its a minder or a solar setup.. What would you do or recommend? Or am i missing something?

Do you have access to shore power while in storage? If not, then solar is your best bet.

100w solar and a good controller.JMHO

You say it's stored in a "storage yard". Is the TT covered when in storage? If so, then solar isn't going to help you keep the battery charged while in storage. In that case, I would look into the trickle charger.Will the storage yard let you plug into to shore power for a couple days before you take it out of storage? If so, you could stop by on day 1 and plug it in to shore power, then stop by on day 2 and start the fridge, then on day 3 go RVing. That will charge the battery and get the fridge cold before your trip. And if all you're doing is charging the battery and turning on the fridge, you're not using a lot of the storage yard's electricity.

The only thing your missing is solar, it's the best way to maintain batteries without shore power. If you do any boondocking your going to want to keep your batteries topped up.

What to use to keep battery charged while sitting?

AH64ID
Explorer
Aug 04, 2014
I have a 10w solar panel that keeps the batteries charged with the battery switch on, and even charges a little with it off.

I would install a good battery disconnect and a small 10-20w solar panel. In 2-3 weeks there should be minimal drain with the batteries disconnected. Then if you want to precook the fridge the 10-20w should be plenty for 24-48 hours.

I would also have your fridge checked out.
B_O__Plenty
Explorer II
Aug 04, 2014
I have a battery disconnect switch. I installed it in the negative battery cable. It shuts off the power to everything when I turn it off. My rig sits for 3-4 months in a storage lot. When I power it up I have never had a problem running my electric jacks etc. The battery will easily hold a charge that long with nothing connected to it. My boat batteries are the same.

B.O.
Tequila
Explorer
Aug 03, 2014
BarneyS wrote:
Get one of these battery boxes with built in solar charger. That way your batteries will be secure and still stay charged up. :)
Torklift website
Barney

Edit to add picture.

Anything made by Torklift is exceptional and they stand behind their products. I know this sounds like an ad, but its pretty well impossible to go wrong with any of their stuff.
Sillybugs2
Explorer
Aug 03, 2014
Anyway you can park it at home plugged in for a day before you go?
Sillybugs2
Explorer
Aug 03, 2014
We bring our batteries home between trips and if longer than a few weeks use a trickle charger to keep them powered up.
time2roll
Nomad
Aug 03, 2014
http://www.amazon.com/Nature-Power-Battery-Trickle-Charger/dp/B0059GFT0Q/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1407034593&sr=8-8&keywords=Solar+trickle

6w is too small IMO.

Try these:
80 watt panel $116 and controller $42.
Need-A-Vacation
Explorer
Aug 03, 2014
DatacomGuy wrote:
Brand new.. battery is from May.

I would still have the battery load tested at a local auto parts store. Brand new doesn't mean you don't have a lemon. At least you rule out the battery this way.

Good luck!
crcr
Explorer
Aug 03, 2014
I use one of these plastic battery boxes. I have the box for two 6V batteries, but they have single and double battery boxes for about any size.

These Century Plastics HD battery boxes are plastic but extremely sturdy. My TT isn't here so I can't provide a pic, but I welded a hold down frame from angle iron, and welded the hasps for Master puck locks on each end of it. Clicky

My batteries aren't going anywhere.
DatacomGuy
Explorer
Aug 03, 2014
What do you guys think of this?

http://www.amazon.com/Nature-Power-Battery-Trickle-Charger/dp/B0059GFT0Q/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1407034593&sr=8-8&keywords=Solar+trickle
DatacomGuy
Explorer
Jul 23, 2014
Brand new.. battery is from May.