Coast Resorts Open Roads Forum: Class A Motorhomes: batteries in the winter
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 > batteries in the winter

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Campinfan

Washtenaw County, Michigan

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Posted: 11/03/23 06:04am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Ok, so another battery question. The motor home I may buy next week has 2 12 volt batteries in it, not that that makes a difference in my question. I will be storing my unit at home and have a pedestal with 30 amp service.(It was installed when a previous trailer was 30 amp). Over the winter I have some options. Should I leave the MH plugged in all winter and the batteries connected. If I do this, I have a new Battery Minder (not a battery tender that only trickle charges) that keeps the batteries from sulfating---should I attach that to the batteries too or or should I disconnect the batteries, and just use the battery minder. And if I do that, can I leave them in the rig or should I bring them in the house. I am thinking I should bring them in and use the battery minder.
I am open to suggestions. Thanks all.


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way2roll

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Posted: 11/03/23 07:30am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I always brought my batteries in the garage on shelf with a trickle charger in the winter if I wasn't going to be using it for a while. An ounce of prevention...


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midnightsadie

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Posted: 11/03/23 07:49am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

my rv sit,s in a pole bldg coach plugged in eng battery on a tender,do nothing with coach batteries. meter says 13.3 thats ok with me.

KD4UPL

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Posted: 11/03/23 08:14am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Turn off your battety disconnect and just leave the batteries in the MH. No nred for a charger as there is no discharge. If they won't hold a charge all winter disconnected they need replacing.

TenOC

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Posted: 11/03/23 09:19am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I would keep them plugged to shore power so that they are fully charged. I think (?) SULFATING only happen if less than fully charged and high temp


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Posted: 11/03/23 10:57am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

There is no reason to remove the batteries for winter. If you have a smart charger/inverter then just plug in and check the water once or twice during the winter. If you only have a one stare charger, put a timer on its power cord and set it for 2 hours a day.
My coach is plugged in during the winter and the batteries only come out when needing to be changed. Kip It Simple..........

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bgum

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Posted: 11/03/23 11:00am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

KD4UPL wrote:

Turn off your battety disconnect and just leave the batteries in the MH. No nred for a charger as there is no discharge. If they won't hold a charge all winter disconnected they need replacing.


I consider this to be incorrect information as they can loose up to 5% charge per month.

Latner

Indiana

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Posted: 11/03/23 12:07pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

bgum wrote:

KD4UPL wrote:

Turn off your battety disconnect and just leave the batteries in the MH. No nred for a charger as there is no discharge. If they won't hold a charge all winter disconnected they need replacing.


I consider this to be incorrect information as they can loose up to 5% charge per month.


Big temperature shift from South Louisiana and Michigan this time of year. Temperature affects how fast a battery discharges, faster in warm weather, slower in cold weather. My boat sits in Michigan from Oct. to April with the battery sitting in it just disconnected, never a problem.

bgum

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Posted: 11/03/23 12:38pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Latner wrote:

bgum wrote:

KD4UPL wrote:

Turn off your battety disconnect and just leave the batteries in the MH. No nred for a charger as there is no discharge. If they won't hold a charge all winter disconnected they need replacing.


I consider this to be incorrect information as they can loose up to 5% charge per month.


Big temperature shift from South Louisiana and Michigan this time of year. Temperature affects how fast a battery discharges, faster in warm weather, slower in cold weather. My boat sits in Michigan from Oct. to April with the battery sitting in it just disconnected, never a problem.


Never thought to look where he is located. Right you are. If I did that I would have to buy new batteries every year.

JKJavelin

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Posted: 11/03/23 01:36pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I have a couple collector cars, and for years, all I do is disconnect the positive cable for winter storage in Wisconsin. No charging or special treatment or heated garage. Reconnect them in the spring and crank em up. Never a problem and those batteries last for years and years.
My fifth wheel has solar, so it all stays connected year round.
JK


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