Community Forums

Born2RV · 09-26-2009, 05:34 PM

Does everyone take out ALL of their batteries for the winter - coach and engine??? We typically put our Motorhome away for the winter in October and get it out in March or April, depending on weather.

Also, is there anything special we should do with our diesel that we didn't do with our gas motorhome? I know my husband always put "stable" in the gas tank, etc. Will we have any issues starting the engine in March or April when it's still fairly cold in Michigan? Thank you!!

Gary RVRoamer · 09-28-2009, 07:26 AM

You need to do something for the batteries to keep them from discharging and freezing over the winter. They can stay in the coach if you have a trickle-charger of some sort to replace the lost power (the coach's own charge system may be adequate). but should probably be removed to a above-freezing area if you don't have any way to keep them charged. You will still need to charge them a couple times over the 5-6 month off-season, though.

Born2RV · 09-28-2009, 06:42 PM

With our diesel, there are so many more batteries and cables. Will we have a difficult time putting them all back in? I've heard many people have trouble - even though they take pictures, draw diagrams, etc.

Gary RVRoamer · 09-29-2009, 01:49 PM

I gather you are a novice with electricity and batteries. Hooking them up is not difficult, but if you don't understand what you are doing, take very good notes and pictures. There is a positive (+) and negative (1) terminal on each battery and they must be connected in the original order. The cables are usually color coded to help out, so note both the color of each cable and the terminals it connects.

Tha_Rooster · 09-29-2009, 03:12 PM

I would rather plug my coach in or hook up a charger than remove 6 batteries but I live in the south

Elkhartjim · 09-30-2009, 06:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Born2RV

With our diesel, there are so many more batteries and cables. Will we have a difficult time putting them all back in? I've heard many people have trouble - even though they take pictures, draw diagrams, etc.

Label each cable end with a number (1) and the battery post it comes off of (1). The bigger problem I see, is actually lifiting the heavy batteries in and out.

Don't forget, even with the batteries out, the charge will need to be maintained. I you just stick'em in the corner of the garage till next spring, they'll be deader than a door nail.

garym114 · 09-30-2009, 07:11 AM

A charged battery will not freeze. Stored my MH and toad in Anchorage for two winters, -30 degrees for two weeks last winter. You don't have to go to all the hassle of removing the batteries. Just disconnect the negative cable. Have 8 batteries total, six 6v coach and toad engine batteries. Stored for seven months. The cold actually helps for long term storage. There is less self discharge.

Our Time · 09-30-2009, 07:50 AM

We live in Nebraska and have never removed the batteries in the winter. Just be sure they are fully charged and turn the battery switch off or disconnect the battery cable and you will be fine. If you are concerned about the time in storage, start the generator every few months to charge up the batteries. Instead of sta-bil for the diesel, just fill the fuel tank and add a can of anti-gel for diesel fuel and you will be fine.

Born2RV · 10-18-2009, 11:38 AM

So, is it best to leave the motorhome plugged in all winter - with the batteries turned on?? Or leave it unplugged all winter with the batteries turned off?